One of the most dangerous consequences of a car accident is internal organ damage, and it is also one of the most overlooked. Many people think they're "fine" right after an accident because they don't feel any pain or symptoms due to the adrenaline rush. However, life-threatening complications may develop hours or days later. If you have been injured in a car accident, it is important to consult with a Las Vegas car accident attorney to understand your medical risks and protect your legal rights. Recognizing the signs early can help protect your health and give you an advantage in future personal injury lawsuits.
What is internal organ damage?
Internal organ damage refers to injury or trauma to internal organs of the body, which can be easily overlooked in the immediate aftermath of an accident. Unlike visible wounds like cuts, bruises, and fractures, signs of organ damage are often hidden but much more dangerous.
Bleeding, swelling, or ruptured organs inside the body may initially show no obvious external signs. The organs most commonly damaged in car accidents are: Specific injuries resulting from internal organ damage include:
Damage to internal organs can be life-threatening if not treated quickly. After an accident, the first thing you should do is seek medical attention.
How Car Accidents Cause Internal Organ Damage
A car accident places a significant impact on the body, which can be enough to damage the body's sensitive organs. This damage usually occurs in the following ways:
seat belt trauma
Seat belts are an important piece of equipment that prevents serious injury and death. However, sometimes seat belts can cause serious injuries. In a serious crash, the seat belt can pull hard on the abdomen and chest, causing bruising or damage to internal organs.
airbag impact
Airbags reduce the risk of death, but the force of the explosion when they deploy puts pressure on the chest, which can damage the heart or lungs, and can even cause internal bleeding or bruising that may not be immediately felt.
steering wheel crash
If a vehicle traveling at high speed is thrown toward the driver, the impact can cause direct damage to internal organs or fracture ribs, which can puncture or bruise tissue, but these damages cannot be seen with the naked eye.
Pedestrian and motorcycle accidents
Pedestrians and motorcyclists bear the brunt of the impact of a collision because they do not have the same protection as drivers. This may result in liver, kidney, or lung damage.
These injuries are often not noticeable, so it is important to see a doctor as soon as possible.
Warning signs of internal organ damage after a car accident
Knowing what to look out for after a car accident can be very helpful to anyone who has been involved in an accident. All car accident victims and their families should keep an eye out for the following warning signs:
If you experience these symptoms after an accident, do not ignore them and seek medical attention as soon as possible.
Symptoms that signal an emergency
You should always be on the lookout for signs of internal organ damage, but if any signs appear, you should go to the emergency room and seek medical attention immediately.
sudden, sharp abdominal pain
Severe abdominal pain, especially if it comes on suddenly, may indicate a ruptured organ or serious bleeding and may require emergency treatment.
shortness of breath
Severe damage to the lungs or chest or blood pooling inside may make it difficult to breathe normally. This is a red flag and may indicate organ swelling or internal bleeding.
loss of consciousness
Losing consciousness after a car accident, even if only briefly, may indicate shock due to severe bleeding or brain damage and requires immediate medical attention.
low blood pressure
A sudden drop in blood pressure is a strong sign of serious internal bleeding, and you may feel dizzy, weak, or experience extreme cold sweats. If you do not act quickly when these symptoms appear, your health and life may be at serious risk.
Contact a personal injury attorney for help.
If you have suffered organ damage in a car accident, contacting a Las Vegas car accident lawyer is one of the most important steps you can take. These injuries are serious, and you should not be left alone to bear the long-term medical costs incurred as a result of your negligence in the accident.
If you have suffered a serious injury or are not receiving fair compensation from your insurance company, it may be a good idea to seek help from an attorney.
Our team has extensive experience in these types of cases and can help you build a strong compensation claim. Call us today to schedule a free consultation.
This article is general information, not legal advice about your specific situation.