How to Recognize the Signs of Internal Injuries in a Texas Car Wreck
In many cases, car accident injuries are obvious right away. Victims may experience visible bruises and lacerations, noticeably broken bones, spinal cord injuries that result in immediate paralysis, or traumatic brain injuries that result in a loss of consciousness. However, other times, victims may emerge from an accident seemingly unscathed or without realizing the full extent of their injuries, only to have them become apparent soon after or in the coming days. If you are in a car wreck, you should always look out for signs of internal injuries that may require immediate medical attention.
Common Internal Injuries in Car Accidents
The blunt force trauma of a collision between vehicles can potentially cause many different types of internal injuries. Some of the most common include:
- Torn or ruptured blood vessels
- Fractured or broken ribs
- Organ damage, including to the lungs, liver, spleen, kidneys, and other organs in the chest and abdomen
All of these injuries can lead to serious complications, and some may prove fatal if they are left untreated.
Look For These Internal Injury Symptoms
Symptoms of internal injuries can sometimes be difficult to detect. In other cases, symptoms may be more clear, but victims will ignore them as they try to “tough it out.” If you notice any of these symptoms in yourself or a loved one after a car accident, it is crucial to get medical help.
- Pain – Any pain that you feel after a collision could be a sign of something more serious, even if it is not connected to any visible signs of injury.
- Abdominal swelling – This could be a sign of internal bleeding or damage to a vital organ.
- Shortness of breath – This may be a sign of a bruised or punctured lung preventing you from breathing as usual.
- Dizziness or lightheadedness – This is a common sign of excessive blood loss, and it could even be an indication of bleeding in the brain.
- Discoloration of the skin – Over time, internal bleeding near the surface of the skin can result in discoloration that looks similar to a bruise.
Getting medical treatment as soon as possible after you notice these symptoms serves two important purposes. First, it helps prevent your condition from getting worse. Second, it helps you demonstrate that your injuries are the result of the car accident, which can strengthen your claim for compensation from the negligent party.
Contact a New Braunfels, TX Personal Injury Attorney
At The Bettersworth Law Firm, we can help you recover compensation for all medical expenses related to your internal injuries, including diagnostic tests, surgeries, blood transfusions, and medication, as well as damages for lost wages and pain and suffering. For a free consultation, contact our New Braunfels car accident lawyer today at 830-443-9193.
Sources:
https://www.webmd.com/first-aid/internal-bleeding-causes-signs
https://www.healthline.com/health/internal-bleeding
