When you are involved in a car accident due to the negligent actions of another driver, you may be surprised to discover that in the minutes and hours following the crash, you feel okay. However, as the days and weeks go on, you may begin to feel worse. Unfortunately, you may have sustained internal injuries in the accident, which may not always immediately appear. If you have been involved in an accident, understanding the symptoms of internal injuries is critical to receiving the care you need. The following blog explores what you should know about these matters and the importance of working with a Sacramento auto accident lawyer who can help you fight for the justice you deserve.
How Do Internal Injuries Happen?
When you are involved in a car accident, internal injuries may not be at the forefront of your thoughts. However, it’s imperative to understand the impact these accidents can have on your life.
The first way in which someone can sustain internal injuries occurs through blunt force trauma. Essentially, when someone collides with a dull object, the force of the impact can cause serious injuries to their organs. During a car accident, you can endure blunt force trauma if you collide with an object like your steering wheel or center console. Unfortunately, many are unaware of the severe damage they have sustained because there are no lacerations or immediate visual signs that damage has occurred.
However, you can also suffer internal injuries through deceleration trauma. Essentially, this occurs when your body stops moving but your internal organs continue to shift and move due to the force of the impact. For example, if you are struck by a car, your body may be whipped to one side. Once you come to a stop, your brain may continue to move, eventually colliding with the inside walls of your skull, resulting in a concussion. This can cause shearing and lacerations to your organs, leading to serious injury.
Common forms of internal injury include traumatic brain injuries, ruptured spleens, pneumothorax (collapsed lung), ruptured abdominal aorta, internal bleeding, fractures, and kidney damage, among other serious injuries.
What Signs and Symptoms Should I Look For?
If you are involved in a car accident, it’s imperative to familiarize yourself with the signs of internal injuries to ensure you can seek immediate medical treatment in the event you have any of the symptoms. If left untreated, these injuries can become fatal. Unfortunately, the signs will depend on where your injury occurred and how severe it is. As such, you should seek medical care if you experience any of the following:
- Tenderness at the impact site
- Swelling
- Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
- Fainting
- Dizziness or unexplained fatigue
- Bleeding (vomiting blood, bloody urine, bloody stool)
- Blurry vision
- Chest pain
As mentioned, seeking immediate care if you experience any of these symptoms following a car crash is critical to your health and well-being. You should also adhere to the medical advice of your doctor. Not only is this important for your health and well-being, but failure to listen to the doctor’s orders can impact your claim against the negligent party.
At the Law Offices of Dale R. Gomes, we understand how devastating an internal injury can be. That’s why our firm is committed to helping you fight for the justice you deserve. While you heal from the injuries caused by a negligent party, our team can help determine the best strategies and gather evidence to help hold them liable for their actions. Contact us today to learn how we can fight for you during these challenging times.