Car accidents cause a wide variety of injuries, some of which may not be obvious at first. For example, you might feel fine moments or even hours after an accident — perhaps due to the surge of adrenaline resulting from the crash — but you could later suffer a life-threatening condition due to internal injuries that were not immediately obvious.
Common internal injuries include bone fractures, concussions, traumatic brain injuries, a ruptured spleen, punctured lungs, and other organ damage. If you are involved in a car accident, it is important to be on the lookout for such injuries and get medical attention as soon as possible, even if you think your injuries are only minor.
Common signs of internal injuries
Depending on the affected body part, the signs of internal injuries may vary. Common indicators of internal injuries include but are not limited to:
- Abdominal or chest pain
- Weakness or lethargy
- Severe headaches
- Vomiting or nausea
- Dizziness or loss of consciousness
- Shortness of breath
- Rapid heart rate
- Tingling sensations
- Low blood pressure
- Bruising
- Numbness
- Blood in urine
- Swelling in a joint
If you or your loved one exhibits any of these symptoms, you should get medical attention as soon as possible.
Protecting your rights after an accident
Internal injuries can affect accident victims for many years to come. An internal injury may cause permanent damage, which can profoundly affect a person’s quality of life, not to mention the high cost of medical care. In such a case, obtaining financial compensation for your injury may be the best form of justice you can get.
Keep in mind that how you handle your car accident claim will determine its outcome. After a crash, talk to an experienced personal injury attorney about your options. An attorney can work to protect your interests and handle your claim from start to finish, while you focus on your health and well-being.