Common Internal Injuries That Occur from Impacts

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Uplon an impact, the effects of some injuries may show up right away, while in other cases, it can take several hours or longer for someone to realize that they are hurt.

This is sometimes due to the adrenaline rush that people experience during a traumatic event like a crash. They might walk away feeling like everything is fine, but after the adrenaline wears off, various symptoms start to show up. This is frequently the case with internal injuries.

Internal injuries might not be felt right away, and they are not always detected by a quick exam at the site of the crash. But this does not mean that these types of injuries are not serious. In fact, internal injuries can sometimes be very serious and even life-threatening, and this is why it is always recommended that those involved in a serious impact seek medical help right away just to be on the safe side.

Common Internal Injuries that Result from Impacts

Those who are involved in an impact can end up with an internal injury due to the fierce and traumatic impact of the impact, causing a major jolt to the body. These injuries are more common in impacts that occur at higher speeds, but they can happen in low impact collisions as well.

There are several different types of internal injuries that those involved in vehicle accidents might suffer, these include:

  • Broken Ribs: Left untreated, broken ribs can be especially dangerous, because they can start to impact other areas of the body and cause damage to various organs and blood vessels.
  • Collapsed Lung: One common result of a fractured rib is a collapsed lung, also known as a Pneumothorax. The rib punctures the lung, causing it to deflate and collapse and releasing air into the chest.
  • Internal Bleeding: Trauma to the blood vessels within the body prevents them from clotting and results in internal bleeding. Left untreated for too long, this condition can be life-threatening.
  • Organ Damage: Damage to various internal organs, such as the liver and kidneys, particularly with high impact collisions can result in the affected organ failing to function properly.
  • Ruptured Spleen: A ruptured spleen is often accompanied by severe internal bleeding. This type of injury will typically require surgery in order for the patient to recover.
  • Brain Bleeding: Head wounds from car crashes can cause the brain to bleed. This could inhibit oxygen from reaching various parts of the brain. Left undetected and treated for too long, brain bleeds can result in permanent brain damage.

Symptoms of Internal Injuries

An internal injury is usually diagnosed through an x-ray, CT scan, MRI, or angiography. This is why, as we mentioned earlier, it is so important to get prompt medical attention. In addition to diagnosis, there are various symptoms that may indicate that someone is suffering from an internal injury:

  • Pain: As the saying goes, always listen to your body. If pain starts to show up in certain areas, get in to see a doctor right away. Pay particular attention to signs of internal pain, such as pain in the chest or abdomen. Even if the pain seems minor, you still need to have it checked out just to rule out any serious internal injuries.
  • Nausea and Vomiting: Nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and lightheadedness after a vehicle crash are potential signs of blood loss due to internal bleeding. And if there is blood in your vomit, you definitely need to see a medical professional right away.
  • Bruises: Bruising can be an indication of an external injury, but dark purple bruises can also be a sign of bleeding internally within your soft tissues and skin.
  • Signs of Shock: If an impact victim loses a significant amount of blood in a short period of time, they might start to go into shock. Some signs of shock include weakness, fatigue, accelerated heart rate, and lightheadedness.

Injured in Florida? Contact a Seasoned Pensacola Personal Injury Attorney

If you have been injured, always seek medical attention right away. Once you have addressed your potential injuries, speak with an experienced attorney to discuss your legal rights and options. If the impact was someone else’s fault, you may be entitled to compensation, but the responsible party’s insurer will want to pay you as little as possible for your injuries. This is why it makes sense to have a strong legal advocate in your corner who is looking out for your best interests.

If your injury occurred in Pensacola or anywhere in the Florida Panhandle, contact Whibbs, Stone, & Barnett for assistance. For a free consultation and case assessment with one of our attorneys, message us online or call our office today at 1-888-219-4561.