Motor vehicle crashes can wreak havoc on the human body. The more serious the impact, the more serious the injuries. In some cases, car crashes can cause more than just visible cuts and bruises.
They can also lead to internal injuries, which may not show symptoms right away. Internal injuries are considered catastrophic injuries, and they can have very dangerous outcomes. Understanding a little bit about these injuries may help victims of vehicle crashes.
Types of internal injuries
Internal injuries are often caused by blunt force trauma to the abdomen or chest. That trauma can cause bruises or lacerations to all internal organs, including the kidneys, liver, heart, lungs, spleen and intestines. It’s also possible that internal bleeding can occur.
Some of these injuries may not have immediate symptoms. It’s critical that anyone who’s been in a motor vehicle crash keep an eye out for signs that may signal an internal injury. These include:
- Tenderness or pain in the abdomen or chest
- Blood in the stool or urine
- Bruising of the chest or abdomen
- Swelling or unusual firmness of the abdomen
- Rapid heartbeat
- Dizziness or passing out
- Clammy skin
If any of these are present, it’s critical to get immediate medical care, which may include medications, hospitalization or even surgery. Without proper care, the condition can worsen and may sometimes be life-threatening.
In some cases, victims may not be able to return to work quickly after an internal injury. The loss of income, coupled with the cost of medical care, may place a major financial burden on the victim. They may opt to pursue financial compensation from the negligent party who caused the wreck. Working with someone familiar with these matters may be beneficial for these victims.