One of the biggest risks in a car accident may not be the obvious injuries you have. It could be the internal injuries occurring under the exterior of your skin that are not noticeable until they become intensely painful and life-threatening. In car accidents, internal injuries occur because of the force placed on the exterior of the body due to the striking of a steering wheel or other complications.
If you are hurt in a car accident, especially if you struck the steering wheel with your body, seek medical care immediately to determine if you have any signs of internal injuries. Then, talk to a Phoenix car accident attorney about your internal injuries.
The Most Common Car Accident Internal Injuries
Any tissues, muscles, organs, or bones within the chest cavity can suffer injury as a result of a car accident. Car accident internal injuries are most commonly associated with the following:
- Internal bleeding. This occurs when any of the tissues within the chest or abdomen begin to bleed due to impact. Pooling blood and unresolved injuries can lead to costly, life-threatening injuries.
- Organ damage. Any of the organs in the body, including the liver, kidneys, lungs, and heart, can suffer injuries as a result of an accident like this. Your stomach, pancreas, intestines, and gallbladder are some of the most vulnerable organs.
- Punctured lungs: In some situations, the ribs can break upon impact, causing a sharp bone to impact a rib. Collapsed lungs are a life-threatening risk that can worsen if not treated properly and soon enough.
- Nerve damage: Your body is filled with nerves that communicate with your brain. Any damage to the nerves in your chest or abdominal area can create mobility concerns or may lead to complexities for those areas to work properly.
- Spinal cord injuries: A spinal cord injury is a type of internal car accident injury that impacts the spinal cord. This cord or bundle of nerves travels through the spinal column to the brake. Damage here often leads to intense pain and loss of movement.
How Are Car Accident Internal Injuries Detected?
With the help of your medical team, you will undergo a series of tests to determine what area of your body was impacted and what type of damage is occurring there. The use of X-rays, MRIs, and CT scans are some of the most common tools to provide images of the tissues and organs under the skin. This can allow your doctor to determine what type of treatment you need. In some areas, the use of ultrasound can be helpful.
If there are internal injuries, your doctors will determine the proper course of treatment. After a serious car accident, this could include surgery to repair the damage or time to heal naturally. In all cases, these accidents do not always cause immediately evident injuries. You may not know there is a problem or injury for hours after the accident. If your pain worsens over time, that is a critical reason to get to the ER for care.
Schedule a Free Consultation with Our Legal Team
If you are hurt in a motor vehicle accident and you have car accident internal injuries, we strongly encourage you to contact our legal team. Set up a free consultation with our Phoenix injury attorney at Sargon Law Group to begin exploring your rights to care and compensation for your losses.