Internal injuries are a distinct possibility after a car accident in California. Internal bleeding, organ damage and fatal organ failure can arise due to impact injuries or penetrating injuries to the abdomen. Knowing how to recognize signs of a potential internal injury after a car accident could save your life.
Always Get Checked By a Doctor After a Car Accident in California
Internal injuries are not always immediately apparent. In many cases, signs are delayed until the injury has worsened enough to cause noticeable symptoms. At this point, the injury may be too severe to treat. This is why it is critical to always seek medical attention immediately after an automobile accident, even if you think you are unhurt.
Bruising
Bruising in the abdominal area could point to a severe issue such as internal bleeding. If left untreated, internal bleeding could cause catastrophic, long-lasting or fatal damage. Internal bleeding can also cause symptoms such as feeling cold or clammy, lightheadedness, dizziness, nausea, and fatigue.
Bruising of the abdomen can point to other injuries caused by blunt-force trauma to the area, including seat belt syndrome, or a pattern of internal injuries caused by the force of the body slamming into the seat belt in an accident. Swelling of the abdomen is another symptom associated with internal damage.
Abdominal Pain
An injured or ruptured organ could present itself as pain in various parts of the abdomen. Pain on the upper left side, for instance, could suggest a tear or rupture of the spleen, while pain on the right side may point to injuries involving the liver or kidneys. Pain in other areas of the body could also stem from internal injuries, including the chest, sides or shoulders.
Signs of Internal Injuries After a Car Accident
Trouble Breathing
An injury such as a rib fracture, lung puncture or collapsed lung (pneumothorax) could cause breathing complications. You may notice a sharp pain in your chest, a sudden shortness of breath, respiratory failure, dizziness or faintness. These are all signs of potential lung or chest trauma after a car accident in San Francisco.
Shock
Going into shock refers to the organs not receiving enough blood or oxygen. Without emergency medical treatment, shock can cause one or multiple organs to shut down, leading to death. Shock can occur due to internal bleeding or a sudden drop in blood flow due to trauma or injury. Signs of shock include pale or clammy skin, weak or rapid pulse, extreme thirst, fatigue, confusion, or lips or fingernails that appear blue.
Nausea or Vomiting
Feeling nauseous or vomiting after a motor vehicle collision could be a sign of internal bleeding and blood loss. This is especially true if there is blood present in the vomit (or in urine or stool). Throwing up blood is a sign that internal bleeding or hemorrhaging has occurred. Nausea could also point to organ damage or a traumatic brain injury.
Did You Suffer an Internal Injury in a Car Accident? Contact Us
If you or your loved one is diagnosed with internal injuries from a car accident in California, get legal help from the San Francisco personal injury attorneys at Jacoby & Meyers before proceeding with the claims process. We have been representing car accident victims and their families in California since 1972 and have recovered over $2 billion in settlements and judgments. There are no upfront fees and no fees unless we win.