Casey is a founding partner at River Run Law Group. Casey has tried numerous cases across the Commonwealth in both General District Court and Circuit Court. He has earned millions of dollars for his clients through trials, mediations, and settlements.
Car accidents are sudden and often traumatic events. While external injuries like cuts or bruises are easy to see, internal injuries may go unnoticed at first. These hidden injuries can be just as dangerous, if not more so, because they may not present symptoms immediately.
If left untreated, internal injuries can cause serious complications or even become life-threatening. Understanding the most common internal injuries from car accidents and their signs is essential for protecting your health and well-being.
If you or a loved one has suffered internal injuries from a car accident, River Run Law is here to help. Our compassionate Richmond car accident attorneys work to hold negligent drivers accountable and help victims pursue the compensation they need to recover. Contact us today for a free consultation.
Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)
Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) occur when a violent jolt or blow to the head causes the brain to collide with the skull.
In car accidents, TBIs occur due to impact with the steering wheel, dashboard, or airbag. These injuries can range from mild concussions to severe brain damage, with long-term effects on cognitive function, memory, and personality.
Signs of a TBI can include:
- Persistent headaches or migraines;
- Dizziness or loss of balance;
- Memory loss or confusion;
- Sensitivity to light and sound; and
- Emotional changes, such as irritability or depression.
If you experience any of these symptoms after a car accident, seek immediate medical attention. Early diagnosis and treatment are critical for minimizing the effects of a TBI.
Internal Bleeding
Internal bleeding is one of the most dangerous injuries from car accidents because it is not always immediately apparent.
It occurs when blood vessels are damaged due to blunt force trauma or penetration. The bleeding may be localized within organs or spread throughout the abdominal cavity, creating a life-threatening situation.
Signs of internal bleeding after a car accident can include:
- Abdominal pain or swelling,
- Dizziness or fainting,
- Deep purple bruising on the skin,
- Shortness of breath or chest pain, and
- Weakness or confusion.
Internal bleeding requires emergency medical intervention. If you notice any of these signs after an accident, contact a healthcare provider immediately.
Organ Damage
The intense forces involved in car accidents can cause severe trauma to internal organs, including the liver, spleen, kidneys, and lungs. Organ damage may result from blunt force trauma, such as the impact of a seatbelt, or penetration injuries caused by sharp objects or broken bones.
Common symptoms of organ damage include:
- Abdominal or back pain,
- Blood in the urine or stool,
- Shortness of breath,
- Low blood pressure or shock, and
- Nausea or vomiting.
Organ damage is a medical emergency that often requires surgical intervention. Ignoring these symptoms can lead to organ failure or other complications.
Rib Fractures and Lung Injuries
Rib fractures are common in car accidents, especially when the chest strikes the steering wheel or is restrained by a seatbelt during impact. Broken ribs can puncture or collapse a lung, leading to serious complications such as pneumothorax (collapsed lung) or hemothorax (blood pooling in the chest cavity).
Potential signs of a rib or lung injury include:
- Sharp chest pain, especially when breathing or coughing;
- Difficulty breathing;
- Bluish skin tone due to lack of oxygen; and
- Coughing up blood.
If you experience these symptoms, seek medical attention immediately to prevent further complications.
Abdominal Injuries
Car accidents can cause a range of abdominal injuries, from minor bruising to life-threatening damage to internal organs. Seatbelt compression and blunt force trauma are common causes of abdominal injuries in crashes. These injuries may include damage to the intestines, stomach, or bladder.
Abdominal injury symptoms might include:
- Severe abdominal pain or tenderness;
- Swelling or bruising around the stomach;
- Nausea, vomiting, or inability to eat; or
- Blood in urine or stool.
Abdominal injuries can worsen quickly if not treated, so it’s important to get a thorough medical evaluation after a car accident, even if you don’t feel pain right away.
Spinal Cord Injuries
Spinal cord injuries can result from the intense force of a car accident, especially in rear-end or high-speed collisions. Damage to the spinal cord may cause partial or complete paralysis, depending on the severity and location of the injury. These injuries often have life-altering consequences.
Spinal cord injury symptoms can include:
- Loss of sensation or movement in limbs,
- Intense back pain or pressure in the neck or spine,
- Numbness or tingling in hands and feet, and
- Difficulty breathing.
Immediate medical intervention is critical for spinal cord injuries. Early treatment can improve the chances of recovery and reduce the risk of permanent disability.
Seeking Medical Attention for Internal Injuries
After a car accident, it’s crucial to seek medical attention, even if you don’t feel hurt. Signs of an internal injury after a car accident won’t necessarily present right away, and delaying treatment can lead to serious complications.
Emergency room physicians can perform imaging tests like CT scans, MRIs, or X-rays to diagnose hidden injuries. Additionally, keeping detailed medical records is crucial if you plan to file a personal injury claim. These records can help prove the severity of your injuries and their impact on your life.
How Richmond Car Accident Lawyers Can Help
Recovering from internal injuries after a car accident can be a long and challenging process. The financial and emotional toll can be overwhelming between medical bills, lost wages, and ongoing treatments. That’s where our experienced car accident lawyers come in.
At River Run Law, we:
- Investigate your case. We gather evidence, review accident reports, and consult medical experts to strengthen your claim.
- Handle communication with insurance companies. Insurance adjusters often try to minimize payouts. We negotiate on your behalf to help protect your rights.
- Fight for full compensation. Whether through settlement or trial, we work to recover damages for medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and more.
You don’t have to face this alone. Let us help you handle the legal process so you can focus on your recovery.
Call (804) 889-0500 or complete the Free Case Evaluation form below
Contact a Richmond Car Accident Lawyer at River Run Law
Internal injuries from car accidents are often hidden but can have serious, lasting consequences. Recognizing the potential signs and seeking immediate medical care can make all the difference in your recovery.
If you’ve suffered internal injuries in a car accident caused by someone else’s negligence, River Run Law is here to help you seek the justice you deserve.
Contact our compassionate Richmond car accident lawyers today for a free consultation. Let us review your case and help you decide on the right legal action for you.