Anyone who has been involved in a car accident knows that the shock of the incident can lead to unclear thinking. We may not notice that we are in pain or injured. This is particularly true when the injury is not clearly visible. We can see a cut or gash and know that there is an injury but what about internal injuries?
Serious internal injuries after a car accident are common. In fact, the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) has a checklist to help identify these types of injuries. It states that common symptoms can include going unconscious immediately following an accident, feeling confusion, and limping or complaining of pain in an area that does not have visible injury.
What types of internal injuries can happen after a car accident?
Examples include:
- Internal bleeding. This happens when the accident leads to injury of blood vessels in the body. These broken blood vessels bleed and can cause serious damage. Depending on the location and severity, the injury can range from light headedness and weakness to organ failure and death.
- Broken ribs. This is often associated with pain and tenderness in chest area which is more pronounced when breathing.
- Organ damage. This type of injury can vary depending on the organ but symptoms often include faintness, fatigue, nausea, and irregular heartbeat.
- Brain bleeding. Symptoms can include nausea, headaches, confusion, seizures, and change to vision.
- TBI. A traumatic brain injury (TBI) can range from relatively mild to serious. Symptoms can include a loss of consciousness, feeling of confusion, seizures, dilation of one or both pupils and nausea.
Those who suffer from these and other serious injuries after a car accident caused by another driver may be able to hold that driver accountable for the cost of treatment and recovery.
How can I reduce the risk of injuries?
In addition to driving safely, you can also ensure that you and your passengers wear a seatbelt. This will reduce but not completely remove the risk of injury and death. Even those who wear seatbelts can suffer serious injury in a car accident.