Every year, millions of people in the United States are injured in car accidents, and many of these injuries involve internal organ damage that can be life-threatening if not promptly addressed. The significance and severity of internal injuries from car accidents cannot be overstated, as these injuries often remain hidden, only becoming apparent when the damage has already escalated to a critical level.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, in 2022, there were 42,514 fatal car accidents nationwide. Additionally, 1,664,598 crashes resulted in injuries, and 4,226,677 caused property damage. Overall, police reported a total of 5,930,496 crashes that year.
Internal injuries are particularly dangerous because they can be easily overlooked. Unlike cuts or broken bones, the damage isn’t always visible, making it challenging for victims to realize the urgency of their condition. For instance, a seemingly minor accident could result in a ruptured spleen, internal bleeding, or damage to organs such as the liver, kidneys, or lungs. The consequences of such injuries can be dire, leading to long-term health complications or even death if not treated promptly.
What’s common to all these injuries is their potentially life-threatening nature, along with the fact that many are caused by somebody else’s negligence or recklessness.
Marasco & Nesselbush, Rhode Island’s trusted personal injury law firm, has helped many of our clients achieve extraordinary results in personal injury cases involving internal organ damage. Please see the client testimonials about the quality of legal care we provide and the representative case highlights for details about our case results.
Learn how we can help you by calling or contacting us for a free case review. Our attorneys for aggressive driving accidents are committed to securing just compensation for clients to allow them to move beyond devastating injuries and losses.Â
You can contact us at any of our offices in Providence, RI; East Providence, RI; Warwick, RI; Wakefield, RI; Woonsocket, RI; and Quincy, MA, and by calling (401)-289-1405 or filling out our online contact form.
What Are Internal Organ Injuries?
Internal organ injuries refer to damage inflicted on the organs inside the body, typically as a result of trauma. Unlike external injuries, these injuries are not immediately visible, making them particularly dangerous. Common causes include car accidents, falls, sports injuries, and physical assaults. Here’s a closer look at what constitutes internal organ injuries and why they are so concerning.
Types Of Internal Organ Injuries
- Internal Bleeding: This occurs when blood vessels within the body are damaged, leading to blood leakage inside the body. It can affect various organs, including the liver, spleen, and kidneys.
- Organ Rupture: Severe trauma can cause organs such as the spleen, liver, or bladder to tear or burst. This type of injury often requires immediate surgical intervention.
- Lung Injuries: The lungs can suffer from contusions (bruising), pneumothorax (collapsed lung), or hemothorax (blood in the chest cavity) due to trauma.
- Kidney Damage: The kidneys can be bruised, lacerated, or even ruptured in severe impacts, leading to internal bleeding and potential loss of kidney function.
- Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI): This includes any injury to the brain resulting from an external force, leading to bruising, bleeding, or swelling of the brain tissue.
The hidden nature of these injuries means they can go undetected for hours or even days, during which time the damage can worsen. Internal bleeding, for example, can lead to shock and organ failure if not treated promptly. Immediate medical attention is crucial to identify and manage these injuries effectively.
Mechanism Of Internal Injury And Internal Bleeding From Car Accidents
Understanding the mechanisms of blunt and decelerating trauma in car accidents highlights the importance of immediate medical evaluation and intervention. These injuries, often hidden from view, can have severe and lasting consequences if not promptly addressed.
Blunt Trauma
Blunt trauma occurs when an external force impacts the body without penetrating the skin, causing injury to the underlying tissues and organs. In car accidents, blunt trauma is a common result of collisions, sudden stops, or impacts with objects such as the steering wheel, dashboard, or seatbelt.
How Blunt Trauma Occurs in Car Accidents
- Collisions: When a vehicle collides with another vehicle, a stationary object, or any other obstruction, the occupants are subjected to sudden, forceful impacts.
- Sudden Stops: Abrupt deceleration, even without a direct collision, can cause occupants to be thrown against hard surfaces within the vehicle.
- Seatbelt Injuries: While seatbelts are crucial for safety, the force exerted by the seatbelt during a high-impact collision can cause bruising and damage to internal organs.
Decelerating Trauma
Decelerating trauma refers to injuries that occur when the body undergoes rapid deceleration, causing internal organs to move at different speeds relative to the rest of the body. This type of trauma is particularly relevant in high-speed car accidents, where the body is abruptly brought to a stop, but the internal organs continue to move, creating shearing forces that can cause significant damage.
How Decelerating Trauma Occurs in Car Accidents
- High-Speed Collisions: When a vehicle traveling at high speed suddenly stops or crashes, the rapid deceleration forces can severely impact the body’s internal structures.
- Ejection from the Vehicle: If an occupant is thrown from the vehicle, the sudden deceleration upon hitting the ground or another object can cause extensive internal damage.
- Rollovers: During a rollover, the body experiences multiple rapid deceleration events, increasing the risk of internal injuries.
Symptoms Of Internal Injuries Following An Auto Accident
Recognizing the symptoms of internal injuries after a car accident is crucial for prompt medical intervention, which can save lives and prevent long-term complications. Here are common symptoms indicating internal injuries:
- Abdominal Pain or Tenderness: Pain in the abdomen, especially if it worsens or spreads, could indicate internal bleeding or organ damage.
- Swelling or Bruising: Unexplained swelling or bruising, particularly around the abdomen, chest, or back, may suggest internal trauma.
- Dizziness or Fainting: These symptoms could indicate internal bleeding and a drop in blood pressure.
- Shortness of Breath: Difficulty breathing, or chest pain may indicate lung injuries or internal bleeding in the chest cavity.
- Nausea or Vomiting: These symptoms may accompany internal bleeding or abdominal injuries.
- Changes in Mental Status: Confusion, dizziness, or loss of consciousness can occur with head injuries or internal bleeding affecting the brain.
Importance Of Seeking Medical Help
If you experience any of these symptoms after a car accident, seek immediate medical attention. Internal injuries can worsen rapidly without treatment, leading to life-threatening complications. Even if symptoms seem minor initially, it’s essential to get evaluated by a healthcare professional to rule out hidden injuries.
Immediate Steps To Take Post-Accident
After a car accident, taking immediate action can significantly impact your health and legal options. Here’s a guide on what to do:
- Check for Injuries: Assess yourself and your passengers for visible injuries. Be aware that internal injuries may not be immediately apparent.
- Call Emergency Services: Dial emergency services (911) immediately if anyone is injured or if there is significant damage to vehicles or property.
- Do Not Move Injured Persons: Unless there is an immediate threat of further harm, avoid moving injured persons to prevent exacerbating potential spinal or internal injuries.
- Document the Scene: Take photos of the accident scene, vehicle damage, and any visible injuries. Exchange contact and insurance information with other involved parties.
- Seek Medical Attention: Even if you feel fine, visit a hospital or healthcare provider for a thorough evaluation. Some injuries may not show symptoms right away.
- Report the Accident: Contact your insurance company to report the accident promptly. Avoid discussing the fault or details of the accident until you’ve consulted with legal representation.
Compensation For Internal Injuries Sustained In Car Accidents
Victims of car accidents resulting in internal injuries may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages. Here’s how victims can seek compensation:
- Legal Consultation: Consult with a personal injury lawyer experienced in car accident cases to understand your rights and legal options.
- Legal Processes: Your attorney can guide you through filing insurance claims, negotiating settlements, or pursuing a lawsuit if necessary.
- Types of Compensation: Compensation may cover medical bills, future medical care, lost income, property damage, and non-economic damages like pain and suffering.
Call The Car Attorneys At Marasco & Nesselbush For A Free Consultation!
If you’ve been injured in a car accident and need legal assistance, contact Marasco & Nesselbush Personal Injury Lawyers today. Our experienced team can help you navigate the complexities of your case and fight for the compensation you deserve.Â
Any damage to the complex organs of the human body can cause serious, lasting harm and high costs. Some of these costs might be recoverable through a personal injury lawsuit, but hiring the right law firm makes all the difference in your case.
The Rhode Island personal injury lawyers at Marasco & Nesselbush take pride in providing compassionate, competent, and intelligent representation. We put your best interests first and seek nothing less than extraordinary results for every client.
Contact us today to schedule a free consultation, or call 401-289-1405 and learn how we can protect your rights. This consultation is your opportunity to discuss your case with a knowledgeable attorney who can provide personalized advice based on your situation.Â
Don’t wait—protect your rights and seek the compensation you deserve with Marasco & Nesselbush Personal Injury Lawyers. We have offices conveniently located in Warwick, Wakefield, Woonsocket, Providence, East Providence, and Quincy, MA, and we are here to help you.