Trauma inflicted by the forces of a car accident can injure multiple internal organs, causing irreversible and sometimes fatal damage. The sooner internal injuries are detected after a car accident, the better the prognosis will be for the victim. Because these injuries often require expensive, long-term care, consulting an Orange County car accident attorney can be a vital step in securing the resources needed for treatment. Prompt medical intervention is often lifesaving. The signs of organ damage can vary based on the body part affected and the severity of the injury.
Common Types of Organ Injuries From Car Accidents
Organ damage can arise when a motor vehicle occupant’s body slams with great force against a seat belt, airbag, steering column or another element inside of the vehicle during a car accident. The impact of blunt-force trauma can bruise, damage or rupture organs located in the chest and abdomen.
A victim’s organs could also suffer damage from penetrating injuries due to shrapnel, glass or metal puncturing the body. While any organ or body part could suffer an injury in an automobile accident, the lungs, heart, liver, spleen and kidneys are the most commonly treated for injuries.
Visible Signs
Internal bleeding, hemorrhaging or organ damage may show visible or physical signs in the minutes or hours after a car accident, especially in severe cases. A victim may notice:
- Severe bruising
- Skin discoloration
- Swollen or rigid abdomen
- Difficulty moving
- Nausea or vomiting
- Low blood pressure
- Blood in stool or urine
- Fainting
A physician will complete a physical examination as well as use tools such as x-rays and MRIs to detect and diagnose an organ injury in a car accident victim. The treatment plan recommended will depend on the organ affected and the level of damage.
Invisible Signs
One of the major risks associated with internal injuries is the fact that they may not show any outward signs (at least not initially). This means that in the first critical minutes and hours after a car accident, an unsuspecting victim may not get the emergency medical treatment he or she needs. “Invisible” symptoms, including potentially hidden or delayed symptoms, can include:
- Abdominal pain
- Lower back pain
- Pain elsewhere in the body
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Fever
- Shortness of breath or trouble breathing
- Rapid heartbeat
- Fatigue
- Symptoms of shock
- Confusion or disorientation
Any of these signs, especially alongside visible symptoms, point to the need for immediate medical care for potential organ damage.
Why Prompt Medical Care Is Necessary
Internal injuries that affect the organs can be silent killers. This is why it is critical to always receive medical care after a car accident, even if you initially feel fine. You may have internal injuries that have delayed symptoms, or your adrenaline may be masking pain. A physician can determine whether you have suffered organ damage and initiate immediate treatment for optimal health and well-being, which may include surgery.
Prompt medical care will also show a car insurance company that you suffered injuries connected to the crash. The driver or at-fault party in your car accident case can be held financially responsible for the costs and losses associated with your organ damage under California law. Working with an experienced personal injury attorney in Orange County who can handle the insurance process for you is the most effective way to protect your rights and maximize the compensation you receive.