Diagnosing Internal Injuries

It’s not uncommon to sustain injuries following an automobile accident. Thousands of people suffer internal injuries and bleeding resulting from car accidents every day. These injuries are not always apparent and, therefore, can be extremely dangerous. Without a medical exam, internal injuries and bleeding may go undiagnosed.

Diagnosing Internal Injuries

Accident victims typically self-assess for injuries, but internal injuries often require X-Rays, CT Scans, and careful examination by a medical professional. You cannot see and often will not feel internal injuries. Therefore, it’s important to see a medical professional immediately for a full evaluation if you have been injured in a car accident.

Types of Internal Injuries

Auto accidents can take several forms, and the point of impact can come from any direction. When moving at any speed, the impact of a car accident can be severe. Following are some common types of internal injuries sustained in auto accidents:

• Internal Bleeding
• Broken or Fractured Ribs
• Organ Damage and Bruising
• Brain Bleeding
• Ruptured Spleen
• Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs)

The severity of internal injuries depends on many factors, such as the speed of the vehicles upon impact and which part of the body is impacted. The sooner you seek a medical evaluation, the sooner your internal injury can be diagnosed, cared for, and treated.

Symptoms of Internal Injuries

While symptoms can vary or may not appear at all, the following are some common symptoms of internal injuries:

• Pain – Pain or tenderness may be a symptom of injury to internal organs. Internal organ injuries can lead to serious complications, so it’s recommended that you immediately receive an examination if you feel pain or tenderness following a car accident.
• Nausea – Victims of auto accidents often report feeling dizzy or nauseous. These symptoms may result from several factors, but vomiting may indicate a serious internal injury, especially if there is blood found in the vomit.
• Bruising – It is common to walk away from an accident with bruising; however, severe bruising can signal internal bleeding that should be examined and monitored closely.
• Feeling Cold – Internal bleeding can affect body temperature. 
• Lightheadedness – Internal bleeding can cause an accident victim to go into shock or may cause extreme lightheadedness. 

Steps to Take After a Car Accident

• Stay calm
• Check for injuries
• Call the police
• Document the accident
• Collect information
• Seek medical care
• Inform your insurance company
• Contact an attorney

Contact a Personal Injury Attorney

If you or a loved one have sustained injuries in an automobile accident, you may be entitled to compensation. Compensation from an auto accident often comes in two forms: compensatory damages and punitive damages.

Compensatory damages cover medical expenses, including ongoing care for lost wages or future wages, permanent injuries, physical pain and suffering, and emotional distress. Punitive damages are typically awarded if the gross negligence of another party caused the accident. 

At Saladino & Schaaf, we have over 75 years of combined experience helping accident victims receive compensation for their injuries. Contact Saladino & Schaaf today or call us at 270-444-0406 (Paducah, KY) or 270-753-1529 (Murray, KY) to schedule a free case review. You may be entitled to a significant settlement for your injuries, but you must act quickly. There are time limits on legal action.