Car crashes are the leading cause of death in the U.S. for people age one through 54. While some injuries are visible, others, such as internal bleeding, can be difficult to detect.
Internal bleeding happens when blood vessels suffer damage and blood pools inside the body. This can lead to a range of serious symptoms, which may be life-threatening if left untreated.
If you have been involved in a car accident and suspect you may have internal bleeding, visit a doctor for a diagnose and contact the Indianapolis car crash attorneys at Wagner Reese. Schedule a complimentary consultation to discuss your case and learn if you may be entitled to compensation.
How Being Hit by a Car Can Cause Internal Bleeding
The force of the collision when being hit by a car can cause damage to the organs, leading to internal bleeding. Broken bones can also puncture or lacerate surrounding tissue and blood vessels, resulting in internal bleeding.
Some areas vulnerable to internal bleeding after a car crash include the abdomen, pelvis, chest, and head. It’s critical to seek medical attention immediately after a car crash, even if you don’t think you’ve been injured, as internal bleeding may not be immediately noticeable.
Early detection and treatment can be critical in preventing serious complications. It also helps you collect medical records to file a compensation claim.
Different Types of Physical Trauma from Car Accidents
Understanding the different types of trauma that can cause internal bleeding is crucial for effectively diagnosing and treating the condition. Blunt, penetrating, and deceleration trauma are all serious and potentially life-threatening.
- Blunt Trauma: Blunt trauma occurs when you are hit with a force that doesn’t penetrate the skin, such as the impact of a car crash or being thrown from the vehicle.
- Penetrating Trauma: Penetrating trauma happens when a foreign object enters the body, such as broken glass or a shard of metal. Penetrating trauma can cause internal bleeding by directly piercing blood vessels and organs.
- Deceleration Trauma: Deceleration trauma refers to when you are thrown forward during a car crash and then stop suddenly, for example, by hitting a seatbelt or an airbag. This can cause your internal organs to collide with each other and potentially lead to tissue damage and bleeding.
Know the Warning Signs of Internal Bleeding
Symptoms can range in severity from mild to severe. People in car accidents often have internal bleeding, which can lead to death in as little as six hours.
Internal bleeding warning signs to look for after a car accident include the following:
- Abdominal pain or tenderness: Sudden and intense abdominal pain is one of the most common signs of internal bleeding.
- Weakness or dizziness: Loss of blood can lead to decreased blood pressure and cause weakness, dizziness, or fainting.
- Rapid heartbeat: An increased heart rate is a common response to blood loss and can suggest internal bleeding.
- Nausea and vomiting: This can be a result of blood in the stomach causing digestive distress.
- Bruising: Bruising, especially around the site of an injury, can be a sign of internal bleeding in the surrounding tissue.
- Shortness of breath: Blood loss can reduce the amount of oxygen in the body, leading to shortness of breath.
- Confusion or disorientation: Reduced blood flow to the brain can cause confusion, disorientation, or loss of consciousness.
- Pale or clammy skin: Pale, cold, or clammy skin is a common symptom of internal bleeding and low blood pressure.
- Increased thirst: The body may respond to blood loss by increasing thirst to compensate for fluid loss.
- Swelling or distension: Swelling can also be a sign of internal bleeding, especially in the abdomen.
- Blood in urine or stools: Bloody or dark urine can be caused by bleeding in the urinary system or kidneys. Dark, tarry stools or bright red blood in your stools can also show internal bleeding in your digestive tract.
Steps to Take if You Suspect Internal Bleeding
If you suspect internal bleeding after a car crash, take the following actions to get treatment and support your compensation claim. The longer the time between the crash and getting diagnosed with internal bleeding, the harder it will be to prove that it happened due to the crash and that you are owed compensation, and the more serious your injuries will be.
- Seek immediate medical attention. After a car accident, seek immediate medical attention. Do not tell others that you aren’t injured until a medical professional examines your injuries and offers a diagnosis.
- Tell your provider how you received the injury. When you arrive at the hospital, tell your provider about the injury and any symptoms you’re experiencing. Let them know you were in a car accident, when it occurred, and when you began having symptoms.
- Keep a record of your symptoms. As soon as you experience symptoms, start keeping a record on your phone or in a journal. Note the date, what symptoms you have, their severity, and how they are affecting your mood, physical functioning, and ability to work or live a normal life.
- Speak with an attorney. Contact a skilled car accident attorney to discuss your case after receiving medical attention. A lawyer can help you understand your legal options and guide you through filing a claim for compensation to pay for your medical care and lost wages.
Seek Compensation After an Auto Accident with the Help of Wagner Reese
Internal bleeding is a serious consequence of injuries you may sustain in a car accident and requires immediate medical care. If you suffered internal bleeding in a crash, speak with the Indiana catastrophic injury lawyers at Wagner Reese regarding your legal options. We will guide you through filing a claim and handle communications with the insurance company to maximize your chances of receiving compensation.
Contact us for a free consultation where we can review the facts of your accident and help you make a strategic legal decision for your case.
