Internal injuries are some of the most serious consequences of an accident. For some time after your accident, you may not even realize that anything is wrong. It is vital that you are vigilant about your own health by seeking out a doctor to diagnose and treat your injuries, even if you do not feel that you are in immediate jeopardy. Both your health and legal case can depend on the timeliness of your efforts to look after your own health. Contact an experienced Moncks Corner car accident attorney at West Law Firm to learn more about your legal rights.
What Are Car Accident Internal Injuries?
Internal injuries are damage to the body’s blood vessels and internal organs, often not visible on the surface nor easily detectable until you have begun to demonstrate significant symptoms.
Hidden does not mean minor – the fact that you cannot see these injuries immediately makes them far more serious. They can often do damage before they are treated.
Internal injuries can include:
- Internal bleeding: Damage to blood vessels can lead to either difficulty for the blood to clot or dangerous blood clots.
- Punctured or collapsed lung: Damage to the lungs can cause air to enter the chest cavity, leading to potentially deadly complications.
- Ruptured spleen: The spleen is a crucial part of your body that helps you ward off infection.
- Organ damage: Internal organs can tear due to the trauma of the accident; misplaced blood can cause severe damage.
- Lacerated kidneys: The kidney can become cut or torn, and blood or urine can leak into the surrounding tissue.
- Brain bleeding: Internal bleeding in the brain is extremely dangerous and can lead to the permanent death of brain tissue and the loss of vital functions.
Perhaps the most severe car accident internal injury is an abdominal aortic aneurysm. This is an extreme medical emergency, and it is almost always fatal.
Why Car Accident Internal Injuries Are Extremely Dangerous
Internal injuries from a car accident are extremely dangerous. By the time you realize you are hurt, the injury may have progressed to the point where it can be irreversible or life-threatening.
Even if you don’t believe you are injured, it is crucial that you get checked out medically after a car accident. When your health is concerned, you should act out of an abundance of caution to protect yourself for the long term. Vigilance about your health can also keep the insurance company from making issues for your legal claim.
Seeing a doctor after a car accident is worth the effort. All it may take is time and the cost for an examination (which the responsible driver may need to pay as part of your settlement). Taking this step is crucial for both your health and any potential legal claim.
How You May Suffer Car Accident Internal Injuries
Car accidents can cause trauma to various parts of the body. You may suffer an internal injury when your body comes into contact with parts of the car, including:
- The dashboard
- The airbag
- The seat belt
- The ground (if you have been thrown from the car)
Your body can suffer blunt trauma from direct impact with a hard surface. Alternatively, if you have suffered a penetrating injury, your blood vessels and organs may become physically torn.
Remember that internal bleeding is a type of injury that can result in blood loss. Additionally, the blood that is misplaced may put pressure on your internal organs, potentially causing permanent damage.
What to Do When You Have Suffered Car Accident Internal Injuries
The first step in getting compensation for your car accident internal injuries is to see a doctor.
You cannot delay getting medical treatment in the face of potential symptoms, as the insurance company will certainly take note of how long it took for you to seek treatment. If your symptoms worsen because you delayed or avoided medical treatment, the insurance company may claim that you were partially to blame for the severity of your injuries.
To receive compensation for your internal injuries, you must prove that someone else was legally responsible for your car accident. Once you have demonstrated a liability, you can then begin to discuss financial compensation.
To effectively file a claim, you need to know the full extent of your injuries. You should see a doctor to have your injuries diagnosed and treated. The doctor will document your treatment with notes and medical records that you can submit as part of your claim to the insurance company. Your prognosis will also be noted in your medical records so the insurance company can see how you may suffer from your injuries both now and in the future.
At some point, you will reach maximum medical improvement, where further treatment may not improve your condition. At that point, you file the claim for compensation, either through an insurance claim or a lawsuit against the responsible driver.
Your compensation for car accident internal injuries can include:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Embarrassment and humiliation
Contact a Moncks Corner Car Accident Lawyer Today
You should contact a lawyer after a car accident, preferably sooner rather than later. If you have suffered internal injuries from a car accident, the attorneys at West Law Firm can help you determine how much you should seek in a car accident claim. We are available to discuss your claim during a free initial consultation, where we will review your case and discuss your legal options. To talk with one of our lawyers, you can send us a message through our website, or you can call us today at 843-483-8630.