Car crashes make up a shockingly high number of emergency room visits. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that more than 9,000 people visit the emergency room daily because of car wrecks. However, the average person is not trained to discern the severity of their pain, so when they sustain internal injuries from an accident, they may not realize how much danger they are in. Internal injuries from car accidents are very common. However, these types of injuries are deceptively dangerous because most people are not aware that they need to seek medical attention until the symptoms indicate a major medical emergency.
It is imperative that car accident injuries are looked over thoroughly so that any internal injuries do not turn into permanent or life-threatening complications. The people responsible for a car crash need to be held accountable for their actions, because of the extensive burden that this life-altering incident leaves on its victims. The extensive medical care and the medical expenses associated with it are an impossible debt for many, especially those with no insurance company.
Oftentimes, however, a car accident victim will need to fight for what they are owed for their large medical bills. That is why injured victims should always seek out an attorney-client relationship with a Chicago personal injury lawyer at Curcio & Casciato. Our experienced personal injury lawyers at Curcio Law have years of experience helping victims fight for what they are owed in damages, losses, and medical costs.
If you or a loved one sustained internal injuries in a car wreck due to someone else’s negligence in Chicago, reach out to Curcio & Casciato for immediate guidance and a strong legal representation. Call 312-321-1111 to schedule a free and confidential consultation with our team.
What Are Internal Injuries?
Internal injuries are types of injuries that can’t be seen with the naked eye. Special types of scans – such as CT scans, MRIs, and X-rays – can show internal injuries the best. These types of injuries are sustained by either blunt trauma or penetrating trauma. Blunt trauma is characterized by violent impact with a dull or firm object. Penetrating trauma occurs when a sharp object penetrates a part of the body.
Most victims of a car wreck do not have the experience or training required to efficiently evaluate themselves for internal injuries. That is why it is imperative that, following motor vehicle accidents especially, victims always seek immediate medical attention to ensure that they haven’t suffered internal injuries.
A medical professional will be able to diagnose internal injuries such as internal bleeding, a kidney injury, or a broken rib for example. Internal injuries to organs do not produce obvious symptoms – such as swelling or bleeding – like external injuries do. There is a much higher risk of sustaining permanent injuries from internal injuries compared to external injuries.
Common Signs and Symptoms of Internal Injuries After a Car Accident
Certain symptoms that internal injury victims should be aware of include:
- Pain: If a car accident causes pain to any area of the body, especially the abdominal area, the victim should seek immediate medical help. This could be an indicator of underlying issues relating to trauma to internal organs.
- Nausea: If nausea or vomiting occurs after an automobile accident, it can be an indication that internal organs have been damaged. If there is blood in the vomit, then this symptom is extremely urgent.
- Bruising: If the victim’s skin quickly turns dark purple, it is a sign that there is internal bleeding beneath the skin and tissue.
- Shock is one of the body’s responses to a consistent loss of blood. If the victim experiences a fluctuation in their heart rate or a noticeable sense of exhaustion, they should seek medical help.
Common Internal Injuries From Car Accidents
Internal injuries caused by car accidents can appear in many different forms, each with its own assortment of symptoms. There are countless ways that someone can exhibit trauma, physical pain, or internal injuries caused by auto accidents. It does not take a high speed-collision for occupants of a vehicle to be violently jostled around, and any sudden impact on the body has the potential to result in serious complications.
Some common types of internal injuries sustained from a car crash include broken ribs, internal bleeding, seat belt syndrome, organ damage, or brain bleeds.
Broken Ribs
Fractured or broken ribs have the potential to damage blood vessels or puncture other internal organs, such as the lungs. Regarding the healing process for broken ribs, in most cases, they can heal without much medical intervention.
Internal Bleeding
A severe internal bleeding injury results from the blood vessels in the body becoming damaged. The blunt trauma incurred when the human body comes into contact with a firm object at relatively high speeds – like an automobile collision – is usually enough to cause internal bleeding. Symptoms of internal bleeding include respiratory issues, bruising, disorientation, and lethargy.
Seat Belt Syndrome
Seat belt syndrome is a composite profile listing the most common injuries caused by car accidents associated with wearing a seat belt. These injuries include bruising due to the significant force of the seat belt on the body during violent movement.
Organ Damage
Internal organs can be damaged when harsh blunt trauma impacts the body with a lot of force, such as in a high-speed car collision. This can result in the affected organ sustaining severe complications or failing entirely.
Some of the most commonly injured organs are the kidneys and the liver. Organ damage is one of the deadliest car accident injuries.
Pneumothorax/Collapsed Lung
Organ damage to the lungs usually occurs when a broken rib pierces the organ causing it to collapse. This then causes the release of air from the organ, filling the chest cavity.
It is crucial that medical professionals check for injury because the symptoms can be very subtle until it is too late.
Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm
The abdominal aorta can rupture from a car wreck if the victim endures enough blunt trauma. This is an extremely dangerous injury with a high fatality rate. If the victim also suffers a ruptured spleen, then the abdomen will quickly fill with blood.
Brain Bleeds and Other Traumatic Brain Injuries
A traumatic brain injury and a brain bleed can happen simultaneously and result in lasting brain damage. If the brain fills up with too much blood, it can cut off the flow of oxygen, resulting in permanent brain damage. Severe brain bleeds and other traumatic brain injuries are typically fatal if the victim doesn’t see a doctor immediately.
Can You Sue for Internal Injuries From Car Accidents?
If a car accident caused you to suffer blunt abdominal trauma and other internal injuries, then you can definitely pursue legal action through a personal injury lawsuit. In Illinois, victims have two years to file a lawsuit in order to recover financial compensation for medical treatment, lost wages, emotional distress, and more.
Car Accident Damages
A Chicago personal injury lawyer can help car accident victims recover financial compensation for the following types of damages:
- Past and future medical bills
- Past and future rehabilitative bills
- Lost wages
- Loss of earning capacity
- Permanent scarring, disfigurement, or disability
- Emotional distress
- Mental health counseling bills
- Physical pain and suffering
- Loss of consortium
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Funeral and burial expenses if the car accident results in wrongful death
Call Chicago Personal Injury Lawyers at Curcio & Casciato Today
After suffering major internal injuries from a car accident, the last thing that victims want to worry about is filing a personal injury lawsuit. That’s why it’s so important to hire a Chicago personal injury lawyer at Curcio & Casciato. We will handle all the legal stress so all you have to do is heal from your injuries. Our top-notch legal team will ensure you receive an appropriate settlement for your suffering all while protecting your legal rights. The best part is that we work on a contingency fee basis, which means we don’t get paid unless you get paid. Call 312-321-1111 to schedule a no obligation case evaluation at our law firm today.
