Blunt force trauma is just one of many potential debilitating or fatal injuries in a car accident. What can you do if you or a loved one experienced blunt force trauma in a car accident?
The Riverside auto accident lawyers of The JLF Firm have extensive experience in negotiating and litigating cases involving all kinds of car accident injuries. We’ve witnessed how blunt force trauma changes the lives of car accident victims and their families, and work to recover the full value of the medical expenses and suffering they endured. Contact us to get started.
What is Blunt Force Trauma?
Blunt force trauma occurs when a person or part of their body hits or is hit by a hard object or surface, often at high speeds. This causes internal injuries, even if external injuries are absent.
Symptoms range in severity and can in some cases result in death. While head injuries may be among the most severe, there may be other devastating blunt force trauma injuries to other parts of the body. Any part of the body may be injured due to blunt force trauma.
What are Some Examples of Blunt Force Trauma?
Blunt force trauma refers to a wide variety of injuries. Some of their examples include:
- Traumatic brain injury, such as concussions.
- A damaged spine.
- Internal organ damage, in which the organs may be bruised or torn, and risk losing the ability to function.
- Internal bleeding, which may occur in any part of the body subject to blunt force trauma.
- Compartment syndrome, where blood or muscles swell, depriving other muscles of their nutrient supply. Pain or a reduced sensation may result.
- Fractures and bruises to the extremities.
What are Some Causes of Blunt Force Trauma in a Car Accident?
In a car accident, several forces are at play. When the car hits an object, it decelerates quickly, causing the passengers to fly forward and hit an object, be it a seatbelt, seat, dashboard, or steering wheel. The impact can produce injuries to the body and head, as well as the brain and internal organs.
The deceleration may also cause internal injuries as well. A rapid deceleration may cause tears to the bowel and blood vessels. Some symptoms may not be obvious and may take hours or longer to appear.
What are Some of the Symptoms of Blunt Force Trauma?
Blunt force trauma symptoms vary depending on the injured area.
Blunt force trauma to the head may have symptoms such as fading in and out of consciousness, loss of consciousness, hallucinations, confusion, amnesia, dizziness, sensitivity to light, vomiting, a loss of emotional control, or dilated pupils.
In terms of bruising, if the bruised area is large, numb, or swollen, it is a good idea for you to seek medical assistance.
In certain circumstances, a blunt force injury to the muscles may cause rhabdomyolysis, where the muscle tissues break down. This results in a fluid imbalance, leading to low blood pressure. In some cases, the proteins released may lead to damage to the kidneys, and can be life-threatening.
If a person is pale and sweating, vomiting (particularly vomit with blood in it), breathless, thirsty, has a swollen abdomen, with tight skin, it may be signs of internal bleeding. Seek medical attention immediately.
If you feel a deep, burning ache to your muscles, accompanied by a swelling, bulging, or “pins and needles” sensation, you may be suffering from compartment syndrome. This may have long-term or even fatal complications and should receive emergency medical care.
What Should I Do if I Have Received Blunt Force Trauma?
If you or a loved one have received blunt force trauma from any cause, head to a doctor or emergency room as soon as possible. An examination will help determine the extent of any injuries, and help you to obtain prompt treatment for them. Be warned that some symptoms may not be manifest for hours or more after the original injury. Further, an examination will help to document any injuries, which will be useful should you seek legal recourse for those injuries.
How is Blunt Force Trauma Diagnosed?
Blunt force trauma often requires a doctor to diagnose, as the symptoms may not be obvious to the average person. A doctor or other medical professional may use X-rays, ultrasound, MRIs or endoscopy to diagnose a person with internal bleeding.
While immediate blunt force trauma may be diagnosed relatively soon, some forms of blunt force trauma injuries to the brain may take far longer to diagnose. In some cases, the damage may not be apparent until several years later, and may only be revealed through a cognitive exam.
Contact a Riverside Car Accident Attorney About Compensating Your Blunt Force Injuries
Blunt force injuries may be life-threatening and lifelong. The skilled Riverside car accident attorneys at The JLF Firm can help your case. Our team can help you seek justice for any blunt force trauma injuries you or someone you care for may have suffered, and advise you on what your legal options are. Call or contact us as soon as possible to start a case.
