Car accident victims may suffer internal bleeding that can occur in various parts of the body. This largely depends on the accident’s impact, the victim’s body composition, physique, and medical history.
When a car accident occurs, the vehicle occupants may be slammed against the steering wheel, airbag, dashboard, or windshield, sustaining serious injuries and internal bleeding when blood vessels or body tissue rupture during the accident.
Internal bleeding following a car accident can be life-threatening. Unfortunately, some tend to ignore the seriousness of internal bleeding compared to more-noticeable injuries. The costly treatment and health complications from internal bleeding car accident injuries entitle victims to compensation. To discuss your case with an experienced Downey car accident lawyer, reach out to The JLF Firm today.
Common Areas of the Body Where Internal Bleeding Occurs
There are various forms of internal bleeding from car accidents.
Bleeding in the brain
A brain bleed from a traumatic brain injury occurs when a crash causes the victim’s cerebrum to whip backwards and forward. Enough force is at play to strike the brain against the front and back of the skull. When this happens, vessels in the brain can rupture, and blood accumulates between the brain and skull.
Bleeding in the brain is a severe injury that can cause permanent damage or death, especially if left untreated. Symptoms of brain bleed may appear immediately. If you notice any discomfort in your head, it is important to seek medical attention from a qualified doctor immediately. Some common complications of brain bleed include disruptions to sensory processing, paralysis, mental health problems, and coma.
Abdominal internal bleeding
Abdominal trauma is common in car accidents. Abdominal bleeding can occur when the victim hits their abdomen during the impact. Sometimes, seat belts may cause abdominal bleeding during the accident. While a seat belt is meant to hold a car occupant securely, it may also place significant strain on the inside and outside of the body as the victim moves forward. There could also be abdominal bleeding when external trauma hits the abdominal area during the accident.
The abdominal injury may appear minor but should be treated immediately because it can be life-threatening. The symptoms of abdominal bleeding may not be visible until hours or days later. A victim requires immediate medical attention so the doctor can determine the possibility of abdominal bleeding and offer the appropriate medical care to save a life.
Chest bleeding
Internal injuries from car accidents can cause chest bleeding, which can be fatal if not treated immediately. Chest bleeding happens when a sudden force occurs on the chest, which causes small blood vessels to break under the skin and appear bruised on the surface. Some common car components that may cause internal bleeding in the chest during a car crash include the steering wheel, seat belts, and airbags.
While the bruising may not be noticeable, it can be detected through tenderness or swelling. The injury depends on the force or impact during the crash. The severity of chest bleeding can be challenging to diagnose, so you should seek help from an experienced medical practitioner immediately. If left untreated, chest bleeding can be fatal. The common signs of chest bleeding include difficulty breathing.
Symptoms of Internal Bleeding from Car Accidents
The symptoms of internal injuries from car accidents vary based on the impact and the affected area. Sometimes, the symptoms may take time to appear due to the nature of internal bleeding. Any identified symptoms should be treated immediately to avoid further complications that can be life-threatening.
No matter how long it takes to detect the symptoms, internal bleeding will continue, leading to severe blood loss.
Here are the common symptoms of internal bleeding from car accidents.
- Pain, swelling, or tenderness in the abdomen
- Headache, dizziness, light-headedness
- Low blood pressure and feeling cold
- Tightness of skin and a pale complexion
- Severe fatigue or body weakness
- Bloody fluids in the vomit and urine
- Sudden loss of vision problems
- Numbness or tightness in the toes or fingers
- Shortness of breath and pain in the chest
- Vomiting, diarrhea, and nausea
- Difficulty concentrating, slurred speech, and confusion
When blood continues to leak, it starves the body of oxygen and nutrients. After a while, blood pressure drops low and may cause the victim to become unconscious.
Treatments for Internal Bleeding From Car Accidents
It is important to seek treatment for internal bleeding from a car accident from a qualified medical physician. Emergency care is important to stop bleeding and further loss of blood that may cause dizziness, headache, and other life-threatening conditions. A medical specialist can assess the underlying symptoms and recommend the appropriate treatment. In some cases, surgery may be required.
It is important to seek treatment and keep all the medical records safe since you may need them when filing a compensation claim. Preserving documentation could increase your chances of receiving your well-deserved compensation if your accident occurred due to negligence from another party.
Call a Skilled California Car Accident Lawyer Today
Internal bleeding can lead to costly treatment that may leave you drained financially. Experienced car accident lawyers from The JLF Firm can help fight for your rights and pursue your compensation for car accident internal bleeding injuries. Our lawyers will analyze your situation and help build a strong case that helps you receive full compensation for treatment. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.
Internal Bleeding FAQs
What compensation can you recover for internal bleeding from a car accident?
You can recover medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and loss of earning capacity. An experienced car accident attorney can guide you accordingly.
Can a broken bone cause internal bleeding in a car crash?
It’s possible that a bone you break from a car accident can puncture blood vessels and lead to internal bleeding in areas like your limbs.
