Every year, thousands of Floridians are involved in car accidents that result in internal injuries. These kinds of injuries can range from mild to severe. External injuries, such as cuts and bruises, are visible and noticeable. However, internal injuries from car accidents can be harder to detect and life-threatening if not promptly treated. Below, the Tallahassee, Florida auto accident attorneys at Nonni Homola discuss six common internal injuries resulting from Florida car accidents.
For immediate assistance, please call (850) 601-1111 or send us an online message today. We offer free consultations.
6 Common Types of Internal Injuries from Car Accidents
Below are some of the most common types of internal injuries from Florida car accidents. This list is not exhaustive. Be sure to seek medical attention immediately if you believe you may have a car accident injury.
1. Internal Bleeding
Internal bleeding from a car accident is one of the most severe internal injuries.
The three leading causes of internal bleeding are:
- Blunt force trauma;
- Decelerating trauma, such as when the vehicle suddenly stops; and
- Penetrating trauma.
If not treated quickly, internal bleeding can lead to shock, organ failure, and even death.
2. Abdominal Injuries
Blunt force trauma to the abdomen region can cause damage to many internal organs, including your:
- Liver,
- Spleen,
- Stomach,
- Pancreas,
- Kidneys,
- Bladder, or
- Other organs in this area.
If the injury is severe enough, it can lead to organ failure.
A ruptured spleen is a relatively common internal injury in a car accident. Your spleen helps filter blood. If the spleen is damaged, you will start to bleed internally. This can lead to severe abdominal pain, swelling, and difficulty breathing.
Organ contusions are also common yet challenging to diagnose. Accident victims should watch for symptoms like back pain, abdominal pain, soreness, and reduced blood pressure.
3. Chest Injuries
The chest cavity contains many vital organs, such as the heart, lungs, and ribs. Rib fractures occur when the impact forces are so severe they crush your chest, causing one or more ribs to crack or break. A broken rib can also lead to a punctured lung. Trauma to any of your chest organs can cause chest pain, difficulty breathing, or even death if not treated quickly.
4. Brain Injuries
The brain is one of the most sensitive organs in the body and is very susceptible to injury. Blunt force trauma during a car accident can easily cause a concussion. Insurance companies often classify concussions as minor brain injuries. However, these injuries can have lasting consequences, especially for someone who’s previously suffered one or more concussions.
Concussion symptoms might not be immediately apparent. They can develop 24-48 hours after an accident. There’s a common misconception that you don’t have a concussion unless you lose consciousness. Not everyone with a concussion experienced a loss of consciousness.
Symptoms of a brain injury may include:
- A headache,
- Confusion,
- Seizures,
- Vomiting, or
- A coma.
All of these symptoms require immediate medical attention. You should see a doctor immediately if you hit your head in a collision.
5. Spinal Cord Injuries
Damage to the spinal cord from a car accident can lead to paralysis or loss of sensation in parts of the body below where the injury occurred. This type of injury is often permanent and requires long-term care and rehabilitation. Symptoms of spinal cord injuries can include tingling, numbness, and loss of bladder or bowel control.
6. Bone Fractures
People often think of fractured or broken bones as external injuries because there are often visible signs. However, some fractures will not show any outwardly visible indications. Examples include spinal fractures or a fractured pelvic bone. Both of these injuries are severe yet may not be visible.
If you have a bone fracture, you will likely have severe pain and difficulty moving. You might need immediate surgery to reduce the risk of complications.
What to Do If You Suspect Internal Injuries from a Car Accident
If you experience any of these symptoms after a car accident in Florida, seek medical attention immediately. Even if you don’t feel any pain or discomfort immediately following the accident, internal injuries can still be present and worsen over time. Don’t delay visiting a doctor because internal injuries from car accidents can be life-threatening.
Contact Our Florida Car Accident Lawyers Today
You may be entitled to compensation for your losses if you have suffered injuries in a car accident due to someone else’s negligence. At Nonni Homola, we have years of experience assisting people injured in Florida car accidents. We are dedicated to helping our clients get the compensation they deserve. When you hire our firm to represent you, we’ll build a strong case and handle all negotiations with the other driver’s insurance company.
We understand how devastating internal injuries can be for you and your entire family. That is why we fight tirelessly for you every step of the way. Car accident claims can be complex. Don’t risk jeopardizing your potential compensation by trying to negotiate a settlement for internal injuries from a car accident on your own. Let our skilled legal team assist. Contact our firm online or call (850) 601-1111 today to schedule a free consultation.
Chris received his Juris Doctorate from Florida State University College of Law in 2008, and he was admitted to the Florida Bar in December of 2008 followed by the State Bar of Texas in May of 2009. He has litigated, mediated, and resolved over five hundred first-party storm damage claims, and he has litigated, mediated, and successfully resolved multiple major construction defect claims with recoveries in excess of $1,800,000.00.
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