What Are the Most Common Internal Injuries After a Car Accident?

This article will discuss the most common internal injuries after a car accident and what you can do to protect yourself.

Internal injuries are among the most common injuries sustained in a car accident. Unfortunately, many people die from internal injuries sustained in a car accident, even if they don’t die from the initial impact. This article will discuss the most common internal injuries after a car accident and what you can do to protect yourself.

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man with internal injury after a car accident

7 Common Internal Injuries from Car Accidents

Aortic Rupture

This is a tear in the aorta caused by a direct blow to the chest, and it’s often fatal.

Blunt Abdominal Trauma

This is an injury to the abdomen, mostly the stomach area, that can occur when a hard object hits the stomach. It can cause internal bleeding and organ damage, which can be fatal.

Spinal Cord Injury

This is an injury to the spinal cord that can occur when a hard object hits the spine. It can cause paralysis and death.

Pulmonary Contusion

This is an injury to the lungs that occurs when a hard object hits the chest. It can cause difficulty breathing and death.

Brain Injury

This is an injury to the brain that can occur when a hard object hits the head. It can cause paralysis, coma, and death.

Ruptured Spleen

The spleen is a small organ in the abdomen that helps to filter blood. It can be ruptured (torn) by a direct blow to the abdomen, causing internal bleeding and death.

Liver Damage

This is an injury to the liver that can occur when a hard object hits the abdomen. It can cause internal bleeding and death.

Signs and Symptoms of Internal Injuries

Unlike external injuries, which are usually visible, internal injuries can be difficult to detect. The signs and symptoms of internal injuries may include:

  • Pain in the area of the injury
  • Bruising in the area of the injury
  • Swelling in the area of the injury
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Chest pain
  • Abdominal pain
  • Dizziness
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting

If you think you or someone else may have an internal injury, it’s important to seek medical attention immediately. A physician will be able to order tests, such as X-rays, CT scans, and MRIs, to diagnose an internal injury. Treatment for internal injuries will vary depending on the type and severity of the injury.

What Can You Do to Protect Yourself?

Internal injuries from car accidents are serious and can be fatal. However, there are some things you can do to protect yourself from these types of injuries:

Wear a Seatbelt

Seat belts help keep the body in the car during a crash and prevent you from being ejected from the vehicle. Ensure that everyone in the car wears a seatbelt, including all passengers and children.

Drive Safely

One of the best ways to prevent being involved in a car accident is to drive safely. Obey all traffic laws and use caution when driving in adverse weather conditions. Also, be aware of your surroundings and other drivers on the road and avoid tailgating, speeding, and other risky behaviors.

Avoid Driving Under the Influence

 Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol increases the risk of being involved in a car accident. So, if you are going to drink, don’t drive. And if you are going to drive, don’t drink.

Injured in a St. Louis Car Accident?

If you or someone you know has been injured in a car accident, the experienced St. Louis car accident attorneys at The Hoffman Law Firm can help. We have a proven track record and over 20 years of experience protecting the rights of injured car accident victims. Contact us today for a free consultation

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Updated: April 29, 2022