Internal injuries often occur in collisions due to blunt force, violent shaking or being pierced by a broken bone or sharp object. They can also occur when someone's collarbone or ribs are broken while wearing a seatbelt.
If you were involved in a crash, it's important that you see a doctor as soon as possible, even if you don't feel like you sustained an injury. Internal injuries can often take some time to start showing symptoms. You may experience fatigue, weakness or dizziness. You may also notice blood in your urine or experience nausea and vomiting.
By promptly getting to a doctor, you can receive a proper diagnosis and begin treating your condition before it gets worse.
It can be costly to treat internal injuries after a serious crash, especially if your recovery requires surgery. Fortunately, you can recover damages through a car accident claim with the help of an experienced Maine attorney.
Common internal injuries caused by collisions
Some of the most common internal injuries caused by collisions include:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs): TBIs can range from mild to severe. Concussions are the most common type of TBI that results from collisions. It generally takes a few months to recover from a concussion with the right treatment. Sometimes it can take longer, and having a repeat concussion can increase the risk of permanent brain damage.
- Collapsed lungs: The lungs can become damaged or collapsed after being punctured by a broken rib. Rib fractures commonly happen in frontal collisions when a car occupant's forward momentum is stopped by a seatbelt.
- Organ failure: The kidneys, liver and spleen are most commonly impacted by crashes. A puncture wound or blunt force from a crash can cause bleeding within the organs or cause them to shut down entirely. Organ damage can be deadly and may require emergency surgery to repair or replace.
- Abdominal aorta injury: A collision can lead to compression in the stomach and an abdominal aorta injury. This can lead to pain in the abdomen, low blood pressure and increased pulse rate.
- Internal bleeding: The blood vessels may be damaged during a crash, but may not properly heal or clot. This can lead to internal bleeding.
What should I do if I sustained an internal injury in a crash?
After seeing your doctor, it's critical that you speak to an experienced Maine car accident attorney to learn about the legal options available to you. Handling a car accident claim without the right legal representation can be risky. The insurance company who represents the at-fault driver may attempt to pin the blame on you or even downplay your injuries.
The legal team at Jabar LaLiberty & Dubord, LLC knows how to deal with insurance companies and negotiate for every dollar you're entitled to in compensation. This includes compensation for medical bills, wage loss, property damage, pain and suffering, and other damages accrued from your crash.
Our law offices are located in Waterville and Portland. Contact us online to schedule a legal consultation with one of our attorneys.