Car wrecks happen every day, under all kinds of circumstances. If you’re in one, you may count yourself lucky to be able to get up and walk away – but don’t be so certain that you’re unharmed.
It’s not uncommon for people to suffer serious internal injuries in a crash without immediately realizing it. In some cases, shock and adrenaline may hide the damage. In other cases, the injury just doesn’t seem that bad until swelling and bleeding set in.
What are the common signs of an internal injury after a wreck?
Whatever your condition, you should always have a medical evaluation after a car accident, just in case. However, be particularly concerned if you experience:
- Abdominal pain or tenderness: This can indicate damage to the liver, spleen or kidneys. This pain may grow slowly.
- Bruising and swelling: This may also come on slowly. Look for new bruising in areas that did not sustain direct impact and swelling in any bruised area that becomes taut.
- Dizziness or fainting: Internal bleeding can cause your blood volume to drop, leading to dizziness and fainting.
- Shortness of breath: Internal injuries to your chest or lungs may cause you to have trouble breathing. Shortness of breath or pain with each breath can also be a sign of broken ribs.
- Nausea and vomiting: Sometimes these are the earliest clues that there is intensive internal damage, so they should always be considered significant.
- Blood in urine or stool: If you see blood when you go to the bathroom, you need emergency treatment.
If you or your loved one suffered an injury in a car wreck, it may be time to find out more about your legal options. You shouldn’t have to suffer financially on top of your other injuries.