Common Internal Injuries That Occur in Car Crashes

Car accidents are a leading cause of injury in the United States, and internal injuries are some of the most serious yet hidden consequences. These injuries can damage vital organs and cause significant health problems, even if there are no obvious external wounds.  

Common internal injuries from car crashes include traumatic brain injuries, internal bleeding, organ damage to the liver, spleen, or kidneys, and injuries to the ribs and torso. The tremendous forces involved in collisions can cause the body to strike the inside of the vehicle, leading to blunt force trauma and damage to internal structures, even if the person is wearing a seatbelt. 

Because internal injuries can take time to manifest symptoms, it’s crucial to understand the risks and seek medical attention promptly after a car crash. Symptoms like abdominal pain, dizziness, shortness of breath, changes in blood pressure, rapid heartbeat, and vision changes can indicate potentially life-threatening internal bleeding or organ damage.  

However, the surge of adrenaline after an accident can initially mask pain and other warning signs. Prompt diagnosis and treatment are essential, as internal injuries can quickly lead to shock, irregular heartbeat, loss of consciousness, and death if left untreated.  

Understanding the Forces at Play in a Car Crash

During a car crash, the sudden impact subjects the body to immense force. Passengers can be thrown around the vehicle, striking interior components or other occupants. Seatbelts, while essential for safety, can also exert significant pressure on the body. This blunt-force trauma can damage internal organs without causing visible external injuries. 

The type of car crash can also influence the risk of specific internal injuries. Frontal crashes, for instance, can cause injuries to the head, chest, and abdomen due to the direct impact. Rear-end collisions, on the other hand, often result in whiplash and injuries to the neck and spine as the body is jolted forward and backward. Side-impact crashes, where the force is concentrated on one side of the vehicle, can lead to injuries to the spleen, liver, kidneys, and ribs on the impacted side.  

It’s important to note that while seatbelts significantly reduce the risk of internal injuries in a car accident, they cannot eliminate the risk entirely. The forces involved in an automobile collision are simply too great for the human body to withstand unscathed in all scenarios. However, wearing a seatbelt remains one of the most effective ways to minimize the severity of injuries, both internal and external. 

Common Types of Internal Injuries After a Car Crash 

Organ Damage 

Some of the most vulnerable organs in a car crash include: 

• Liver: Located in the upper right abdomen, the liver is responsible for filtering blood and producing essential proteins. Blunt force trauma can cause internal bleeding or lacerations to the liver, leading to abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and even shock. 
• Spleen: Situated in the upper left abdomen, the spleen filters blood and helps fight infection. A ruptured spleen can cause severe internal bleeding and require emergency surgery. 
• Kidneys: Located on either side of the spine, the kidneys filter waste products from the blood. Kidney damage from a car crash can manifest as blood in the urine, back pain, and even difficulty urinating. 
• Intestines: The intestines are responsible for absorbing nutrients from food. A car crash can cause tears or punctures in the intestines, leading to internal bleeding, infection, and severe abdominal pain. 

Internal Bleeding 

Internal bleeding is a serious complication that can occur after a car crash. It happens when blood vessels rupture and bleed internally. Because there’s no external sign of blood loss, internal bleeding can be difficult to detect initially. However, symptoms like dizziness, lightheadedness, rapid heart rate, and severe and persistent abdominal pain can be indicators. 

Rib Fractures 

The ribs protect the vital organs in the chest cavity. The impact of a car crash can fracture one or more ribs, causing sharp pain, especially when taking a deep breath or coughing. Chest wall trauma, which encompasses rib fractures and other injuries to the chest area, can also lead to complications like punctured lungs or damage to the heart or major blood vessels. 

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) 

TBIs are injuries to the brain caused by a blow to the head. Even a minor bump to the head during a car crash can cause a TBI. Symptoms can range from mild headaches and dizziness to confusion, memory loss, and even coma. It’s crucial to seek medical attention after any head trauma, as the effects of a TBI may not be immediately apparent. 

Recognizing Signs and Symptoms of Internal Injuries

Early detection of internal injuries is crucial for optimal treatment and recovery. However, because these injuries may not present immediate symptoms, it’s important to be aware of the warning signs: 

Internal Bleeding Symptoms 

• Abdominal pain, especially severe and persistent pain 
• Dizziness or lightheadedness 
• Rapid heart rate 
• Feeling weak or faint 
• Changes in blood pressure 
• Pale or sweaty skin 

Organ Damage Symptoms 

• Abdominal pain (may vary depending on the injured organ) 
• Nausea and vomiting 
• Blood in the urine (kidney damage)  
• Difficulty urinating (kidney damage) 
• Back pain (spleen or kidney damage) 
• Difficulty breathing (rib fractures) 

Head Injury Symptoms 

• Headache 
• Dizziness 
• Confusion 
• Memory loss 
• Loss of consciousness 

Remember, when in doubt, get checked out. If you experience any concerning symptoms after a car crash, even if they appear delayed, it’s essential to seek medical attention promptly. Diagnostic imaging techniques like X-rays, CT scans, and MRIs can help detect internal injuries that may not be visible externally. 

Don’t Let Internal Injuries After a Car Crash Go Unnoticed 

At Burge & Burge, PC, our team of skilled personal injury attorneys has extensive experience handling car accident cases involving internal injuries in Birmingham, Alabama. We understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll that these injuries can take on victims and their families. Our goal is to provide compassionate legal representation and fight for the compensation you deserve. If you or a loved one has suffered internal injuries in a car crash, don’t hesitate to reach out to us for a free no-obligation consultation and case assessment.