Internal injuries are one of the most serious injuries that can occur in a car accident. The Alabama auto accident attorneys at Martinson & Beason, P.C. have represented numerous victims who suffered internal injuries over the last 75 years.

Why are internal injuries so severe? Those who have been in a car wreck may not even know that they’ve suffered an internal injury, so they may postpone getting treatment and allow the injury to worsen. Unlike a broken bone or a burn injury, internal injuries do not necessarily show on the outside, unless the injury is the result of an open wound.

Internal injuries are often caused by blunt trauma during a motor vehicle accident, such as when debris hits the body or when the body hits parts of the car, like the steering wheel. The trauma causes blood vessels inside the body to tear and damages internal organs and tissue. Auto accidents, in particular, often result in internal bleeding because of the high speed at which the body is hit. Even in car wrecks that happen at low speeds, internal injuries can occur. The human body is just not designed to withstand that kind of trauma.

The force of a blow to the body can be so intense that internal organs and other parts of the body are injured, causing damage and bleeding. Bleeding may not begin for hours of even days after the injury.

Symptoms of internal bleeding depend on the severity of the injury and the body part involved. For internal injuries that are less serious, the symptoms may appear some time after the injury and steadily get worse. When enough blood is lost, the person may feel dizzy or faint. Chest pain, abdominal pain, and swelling can be signs of internal bleeding in the chest or abdomen. Headaches and loss of consciousness can signal bleeding in the brain. Large purple areas of skin can also appear when the blood pools beneath the skin.

Internal bleeding can be a serious medical emergency depending on the level and location of the bleeding. Internal injuries damage the body both from loss of blood and from the shifted blood putting pressure on other organs. Doctors may put you on observation and/or use an imaging test, such as a CT scan, to determine if you have internal bleeding. Very minor bleeding may heal, in time, on its own. Other times, however, internal bleeding requires immediate medical attention and surgery to repair. This is generally the case for internal injuries and bleeding in areas with vital organs, such as the brain, heart, and lungs. This surgery involves cutting into the area that is bleeding to access the broken vessels and damage and repair them. Because severe internal injuries and bleeding may require surgery, this injury can be very expensive and result in a long healing time.

At the scene of the accident, your top priority should be your health. Call the paramedics and follow their advice. In addition, see a doctor to make sure that you haven’t suffered any hidden internal injuries. In the days following your automobile accident, monitor your body. If you see any large bruising or feel worse, consider seeking immediate medical attention.

When you see your doctor, make sure that the doctor documents your injuries as the result of your auto accident. If you decide to seek compensation, these records will be used as evidence.

If you have suffered an internal injury or other injury in a car wreck that was someone else’s fault, contact the Huntsville car accident attorneys at Martinson & Beason, P.C. The consultation is free. We represent clients in car accident cases throughout Huntsville, Birmingham, Montgomery, and the surrounding areas in Alabama.

Our experienced injury attorneys can help you get you the compensation you need and deserve, to pay for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

Email us or call us at (256) 533-1667.