Internal Organ Injuries From Car Accidents

Every day approximately 7,000 people become injured in car accidents, according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Internal injuries are some of the most common car accident injuries, and they are also among the most deadly. Victims of car accidents do not always show outward symptoms of internal injuries until it is too late. Even when emergency medical personnel can detect internal bleeding, they may not stop the bleeding in time to save the victim's life. Victims who do survive internal organ injuries often experience devastating and life-altering consequences. We will discuss some of the most common and deadly internal organ injuries caused by car accidents below.

During a car accident, trauma to a person's organs or vascular system can cause internal hemorrhaging or bleeding. A serious loss of blood at the scene of the accident or a delay in treatment can cause the victim to go into cardiac arrest and die. Even when emergency medical personnel can quickly transfer the victim to a hospital, it is not always possible for surgeons to stop the bleeding.

Even when a car accident victim was wearing a seat belt at the time of the accident, he or she can face abdominal injuries. Some abdominal injuries are caused by blunt force trauma, such as when the victim slams into the seat belt or dashboard. Other abdominal injuries are caused by penetration by an external object, such as glass or metal.

In rollover accidents, the victim can become crushed when the roof collapses, causing abdominal injuries. Abdominal injuries often involve injury to the stomach, bowels, spleen, or kidneys. Victims can experience severe blood loss, which can lead to cardiac arrest and infection. Additionally, the damaged organ can end up failing, causing a person's death.

Broken ribs are typically not fatal, but they can cause intense pain. Bone fractures, including rib fractures, are common in car accidents. Rib bones break easily, and the impact of the car accident itself can cause broken bones. Seat belts can also cause broken ribs. When broken ribs become displaced, the sharp ends can pierce major internal organs causing life-threatening complications such as organ failure or infection.

Traumatic brain injuries occur whenever a person's brain tissue becomes damaged. Some traumatic brain injuries are caused by the brain being pushing forcefully against a person's hard skull. The pressure of the injury can cause bleeding inside the brain. When the bleeding builds up, it can damage white tissue, resulting in death or severe developmental challenges.

Brain damage can also happen when a person flies forward and crashes into the windshield, window, steering wheel, or airbag. The resulting brain damage can range from a concussion that goes away within a few weeks or months to devastating permanent brain damage that results in the victim requiring ongoing medical care. Every brain injury is different and will require a unique treatment course.

However, severe traumatic brain injuries have one thing in common. Victims typically need expensive, ongoing medical care from several different experts. For example, the victim of a traumatic brain injury typically needs to receive treatment from a neurologist, physical therapist, occupational therapist, vocational rehabilitation specialist, and in some cases, around the clock skilled nursing.

Chest injuries are another dangerous type of internal injury caused by car accidents. When a driver becomes pushed against the steering wheel in a car accident, their sternum, which protects their heart, can become fractured. A fractured sternum or fractured ribs can cause damage to the victim's heart or cause their diaphragm to rupture. When the diaphragm ruptures, they can no longer propel their lungs to work. When victims of car accidents experience a sudden blow to the chest, it can cause direct trauma to their liver, lungs, heart, or other internal organs. Shards from a broken rib or sternum can also pierce an internal organ.

If a car accident in the Charlotte area has left you or your loved one with internal injuries, you may be entitled to compensation. Under North Carolina law, negligent or reckless drivers are liable for the injuries they cause. The personal injury lawyers at Arnold & Smith, PLLC have helped many clients obtain the compensation they deserve. Contact our Charlotte personal injury law firm today to schedule your free initial consultation.