Understanding Internal Injuries after Motorcycle Accident

Washington motorcycle accident victims can sustain very serious injuries. Cuts, bruises, and broken bones are common after these collisions. However, not all injuries are obvious immediately after the accident.

Internal injuries are extremely dangerous, but symptoms may not appear for hours after the collision. Without prompt medical attention, these injuries can be fatal. It is important to understand the risks of internal injuries—and to always seek medical treatment after a motorcycle accident.

Common Types of Internal Injuries

An internal injury involves damage to the organs or cavities of the body. In a motorcycle accident, the body can sustain a great deal of force and impact, which can harm internal structures. Additionally, a sharp object may break the skin and penetrate an organ, leading to serious damage.

Some of the most common types of internal injuries include the following.

• Brain hemorrhage
• Punctured lungs
• Lacerations caused by broken ribs
• Collapsed lungs
• Bleeding around the lungs
• Torn blood vessels
• Damage to the spleen or liver
• Heart damage, such as a torn aorta

Always Seek Medical Attention after a Motorcycle Accident

A damaged organ cannot operate properly, preventing your body from running like it should. You may develop severe internal bleeding, impacting your health and functioning. Without medical intervention, internal injuries can easily be fatal.

After a motorcycle accident, you should always seek medical attention—even if you do not feel injured. Symptoms of internal injuries may not become apparent until the injury has advanced. At this stage, you may develop permanent complications, or your life could be at risk. By visiting a hospital right away, you can catch and treat the injury before it is too late.

If you experience any of the following symptoms after the accident, seek emergency medical attention immediately.

• Abdominal pain that becomes worse over time
• Blood in your urine, stool, or vomit
• Headache, dizziness, or shortness of breath
• Lightheadedness or loss of consciousness
• A large purple bruise located on your chest or back
• Extremely low blood pressure
• Pain, swelling, or tightness in a specific part of the body, such as a leg

Recovering Compensation for Internal Injuries

An internal injury can result in serious complications. You may require additional medical care beyond emergency surgery, such as rehabilitation, prescription medications, and regular checkups. You may miss weeks of work recovering from your injury, impacting your finances. If you develop a permanent disability, you may be unable to go back to work at all.

If someone else caused your motorcycle accident, you could hold him or her accountable for your losses. Washington is a fault-based accident state, meaning that at-fault drivers and motorcyclists must pay for the accidents that they cause. By filing an insurance claim or lawsuit against the driver, you can recover compensation for the following losses.

• Past and future medical expenses
• Lost wages and loss of future earnings
• Property repairs and replacements
• Disability accommodations
• Physical therapy and rehabilitation
• Chronic pain
• Emotional distress
• Loss of quality of life
• Post-traumatic stress disorder
• Permanent disability and loss of function

In these situations, you need an attorney who can represent your claim and help you establish your right to compensation. After seeking medical attention for your internal injuries, contact a Seattle motorcycle accident lawyer to discuss your legal options.