What Are the Most Common Internal Injuries From Car Accidents?

Colburn Law

Posted in Car Accidents,Personal Injury on March 16, 2025

The impact of a car accident can extend far beyond the visible damage. Often, the most concerning consequences are the hidden ones: internal injuries from a car accident. These injuries can be complex, posing significant health risks and leading to long-term complications. Recognizing the potential for these hidden injuries and understanding their symptoms is crucial for prompt medical attention and effective recovery.

At Colburn Law – Accident and Injury Lawyers, we’re dedicated to supporting car accident victims through these challenging times. We understand the anxieties surrounding internal injuries and aim to clarify the types of injuries that can occur, the symptoms to watch for, and the pathways to recovery. We’ll also explain how you can pursue compensation to help you manage medical expenses and rebuild your life after an accident.

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Different Types of Internal Injuries from Car Accidents

Car accidents can result in various internal injuries, depending on the collision’s severity. Here are some of the most common injuries victims may unfortunately experience after an accident.

Broken Ribs

Broken ribs are one of the most frequent injuries caused by the impact of a car accident. The chest’s vulnerability during collisions often leads to rib fractures that can be extremely painful and limit mobility. Broken ribs may puncture nearby organs in severe cases, creating further complications, including lung damage, internal bleeding, and prolonged recovery times for affected individuals.

Pneumothorax (Collapsed Lung)

A powerful blow to the chest during an accident might cause pneumothorax, a collapsed lung. This occurs when air leaks into the space between the lung and the chest wall, making breathing difficult, causing chest pain, and requiring immediate medical intervention to prevent complications.

Organ Damage

Blunt force trauma or sharp objects during an accident might cause severe damage to vital organs like the liver, kidneys, or heart. This type of injury can lead to life-threatening conditions and may demand immediate surgical treatment to prevent further complications and save lives.

Ruptured Spleen

The spleen is particularly vulnerable during car accidents. A ruptured spleen might result in severe internal bleeding, which can be life-threatening without treatment. Symptoms like abdominal pain and dizziness may indicate this type of injury.

Rupture of the Abdominal Aorta

A serious car crash can cause the abdominal aorta—the large artery in the abdomen—to rupture. This rare but dangerous injury might result in severe internal bleeding, organ damage, or shock and requires immediate and urgent medical intervention.

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

A traumatic brain injury can occur when the head suffers a sudden jolt or impact. Internal swelling, bleeding, or bruising in the brain may result, often causing symptoms like headaches, confusion, dizziness, memory loss, or nausea. TBIs can have long-term consequences on cognitive and motor functions.

Internal Bleeding

Internal bleeding is one of the most hidden and dangerous injuries resulting from car accidents. It occurs when blood vessels are damaged, causing internal blood loss, and without quick diagnosis and treatment, it can lead to severe complications.

What Causes Internal Bleeding in Car Accidents? 

Internal bleeding, one of the most critical outcomes of a collision, can be caused by various types of trauma. Understanding these causes is key to comprehending the mechanisms of internal injuries from car accidents.

Blunt Trauma 

Blunt trauma occurs when a significant force impacts the body, damaging internal organs, blood vessels, or surrounding tissues. Common in high-speed collisions or falls, this type of trauma might not immediately display external signs, making early detection crucial.

Decelerating Trauma 

Sudden deceleration during a car accident can cause organs to move within the body, tearing blood vessels or connective tissue. This type of trauma is particularly harmful because the damage is often internal, not visible, and can worsen quickly without immediate medical attention.

Penetrating Trauma 

Penetrating trauma occurs when sharp objects, like glass shards or metal, enter the body during an accident. These injuries can puncture organs or blood vessels, leading to internal bleeding, infection, or potentially life-threatening complications.

Identifying Internal Injuries from Car Accident: Key Symptoms to Watch For

If you’ve been in a car crash, internal injuries from car accidents can be serious. Here are some signs to watch for: pain, dizziness, or swelling.

Pain 

Unexplained or escalating pain in the chest, abdomen, or head might point to an internal injury. Don’t dismiss persistent pain as merely “soreness” after an accident. Seek medical attention immediately, as untreated internal injuries can lead to serious complications, including organ damage, internal bleeding, or long-term health issues.

Nausea 

Feelings of nausea or vomiting without an apparent cause might suggest organ damage or bleeding in the abdominal area, potentially requiring immediate medical attention or further investigation by a healthcare professional.

Bruising 

Unusual or dark bruising, particularly around the chest or abdomen, may indicate blood pooling beneath the skin due to internal injuries. This can result from trauma, accidents, or underlying medical conditions and should be promptly evaluated by a healthcare professional to prevent complications or worsening symptoms.

Signs of Shock 

Symptoms such as shallow breathing, confusion, pale skin, or a rapid heart rate might indicate shock from blood loss or organ damage. Other signs include sweating, dizziness, fainting, and extreme fatigue. Immediate medical attention is essential in such cases to prevent severe complications and ensure proper treatment.

Blood in Urine or Stool 

The presence of blood in your urine or stool can be a sign of internal trauma, particularly to the kidneys or intestines. Seek medical evaluation quickly if you notice these signs, as early detection is crucial for proper diagnosis and effective treatment of potential underlying conditions.

What Kind of Damages Could You Recover? 

After suffering internal injuries from car accidents, victims might recover compensation for their financial losses and emotional distress. This typically includes both economic and non-economic damages.

Economic Damages 

Economic damages refer to measurable financial losses, such as medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, loss of future earnings, reduced earning capacity, legal costs, rehabilitation expenses, loss of business opportunities, and other quantifiable monetary impacts.

• Medical bills, such as, hospital stays, surgeries, medications, and emergency room visits.
• Ongoing rehabilitation or physical therapy costs, including specialist consultations.
• Lost wages from time off work, including reduced hours or unpaid leave. 
• Future income loss due to long-term disabilities or diminished earning capacity.

Noneconomic Damages 

Noneconomic damages compensate for emotional and physical impacts that are harder to quantify, including:

• Pain and suffering.
• Loss of enjoyment of life. 
• Emotional distress. 
• Impact on personal relationships. 

An experienced car accident attorney may evaluate your case and fight for your deserved compensation.

Effective Treatment and Fair Compensation for Internal Injuries

Treating internal injuries from car accidents depends on the severity of the injury. Treatments might include:   

• Emergency surgery for life-threatening conditions, like organ rupture, to repair damage and stop internal bleeding 
• Blood transfusions to address internal bleeding, stabilize the patient, and restore lost blood volume quickly 
• Physical therapy for rehabilitation after injuries like broken ribs, damaged muscles, or other trauma affecting mobility and strength 
• Medications to manage pain, reduce inflammation, prevent infections, and support healing during recovery periods

These treatments are crucial for recovery and long-term health. Once treatment begins, a legal professional can assist you in pursuing compensation to cover medical bills, lost wages, and other damages.

Seek Legal Help for Your Internal Injury Case 

Experiencing internal injuries from car accidents can deeply impact your health, finances, and quality of life. At Colburn Law, we’re committed to helping victims evaluate their legal options, seek necessary treatments, and claim the compensation they deserve.

In some cases, victims may pursue claims against additional parties, such as vehicle manufacturers for defective products or government agencies responsible for unsafe road conditions. Call us today at 206-823-4953 or visit our office in Issaquah, WA, to get the support you need to move forward confidently.

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