After a car accident, you may walk away thinking you’re fine. But not all injuries show up right away. The symptoms of internal bleeding can develop, leaving victims vulnerable even hours after a crash. Recognizing the risks and seeking immediate medical care can save your life.
Why Internal Bleeding is a Medical Emergency
Internal bleeding happens when blood vessels rupture inside the body, allowing blood to pool where it doesn’t belong. Unlike an external wound, there’s often no visible sign, making it extremely dangerous. The situation may already be critical when symptoms appear.
Car accidents frequently trigger internal bleeding because of the force involved in a collision:
- Blunt Impact: Even at moderate speeds, the body absorbs heavy energy on impact.
- Safety Devices: Seat belts and airbags offer some protection but can’t eliminate the risk of internal injury.
- Hidden Danger: Internal bleeding can progress while victims feel fine.
Once bleeding begins, blood loss can cause hypovolemic shock, when there isn’t enough blood circulating to supply oxygen to vital organs. Without treatment, this can lead to organ failure or death.
Common Causes of Internal Bleeding in Car Accidents
Internal bleeding after a car accident can be caused by several types of trauma, including:
- Blunt Force Trauma to the Abdomen: A steering wheel, seat belt, or dashboard impact can damage organs like the liver, spleen, or kidneys.
- Chest Injuries: Broken ribs can puncture blood vessels or damage the lungs, leading to internal bleeding and breathing difficulties.
- Pelvic Fractures: The pelvis contains major blood vessels, and fractures can cause severe internal hemorrhaging.
- Head Injuries: Trauma to the head can cause bleeding in or around the brain (such as a subdural hematoma), which is life-threatening if not treated quickly.
These injuries require immediate medical evaluation, even if you feel okay after the accident.
Warning Signs You Should Never Ignore After a Crash
Because internal bleeding is hidden, knowing the signs is critical. After a car accident, watch for:
- Abdominal pain or swelling
- Dizziness, fainting, or lightheadedness
- Rapid heartbeat or low blood pressure
- Nausea or vomiting
- Large, dark bruising around the abdomen, chest, or back
- Shortness of breath or chest pain
- Confusion, difficulty concentrating, or loss of consciousness
If you’ve been injured, consult a doctor and an experienced California car accident attorney to protect your health and rights.
Why Delays in Treatment are Dangerous
The sooner doctors identify internal bleeding, the better the outcome. Medical teams use diagnostic tools like CT scans, ultrasounds, and blood tests to detect hidden bleeding and begin treatment. This may involve surgery to repair damaged blood vessels or remove excess blood from the body.
When treatment is delayed, the risk of complications increases. Victims may lose significant amounts of blood, leading to shock, organ damage, or irreversible brain injury in cases of intracranial bleeding. In the worst cases, untreated internal bleeding is fatal.
Immediate treatment not only saves lives but also reduces long-term health complications. For accident victims, that means a faster recovery and a greater chance of returning to normal life.
Protecting Your Health and Legal Rights With California Car Accident Attorneys
Don’t wait for symptoms to show up before seeking care if you or a loved one is involved in a car accident. Immediate medical evaluation can mean the difference between recovery and a life-threatening emergency.
It’s also important to protect your legal rights after an accident. Internal injuries often require extensive treatment, ongoing care, and time away from work, leading to substantial medical costs and financial strain.
Insurance companies may downplay these hidden injuries or push for quick settlements that don’t reflect the actual cost of recovery.
That’s where experienced legal guidance matters. Our California car accident attorneys understand how severe internal injuries can be and ensure victims receive the compensation they deserve. We work with medical experts, gather evidence, and take on insurers so you can focus on healing.
Call Berg Injury Lawyers Today
Internal bleeding is one of the most dangerous consequences of a car accident because it’s often invisible until it’s too late. If you’ve been hurt in a crash, seek medical care immediately, and then contact our law firm for a free consultation.
While insurance companies protect their bottom line, we level the playing field by giving California injury victims the legal power and resources they need to help recover physically, emotionally, and financially.
