Car accidents can cause serious injuries that aren’t always visible right away. Even if you feel fine, internal damage can take hours or days to show symptoms. These hidden injuries are often more dangerous because they go unnoticed and untreated.
Here are some common types of internal injuries to be aware of after a crash.
Internal bleeding
One of the most dangerous internal injuries is internal bleeding. It can happen when blood vessels are torn due to impact. The bleeding might occur in the chest, abdomen or brain. Symptoms like dizziness, weakness, deep bruising or swelling can appear slowly. If the bleeding is severe, it can become life-threatening.
Organ damage
Organs like the liver, spleen and kidneys are particularly vulnerable in car accidents. A strong impact can bruise or rupture these organs. This kind of injury may not cause immediate pain. Signs like abdominal tenderness, nausea or low blood pressure may take time to develop. Left untreated, organ damage can lead to serious complications.
Broken ribs and punctured lungs
Ribs can break easily during a crash, especially with a strong seatbelt pull or airbag deployment. A broken rib can puncture a lung, leading to its collapse. Breathing may feel painful or shallow, but symptoms like shortness of breath or chest tightness can be delayed.
The body’s stress response after an accident can mask pain. Adrenaline can keep you from noticing signs of injury, and inflammation may take time to build. For these reasons, it’s possible to feel okay at first but develop serious symptoms later.
Always keep track of how you feel after a car accident. Internal injuries can be subtle initially, but early detection can help prevent serious health problems. If another driver caused your injuries, personal injury compensation may be available.