Car accidents, even those seemingly minor, can cause serious and often hidden internal injuries. If you’ve been involved in a collision and suspect internal injuries, a Denver car accident lawyer can help you navigate your legal options and pursue the compensation you deserve. Understanding the types of internal injuries, their potential consequences, and how to seek justice is crucial for recovering from such a traumatic event.
Common Internal Injuries from Car Accidents
- Internal Bleeding: The force of an impact can cause internal bleeding within organs like the abdomen, chest, or head. This can lead to significant blood loss and potentially life-threatening complications.
- Organ Damage: Vital organs such as the spleen, liver, kidneys, and lungs can sustain significant damage in a car accident. This damage may range from minor bruising to severe lacerations, potentially requiring immediate medical intervention.
- Head Injuries: From mild concussions to severe traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), head injuries are a serious concern. Even seemingly minor head impacts can have long-lasting consequences, including cognitive impairments, memory problems, and emotional disturbances.
- Spinal Cord Injuries: The impact of a collision can cause significant damage to the spinal cord, potentially resulting in paralysis, loss of sensation, and other debilitating conditions.
Recognizing the Signs
The insidious nature of internal injuries lies in their often delayed or subtle symptoms. Be vigilant for:
- Abdominal pain: Sharp, persistent pain in the abdomen can indicate internal bleeding or organ damage.
- Chest pain: Difficulty breathing, chest tightness, or sharp pains in the chest may signal internal bleeding or lung injuries.
- Back pain: Severe back pain, especially if accompanied by numbness or weakness, could indicate spinal cord injuries.
- Nausea and vomiting: These symptoms can be indicative of head injuries, internal bleeding, or organ damage.
- Dizziness and confusion: These may be signs of head injuries, including concussions.
- Shortness of breath: Difficulty breathing can be a symptom of lung injuries or internal bleeding.
- Unusual fatigue: Persistent fatigue may be a sign of underlying internal injuries.
- Changes in vision or hearing: These can sometimes be indicators of head injuries.
Liability in Car Accident Injuries
Determining liability in car accident injury cases depends on the specific circumstances surrounding the incident. Potentially liable parties include:
- The Driver: Drivers who operate vehicles negligently, such as driving under the influence or distracted driving, may be held liable for injuries caused by the accident. A Denver DUI accident lawyer can help you determine liability and pursue compensation for injuries caused by vehicle defects.
- Other Drivers: Negligent driving behaviors from other motorists, such as reckless driving or running red lights, can contribute to accidents and subsequent injuries.
- Government Entities: Poorly maintained roads with potholes or debris can contribute to accidents and increase the risk of injuries.
- Product Manufacturers: Defective vehicle parts, such as faulty airbags or brakes, can lead to serious injuries and potential product liability claims.
Preventing Car Accident Injuries
While not all accidents can be avoided, drivers can take steps to reduce the risk of serious injuries:
- Defensive Driving: Practice defensive driving techniques, such as maintaining a safe following distance, scanning for potential hazards, and avoiding distractions.
- Regular Vehicle Maintenance: Ensure your vehicle is in proper working order with regular maintenance checks and repairs.
- Buckle Up: Always wear your seatbelt and ensure all passengers are properly restrained.
- Avoid Distractions: Minimize distractions while driving, such as using cell phones or eating.
- Drive Sober: Never drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
What to Do After a Car Accident with Potential Internal Injuries
If you’re involved in a car accident and suspect internal injuries, taking the following steps is crucial:
- Seek Immediate Medical Attention: Even if you feel no immediate pain, seek a professional medical evaluation as soon as possible.
- Contact the Police: Report the accident to the Denver Police Department.
- Document the Scene: Take photos and videos of the accident scene, vehicle damage, and any visible injuries.
- Exchange Information: Collect contact and insurance information from all involved parties.
- Consult an Attorney: Contact a Denver car accident or personal injury attorney to discuss your legal options and explore potential avenues for compensation.
How a Car Accident Attorney Can Help
Dealing with the aftermath of a car accident involving internal injuries can be overwhelming. An experienced car accident attorney can:
- Investigate the cause of the accident: Gather evidence, interview witnesses, and analyze data to determine liability.
- Work with medical experts: Obtain and review medical records to assess the extent of your injuries and their long-term impact.
- Handle negotiations with insurance companies: Advocate for your rights and ensure you receive fair compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.
- Represent you in court: If a settlement cannot be reached, your attorney will advocate for your rights in court to pursue the compensation you deserve.
Contact Us for Internal Injury Cases
Internal injuries from car accidents can have devastating and long-lasting consequences. At Dulin McQuinn Young, our skilled legal team is dedicated to helping accident victims seek justice and recover from their injuries. Whether it’s driver negligence, a defective vehicle part, or another factor, we’ll work tirelessly to hold the responsible parties accountable.
Schedule a free consultation with us today to learn how we can assist with your internal injury case.