While visible injuries like cuts and bruises might be apparent, internal injuries may be hidden and go undetected after a rideshare accident. These injuries can potentially be life-threatening if left untreated, so it’s important to understand what internal injuries are, what causes them, their symptoms, and why early diagnosis is crucial.
What Are Internal Injuries?
Internal injuries are damages that occur inside the body as the result of trauma from an external force. They can affect any of the internal organs and systems such as the brain, heart, lungs, liver, spleen, intestines, kidneys, bladder, and reproductive organs. Internal bleeding, bruising, and inflammation are common with these types of injuries.
Unlike external wounds like scrapes or bone fractures, internal injuries aren’t visible from the outside. There is no obvious sign of damage, which makes them easy to miss. However, even though you can’t see internal injuries, they can be severely damaging and even fatal if not treated promptly. Being aware of the potential internal damages and getting medical care quickly after an accident is vital.
What Causes Internal Injuries in an Accident?
The kinetic energy from the impact of a collision can cause internal organs to tear, rupture, or hemorrhage. Sudden deceleration makes organs and tissues tear from their normal attachments inside the body. Occupants of a vehicle may get thrown around or crushed on impact, causing trauma to internal systems. Specifically in rideshare accidents, passengers are at high risk of internal injury when drivers brake abruptly, get into head-on or side impacts, or roll over.
Being rear-ended in high speed collisions can also cause internal damage. Unlike drivers, passengers have little control over the situation and are vulnerable to these crash forces. Wearing a seatbelt helps prevent ejection from the vehicle and being jolted around uncontrollably, which protects against some internal trauma. However, seatbelts themselves can cause bruising to internal organs during the rapid deceleration of a crash.
What Are the Symptoms of Internal Injuries After an Accident?
Some common signs of internal injury after a car accident include:
- Pain in the abdomen, chest, pelvis, or back areas
- Bruising, swelling, or tenderness of the abdomen
- Dizziness, lightheadedness, or loss of consciousness
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Nausea or vomiting, sometimes coughing up blood
- Blood in urine or stool
- Confusion, lethargy, weakness
- Rapid heart rate and low blood pressure
However, many times there are no obvious indicators of internal damage. Adrenaline and shock immediately after the trauma can mask symptoms. Pain may take hours or days to manifest as internal bleeding spreads or organs become inflamed. Lack of noticeable symptoms does not mean serious injury isn’t present internally. Getting promptly assessed by medical professionals is crucial.
Why Early Diagnosis of Internal Injuries is Critical
Internal injuries after accidents need to be diagnosed and treated as soon as possible to prevent further harm. Internal bleeding can quickly become life-threatening if not controlled. Organs like the brain, heart, liver, and intestines can only tolerate minimal damage before their functions are impaired. Infection, organ failure, and even death can occur if medical intervention is delayed. Some diagnostic tools used to find internal injury include:
- CT scan to get images of organs and tissues
- MRI to assess soft tissue and organ damages
- Ultrasound to identify internal bleeding or organ rupture
- Blood tests to check for internal bleeding
- Chest or abdominal x-ray to visualize organs
Treatment depends on the type and extent of injury but may involve hospitalization, medications, surgery, or organ removal in severe cases. Early diagnosis gives the best chance for full recovery. If you’ve been in a rideshare accident, get checked out at the hospital even if you don’t have obvious symptoms. Ask the doctors to closely evaluate the possibility of internal damages. Be sure to monitor yourself in the hours and days following the crash as pain and other warning signs may appear later. Getting prompt medical care can prevent small injuries from becoming major trauma.
Document All Injuries Thoroughly
If you suffer any type of injury in a rideshare crash, make sure to fully document your symptoms and medical treatment. Keep written records, take photos when possible, and get copies of all diagnostic test results, doctor reports, and hospital bills. Thorough documentation creates a paper trail that can help prove your injuries later if you pursue a lawsuit against Uber, Lyft, or another negligent party.
For internal trauma specifically, medical records are key evidence since the injuries can’t be visibly seen. Imaging test results, surgery reports, and documentation of symptoms all help demonstrate the extent of internal damages you sustained. These records also help quantify the economic losses like medical expenses and lost earnings. With detailed documentation, your attorney can build a stronger case for full financial compensation.
Consider Hiring a Personal Injury Lawyer
Trying to handle a rideshare injury lawsuit on your own can be complex and challenging, especially when severe internal damages are involved. Working with an experienced personal injury lawyer levels the playing field and helps maximize your compensation. An attorney will handle the legal process while you focus on recovery. They can:
- Investigate all parties potentially at fault for the accident
- Determine the full value of your injury claim based on both economic and non-economic damages
- Negotiate with insurance companies and aggressively pursue compensation
- Take the case to trial if a fair settlement isn’t reached
- Deal with rideshare companies who may try to shift blame away from their driver
Don’t wait to consult an attorney after a rideshare crash. Starting the legal process early makes building your strongest case possible. Many lawyers offer free consultations and only collect fees if they win your case.
Contact Us Today
Our law firm provides free case reviews for rideshare accident victims in California. If you or a loved one suffered internal or other injuries, contact us to discuss your legal options for obtaining compensation. With an attorney on your side, you can pursue damages while taking time to heal. Don’t delay in getting medical help and seeking justice. Visit one of our offices at:
- 21777 Ventura Boulevard Suite 263, Woodland Hills, CA 91364
- 15000 7th Street Suite 201, Victorville, CA 92395
- 8889 West Olympic Boulevard, 3rd Floor, Beverly Hills, CA 90211 Or call us today for a free consultation on (888) 922-8399.