When people ask “what are internal injuries?”, they are asking about harm inside the body, often hidden from plain sight. These injuries may involve vital organs, delicate tissues, or blood vessels, and can be triggered by different types of trauma. Car accidents are one of the most common causes, but serious falls, sports collisions, or workplace incidents can lead to internal damage. Sometimes, blunt force from a steering wheel or penetrating wounds from debris create life-threatening conditions, making it crucial to recognize and address them quickly.
At The Williams Firm, we have seen how hidden injuries complicate medical recovery and legal claims. Knowing how to identify and respond to internal injuries matters after any auto collision, and working with an experienced car accident lawyer in Nashville can make a critical difference in protecting your health and legal rights.
Types of Internal Injuries from Auto Accidents
So, what are internal injuries? Car accidents can create a range of internal injuries, and each type carries serious risks:
- Internal bleeding: The American Red Cross explains that this occurs when blood escapes into a body cavity or space within the body because of blunt force impact and can quickly become life-threatening.
- Organ damage: Trauma to the liver, spleen, kidneys, or lungs can result in long-term complications.
- Brain bleeds: Traumatic brain injuries that cause swelling or hemorrhage.
- Fractures with internal impact: Broken ribs puncturing the lungs or other soft tissues.
Internal injuries can be deceptive, progressing silently until they demand urgent medical care. Recognizing and properly diagnosing the specific type of injury is vital for protecting your health and building the legal foundation needed to hold negligent parties accountable.
Symptoms of Internal Injuries
What are the symptoms of internal injuries? The warning signs of internal injuries are not always obvious, and many people walk away from a crash feeling shaken but otherwise unharmed. Hours—or even days—later, the situation can change dramatically. Common red flags include:
- Sudden dizziness, fainting spells, or unusual weakness.
- Abdominal pain, pressure, or swelling.
- Nausea or vomiting, sometimes with traces of blood.
- Shortness of breath, chest pain, or difficulty breathing.
- Severe headaches, disorientation, or confusion.
Because these symptoms can escalate quickly, it is critical to treat any unusual pain or discomfort after a collision as a potential medical emergency.
Causes of Internal Injuries in Car Accidents
The force of a motor vehicle crash can damage the body in ways that are not immediately visible. Even when seatbelts and airbags function properly, the human body absorbs tremendous impact. Internal injuries often occur due to:
- Rapid deceleration in rear-end collisions.
- Direct blows to the chest or abdomen from steering wheels or dashboards.
- Airbag deployment at high speed.
- Penetrating trauma from broken glass or debris.
- Crush injuries in multi-vehicle or rollover accidents.
Treatment and Recovery for Internal Injuries
Treatment often depends on the severity of the injury and the organ affected. Some patients require immediate surgery, while others may need close monitoring, blood transfusions, or long-term rehabilitation. For example, recovery timelines for brain bleeds vary greatly depending on the severity of the injury and the individual’s overall health. The most noticeable improvements often occur within the first few weeks as the brain adjusts to the trauma. Still, full recovery can extend far beyond this initial stage, requiring ongoing medical care, therapy, and patience. These extended treatment needs often place financial strain on victims and their families after a serious car accident.
Legal Considerations for Internal Injuries in Car Accidents
Internal injuries often present unique challenges in car accident claims because symptoms may not appear until hours or even days later. Insurance carriers may argue that these conditions are unrelated to the crash, making evidence crucial. Key documentation includes:
- Detailed medical records showing the progression of symptoms
- Imaging studies such as CT scans or MRIs
- Expert medical testimony linking the injury to the collision
Tennessee law also imposes strict deadlines and rules:
- Statute of Limitations: Most personal injury claims must be filed within one year of the accident under the Tennessee Code Annotated (T.C.A.) § 28-3-104.
- Comparative Fault Rule: Tennessee follows a modified comparative fault system. According to T.C.A. § 29-39-102(b), a plaintiff may recover damages only if their share of fault is less than 50%; recovery is barred at 50% or greater.
Contact Our Nashville Car Accident Attorneys Today
Did you suffer an internal injury after a crash in Tennessee? Do not wait for the insurance company to minimize your claim. At The Williams Firm, we guide clients through the legal process while working tirelessly to protect their rights. Call (615) 985-5635 today for a free consultation, and let us fight for the recovery you deserve.