Car wrecks are traumatic, so most people are just happy if they manage to walk away without any obvious injuries.
Unfortunately, it’s the non-obvious injuries that can often prove fatal. Victims of motor vehicle accidents can suffer internal bleeding from blunt force trauma against their seat belts, airbags, steering wheels and dashboards – and they may not realize they’re seriously hurt until much later.
If you and your loved ones have been in a wreck, be on the lookout for the signs of serious internal damage to your bodies in the days to come.
What are the warning signs of internal bleeding?
Internal bleeding can happen in almost any body part, but it’s particularly common in the chest, belly and head after a car wreck. Symptoms to watch for include:
- Light-headedness, dizziness or vertigo, especially upon standing
- Sudden bouts of low blood pressure
- Blurred vision or other unexplained visual disturbances
- Unexplained fatigue, weakness or sleepiness
- Abdominal pain or swelling, particularly if it worsens over time
- Dark purple bruising on your skin, particularly if it feels puffy or taut
- Swelling, pain, and tightness in a leg
- Headaches, nausea or seizures
Many car accident victims dismiss a slight bump on the head against their steering wheel as nothing more than a minor inconvenience when it can be a serious brain injury. Similarly, people often dismiss bruising from their seat belts as something to be expected after a wreck – when that can hide a life-threatening tear around their heart or damage to their spleen.
If you’ve been in a serious car accident, don’t try to “tough it out.” Let a medical professional look you over for any hidden signs of trouble. You can claim fair compensation for your losses and ask the at-fault party to cover the bills.
