How can a car accident cause internal bleeding?

On Behalf of | Oct 1, 2021 | Auto Accidents |

Hopefully, any auto accident you experience will not inflict any serious injury on you. Unfortunately, this is not always the case. You may suffer bleeding wounds, an obvious sign that you need medical help. However, an automobile collision also has the potential to cause bleeding inside of your body.

Internal bleeding is a very serious matter. If you suspect you have internal bleeding from a recent accident, you should seek medical attention. There are some reasons why an auto collision can result in internal bleeding.

Bleeding from blunt trauma

When another vehicle hits your car, the force may cause a part of your body to collide with another surface like the steering wheel. Sometimes even a deploying airbag may cause a harmful impact. WebMD explains that such collisions may result in blunt trauma. When this happens, your blood vessels can tear or become crushed by the force, which can create internal bleeding.

Bleeding from penetrating trauma

A car crash may also produce penetrating trauma. This kind of trauma occurs if an outside object penetrates your body and cuts open one or multiple blood vessels. Because penetrating trauma usually creates an obvious wound, you will probably recognize that you need help from a doctor or a hospital. Still, your doctor should examine you carefully to make sure you do not have any internal damage and bleeding.

Symptoms of internal bleeding

There are instances when internal bleeding stems from a milder trauma. You may not notice symptoms until hours or a day or two after an auto accident. Headaches may indicate bleeding in your brain. Swelling or pain in the leg can result from bleeding in your thigh. Abdominal pain may happen from bleeding in the spleen, stomach or intestines.

In general, dizziness or fainting may happen if you have any kind of internal bleeding due to blood loss. These symptoms are all things to watch out for if you have experienced a recent auto collision. If you receive a diagnosis for internal injuries, the medical costs to treat them will likely factor into any damages you seek.