Signs of an Internal Injury After a Car Accident in Minnesota

Why Internal Injuries Are So Dangerous

Internal injuries happen when the force of a crash damages organs, blood vessels, or tissues inside your body. Unlike a broken arm or a scraped knee, these injuries aren’t always visible on the surface. Adrenaline can also mask pain in the moments after a crash, and some symptoms take hours or days to appear.

Without prompt treatment, internal injuries can lead to severe complications like organ failure or internal bleeding. This concern makes seeing a doctor after a crash critical, no matter how minor it seems.

Common Warning Signs of Internal Injuries

Some common red flags could point to an internal injury after a car accident. If you notice any of these, don’t wait. Seek medical attention right away.

Abdominal Pain or Swelling

Sharp or persistent pain in your stomach, or a bloated feeling that won’t go away, could signal damage to organs like your liver, spleen, or kidneys. The abdomen is packed with vital organs, and a hard impact – such as hitting the steering wheel or seatbelt – can cause bruising, tears, or internal bleeding. Never shrug this warning sign off as “just a stomachache.”

Dizziness, Fainting, or Weakness

Feeling lightheaded, faint, or unusually weak? These could be signs of internal bleeding, which reduces the amount of oxygen-rich blood circulating in your body. If your blood pressure drops too low, it’s a medical emergency. Even if you didn’t hit your head, don’t assume it’s just shock from the crash. Get checked out.

Shortness of Breath or Chest Pain

Difficulty breathing or sharp pain in your chest might mean a rib fracture has punctured a lung, or that there’s bleeding or fluid buildup around your heart or lungs. The chest houses critical organs, and any trauma in that area needs immediate attention. If breathing feels more difficult than usual, don’t wait to see if it improves.

Unexplained Bruising or Discoloration

Bruises that appear without an apparent reason can indicate internal bleeding. This is especially true for considerable, deep bruising on your abdomen, chest, or back. If you notice purple, blue, or yellowish patches that don’t match where you were hit, it may be a sign that something is wrong beneath the surface.

Nausea, Vomiting, or Blood in Your Stool

Feeling sick to your stomach after a crash isn’t always just nerves. Persistent nausea, vomiting, or blood in your vomit or stool could point to gastrointestinal damage or internal bleeding. The blood might look bright red or be dark and tarry. Either way, it’s a severe symptom that needs prompt attention from a doctor.

Changes in Mental State

Confusion, drowsiness, or difficulty focusing might suggest a traumatic brain injury or internal bleeding in the brain. Even if you didn’t hit your head directly, the force of a crash can cause your brain to shift inside your skull, leading to swelling or bruising. These symptoms can sneak up hours or even days after an accident.

Severe or Persistent Pain Anywhere in Your Body

Pain that doesn’t go away or worsens over time can signal internal damage. Whether it’s in your back, shoulders, or sides, don’t assume it’s just soreness from the crash. It could be a sign of organ damage, internal bleeding, or even a spinal injury.

What Should You Do If You Notice These Signs?

If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, don’t wait. Here’s what to do:

• Seek medical attention immediately: Go to the ER or call your doctor. Even if you feel “mostly fine,” internal injuries can worsen quickly without treatment. Diagnostic tests like CT scans or ultrasounds can spot problems that are not visible on the surface.
• Keep detailed records: Write down your symptoms, when they started, and any changes you notice. This record-keeping can help your doctor (and later, your attorney) understand the full scope of your injury.
• Don’t talk to insurance adjusters (yet): Insurance companies might try to downplay your injuries, especially if they don’t seem evident at first. Focus on your health before dealing with claims.

Contact an attorney: If someone else’s negligence caused your injury, you deserve compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain. At SiebenCarey, we’ve got your back, and we’ll fight for every penny while you focus on healing.

How SiebenCarey Can Help

Internal injuries can lead to long recovery times, mounting medical bills, and a lot of uncertainty. In Minnesota, navigating the no-fault system and proving the extent of your injuries can be tricky without the proper support. That’s where we come in.

For over 70 years, SiebenCarey has helped accident victims across the state get the compensation they deserve. We know how to work with medical experts to document your injuries and build a strong case, even when the damage isn’t immediately apparent. We also work on a contingency fee basis, so you won’t have to pay us anything unless we win your case.

Don’t Ignore the Signs – Act Now

Your health comes first. Don't take chances if you’ve been in a car accident and notice any of these symptoms (or even if you just feel “off”). Get checked out by a doctor, and then give us a call. We’ll sit down with you for a free, no-obligation consultation to review your case and options.

Contact SiebenCarey today to schedule your free consultation. You’ve been through enough already – let us handle the legal heavy lifting.