Motor vehicle collisions cause serious sudden impact. Even if the accident didn’t result in obvious injuries like a deep cut or broken bones, you could still be suffering serious harm. Kinetic forces may cause blunt abdominal trauma, potentially damaging the liver, spleen, kidneys, pancreas, bowel, and other internal structures.
When the damage is inside the body, symptoms may not always be apparent immediately after a collision. It is important to get immediate medical treatment and report all symptoms to your doctor.
The experienced Oklahoma City car accident lawyers at Maples Harrison Zeaman PLLC represents people who are injured in serious vehicle collisions. We can investigate the accident and advise you about your options for seeking maximum compensation when your injuries were caused by another driver’s negligent actions.
How Car Accidents Cause Blunt Abdominal Trauma?
During a collision, the abdomen may strike a steering wheel, dashboard, center console, door, or another part of the vehicle. A seat belt can also place substantial force across the body during a high-energy crash.
Some injuries can cause internal bleeding, while others can lead to inflammation, leakage of intestinal contents, infection, or additional complications. That is why someone who initially feels relatively normal should not assume that the absence of visible injuries means everything is fine.
The abdomen contains several vital organs and major blood vessels. Potentially injured structures include:
- Liver
- Spleen
- Kidneys
- Pancreas
- Stomach
- Small and large intestines
- Bladder
Liver Injuries
The liver is a large solid organ in the upper-right portion of the abdomen, and blunt trauma can injure it even when the skin remains intact. One major concern is bleeding because the liver has a substantial blood supply.
Depending on the injury, medical professionals may use imaging and other diagnostic testing to determine its nature and severity and decide what treatment is appropriate. For an injury claim, records documenting the diagnosis, treatment, restrictions, and follow-up care can help demonstrate the extent of the harm.
Spleen Injuries
A ruptured spleen can cause internal bleeding and may require significant medical intervention. Because there may be little or no visible evidence of the damage at the crash scene, the injured person may not immediately understand the seriousness of what occurred.
Internal Bleeding
Internal bleeding may result from damage to an organ, blood vessel, or surrounding tissue. The injured person may not see any blood externally, making the seriousness of the condition less obvious. Healthcare professionals can determine whether symptoms require diagnostic testing or additional observation.
Internal Injuries May Be Difficult to Detect
After car accident, internal injuries can be challenging because the damage is not always visible from outside the body. Medical documentation can help establish when symptoms appeared, what the patient reported, what diagnostic testing showed, and how healthcare professionals evaluated the condition.
Possible warning signs following abdominal trauma can include:
- Abdominal pain
- Tenderness
- Swelling
- Weakness
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Fainting
Your Attorney Will Collect Evidence to Build a Strong Claim
Establishing the extent of your damage is only one part of a car accident claim. You must also show that another party was legally responsible for the crash and that the collision caused your injuries and resulting losses.
To help establish liability, causation, and damages, your attorney will collect evidence such as:
- Police accident reports
- Photos and videos from the accident scene
- Vehicle damage and repair records
- Witness statements
- Medical records and treatment documentation
- Traffic or surveillance camera footage
- Information about road and weather conditions
- Other evidence showing how the accident occurred
Compensation That May Be Available
A severe organ injury can create consequences extending well beyond the initial hospitalization. Some injuries may require ongoing medical monitoring, additional procedures, rehabilitation, or significant changes to a person’s daily life. These lasting effects may also interfere with the person’s ability to work and support their family.
An experienced car accident lawyer can review those long-term effects before negotiating with an insurer. Compensation may address losses such as:
- Emergency medical treatment and hospitalization
- Surgery and diagnostic testing
- Follow-up medical care
- Rehabilitation
- Future medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Reduced future earning ability
- Pain and suffering
- Other accident-related losses
Speak With a Trusted OKC Car Accident Attorney
At Maples Harrison Zeaman PLLC, we focus on preparing evidence and pursuing accountability when another party’s wrongful conduct causes serious harm. Our personal injury lawyers have been representing car accident victims in OKC since 2002, and we’ve won millions for our clients.
If you suffered an internal organ injury after a collision, call (405) 705-5050 for a free consultation today. You won’t owe us anything unless we win your case.
FAQs About Delayed Internal Injuries After an Oklahoma City Car Accident
Can I have a serious injury even if I feel fine after a car accident?
Yes. A collision can cause internal injuries without producing an obvious external wound. Blunt abdominal trauma may damage organs such as the liver, spleen, kidneys, pancreas, or bowel. Symptoms can sometimes become more noticeable after the initial shock of the collision has passed.
What symptoms could indicate an internal injury after a car accident?
Possible warning signs include abdominal pain or tenderness, swelling, dizziness, weakness, nausea, vomiting, or fainting. New or worsening symptoms should not be ignored! Seek appropriate medical attention if you have concerns following a collision.
What evidence can help prove an internal organ injury car accident claim?
Useful evidence can include emergency medical records, diagnostic imaging, laboratory results, surgical records, physician notes, photographs, the police crash report, vehicle damage, and witness statements. Your attorney can use this evidence to establish how the collision occurred, connect the diagnosed injury to the crash, and document resulting losses.
When should I contact a car accident lawyer about an internal injury?
Contact a car accident lawyer right away. A collision that results in an internal organ injury may lead to hospitalization, surgery, significant medical expenses, lost income, or continuing treatment. Call (405) 705-5050 to discuss your situation with Maples Harrison Zeaman PLLC.
