Victims who suffer internal organ injuries from a car accident may face health complications that last a lifetime. If you are recovering from crash-related internal injuries in Maryland, consulting an experienced personal injury lawyer is crucial to understanding your rights and how to seek financial compensation. A successful car accident case can provide money to cover not only past medical bills but also future medical expenses related to ongoing treatment for long-term health problems.
The proven car accident lawyers at Trollinger Law LLC have years of experience fighting for Maryland accident victims. With millions recovered for the wrongfully injured, our award-winning legal team is committed to holding negligent drivers and other at-fault parties accountable when their actions hurt others. Contact us today for a free consultation.
How Do Violent Crash Forces Cause Internal Injuries?
In a car crash, the human body is subjected to severe forces upon impact. Even with seatbelts, airbags, crumple zones, and other modern vehicle safety features, vehicle occupants can cause severe internal bleeding when collisions occur.
The three main types of internal organ injuries caused by auto accidents include:
- Blunt trauma ā Caused by the body impacting a solid surface, such as the steering wheel, dashboard, or seatbelt
- Deceleration injuries ā Result from the body stopping suddenly while the internal organs continue moving, causing them to collide or tear
- Penetration injuries ā Happen when sharp objects, like shattered glass and metal, pierce the body cavity, causing internal bleeding and organ ruptures
Symptoms of internal injuries may not arise for hours after a crash. However, a delayed diagnosis could have severe health consequences. For example, a traumatic brain injury can cause severe bleeding that could cause widespread and catastrophic damage without prompt treatment. For this reason, itās essential to consult medical professionals after an accident, even if you feel fine.
Common Types of Organ Damage in Car Accidents
Some of the most common internal injuries after a car accident include:
- Internal bleeding ā Crush injuries or tears from the impact of a collision can cause massive blood loss.
- Collapsed lungs ā Broken ribs can puncture the lungs, causing difficulty breathing and other medical complications that require immediate medical treatment.
- Ruptured liver ā The liverās size and location within the abdomen make it prone to damage in car crashes, including tears and ruptures that cause internal bleeding.
- Ruptured spleen ā The spleen helps the body fight infection and filters the blood. A forceful blow to the stomach can cause the spleen to rupture, which is a medical emergency.
- Kidney damage ā Due to their position in the body, side-impact collisions pose a particular risk to the kidneys. Damaged kidneys may not function properly, which can prevent the body from expelling waste effectively.
- Abdominal trauma and intestinal perforations āThe force of a car accident may cause the stomach or intestines to tear or become punctured, causing dangerous infections as their contents spill into other parts of the body.
The Critical Danger of Delayed Symptoms
Because symptoms of internal injuries may not appear right away, severe damage can go undetected and lead to life-threatening conditions.
Warning signs to watch for after a collision include:
- Low blood pressure
- Chest pain
- Shoulder pain
- Severe or worsening abdominal pain
- Dizziness or confusion
- Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
- Nausea and vomiting
- Blood in your urine or stool
- Swelling and tenderness of the torso
- Double vision
- Memory problems
- Loss of consciousness
Seek medical attention as soon as symptoms emerge. Internal organ injuries can worsen over time, making prompt medical intervention critical for mitigating lasting repercussions.
Long-Term Consequences of Internal Organ Injuries
Sustaining an internal organ injury in a car accident can have life-changing consequences. Injured victims often face long-term treatment and may experience lifelong complications from a permanent injury, including:
- Chronic pain caused by nerve damage
- Reduced mobility
- Removed or impaired organ function
- Respiratory issues caused by lung damage
- Digestive problems related to stomach or intestinal trauma
- Increased risk of infection
- Impaired cognition
- Memory problems
- Psychological injuries, like depression and PTSD
- Lifestyle changes, including the inability to work or participate in recreational activities you enjoyed
An experienced car accident lawyer will consider the long-term impact of your internal organ injuries when calculating a fair value for your Maryland car accident claim.
Recovering Compensation for Your Internal Organ Injuries
If another driver caused your internal organ injuries, you can pursue compensation through an auto accident claim against their insurance company. In Maryland, all drivers must purchase at least the following liability insurance coverage:
- $30,000 per person for bodily injury
- $60,000 per accident for bodily injury
- $15,000 per accident for property damage
Unfortunately, if the at-fault driver only has the minimum required liability insurance or there are multiple accident victims, their insurance policy may not cover all of your damages. If this is the case, your attorney may be able to help you identify other avenues for pursuing the compensation you need. Other drivers, vehicle manufacturers, or government entities could share liability for an accident, and you can file insurance claims or lawsuits against them if so.
Why You Need a Lawyer for a Complex Injury Claim
Obtaining fair compensation in a complex injury claim can be challenging without legal assistance. Car accident cases involving internal organ damage often result in health complications and high medical costs. Whenever a case has a high payout potential, insurers are more likely to look for ways to reduce their financial responsibility. Thatās why you should always rely on a knowledgeable attorney to handle your case while you focus on recovering.
Contact Our Maryland Car Accident Lawyers
After a serious motor vehicle accident, you need serious legal counsel to pursue the compensation you deserve. Reach out to Trollinger Law LLC. Our experienced car accident attorneys provide hard-hitting legal representation to injured individuals throughout Southern Maryland and Washington, D.C. We use proven trial strategies to pursue maximum results and never charge an attorney fee unless we win your case.
Our highest compliments come from satisfied clients and their testimonials. Take the words of DeāAngelo King, who writes:
āI just want to say thank you Matt and your team for everything theyāve done for me over the past couple of months. Everyone at Trollinger Law was friendly, helpful, and transparent. The Trollinger Law team left no question unanswered, and made sure I received everything I was entitled to. I greatly appreciate all you, and if you need a law firm for your accident. This is the one!ā
Our car accident attorneys are standing by to assist you. Call or contact us now for a free initial consultation.