Some car and truck accident injuries are obvious upon a quick examination. For example, a broken leg is typically easy for you or an emergency responder to identify.
Other times, crash injuries are not so easy to spot without a full medical assessment. Injuries that cause internal bleeding are often life-threatening, but they may go overlooked in an accident scene examination.
What causes internal bleeding?
Collisions between large commercial vehicles and smaller autos pose more risks than those involving only passenger cars. The blunt force applied in truck crashes often causes visible outside injuries and interior damage you cannot see.
Internal injuries bleed just like those on the outside of the body. However, signs of hemorrhaging may take some time to appear, especially if you do not see any blood immediately after the crash.
What are some signs?
If you miss out on a complete medical examination after a car or truck accident, watch out for the signs of internal bleeding. They include:
- Fainting and dizziness
- Sudden vision problems
- Diarrhea, nausea or vomiting
- Chest pain or shortness of breath
- Weakness on only one side of the body
- Severe weakness, headache or abdominal pain
In cases of undetected brain bleeding, victims may also experience tingling in the extremities, loss of balance and speech difficulties.
Say yes to medical treatment
If you do not feel you are hurt, you may want to refuse a complete evaluation after your crash. This is unwise for at least two reasons.
- You won’t get critical early treatment for life-threatening internal injuries.
- Not seeking an immediate assessment might impact your accident claim.
Always get a medical opinion if you are involved in a crash, even if you obtain on-the-scene emergency care. Knowing more about Indiana’s accident and injury compensation laws can strengthen your claim.
