Internal bleeding from a car accident is a serious injury. If you experience internal bleeding, you may be eligible to receive compensation, including medical expenses, pain and suffering, and more.

Our experienced Greenville car accident lawyer at Bobby Jones Law represents car accident victims in Greenville, SC. Here are the warning signs you shouldn’t overlook, plus information about treatment and your legal rights.

Internal Bleeding and Car Accidents

Internal bleeding occurs when broken blood vessels spill blood into body cavities. The blood doesn’t reach the outside surface through a wound. Instead, blood collects within the body.

A car accident injury can result in internal bleeding. Strong forces may damage blood vessels without puncturing skin. In addition, broken bones can damage soft tissue.

Why Internal Bleeding After a Car Accident Is Often Missed

There are several reasons that internal bleeding from a car accident can be overlooked:

Invisible. Bleeding can occur without any outward, visible signs.
Masked symptoms. The adrenaline and stress of a car accident can mask initial symptoms.
Slow development. Internal bleeding can start slowly, so it may be missed during an initial evaluation.
Rushed care. Busy emergency rooms can lead to rushed evaluations.
Delayed symptoms. Internal bleeding doesn’t always cause symptoms immediately.
Misinterpreted results. A misinterpreted scan can mean missing or downplaying symptoms of internal bleeding.

Bleeding after a car accident can be missed simply because it’s unexpected. Additionally, a person may be more prone to internal bleeding because of a medical condition or predisposition.

Conditions that may make a person more susceptible to internal bleeding are:

Medication. Blood thinners can increase the risk of bleeding.
Clotting disorders. This makes it harder for the body to stop bleeding.
Weak blood vessels. This may result from high blood pressure, which could cause an aneurysm.
Gastrointestinal issues. Ulcers, infection, or inflammation can weaken the digestive system.
Recent surgery. Incomplete healing may make the body more vulnerable.

Care providers may not recognize or screen for these warning signs.

Warning Signs of Internal Bleeding You Should Never Ignore

Warning signs of internal bleeding from a car accident that you should never ignore include:

Bruising, skin discoloration
Pale, cold, clammy skin
Confusion, fainting
Weakness
Pain
Swelling
Vital sign abnormalities
Coughing up blood
Blood in stool

Internal bleeding can occur in multiple body parts and systems, including the brain, chest and lungs, abdomen, muscles, major blood vessels, and joints.

The severity of the car accident itself is worth considering. If the accident occurred at significant speeds with strong forces, be mindful of the possibility of internal bleeding.

How Long After a Car Accident Can Internal Bleeding Occur?

Internal bleeding from a car accident can occur immediately, or it may occur days or weeks after the accident. Bleeding can result from swelling or complications that develop over time. A person may suffer additional trauma that causes bleeding. Untreated injuries can continue to get worse until bleeding starts.

Timely diagnosis and treatment may be critical to your well-being.

How Is Internal Bleeding Diagnosed and Treated?

Internal bleeding is diagnosed in several ways, including:

Scans. CT scans, MRIs, X-rays, and ultrasounds.
Procedure. An endoscopy or a colonoscopy can provide imaging of the intestines.
Angiography. Using a contrasting dye to see blood vessels.
Blood tests. Tests of red blood cell levels.
Oxygen levels. Internal bleeding may cause low oxygen levels.
Observations. Discoloration of the skin may be visible by observation.

Treatment for internal bleeding focuses on stabilizing the patient and stopping the bleeding. Patient stabilization may require IV fluids and a blood transfusion to prevent shock. Bleeding may be stopped with internal cauterization of blood vessels or clamping at the spot of the bleed. More invasive surgery may be required in severe cases. Medication can help promote blood clotting and natural healing.

Can Internal Bleeding from a Car Accident Be Fatal?

Yes. Internal bleeding can cause shock and organ failure, leading to death. Blood loss can cause death in as little as five minutes. One in six trauma deaths results from uncontrolled bleeding.

Who Is Liable for Your Internal Bleeding Injuries in SC?

If you have internal bleeding from a car accident, the party responsible for the car accident may be liable for your injuries. Usually, it’s another driver who commits a traffic violation. There may be other parties responsible, such as a vehicle manufacturer, a company that provides a company vehicle, or a government entity responsible for road conditions. Liability is based on negligence, or a lack of reasonable safety in the circumstances.

To receive compensation, injuries must be the result of the accident.

More from Bobby Jones Law: South Carolina Car Accident Laws.

How Much Is an Internal Bleeding Car Accident Claim Worth?

An internal bleeding car accident claim is worth the value of financial losses plus pain and suffering. You may claim a variety of damages, such as diagnostic costs, procedures to stabilize the patient, medical supplies, rehabilitation expenses, and hospital costs. You may claim compensation for lost work, incidental expenses, and property damage. In addition, you may claim for personal losses and suffering, which reflect the pain and agony that you have endured because of the accident and its impact on your life.

In addition, other factors like the clarity of fault and the ability to collect a judgment can impact the amount of compensation that you receive.

Bobby Jones Law is a Greenville, SC, car accident attorney. We can give you a personalized consultation about how much your internal bleeding car accident claim may be worth.

What to Do If You Suspect Internal Bleeding After a Greenville Car Accident

If you suspect internal bleeding after a Greenville car accident, go to the nearest emergency room. There are several emergency departments in the Greenville, SC area, including Prisma Health, Bon Secours, Pelham Medical Center, and AnMed Emergency Department.

Give your medical care providers as much information as possible, including that you have been in a car accident. Tell them about medications you are taking, preexisting conditions, and other information that may help them provide care.

Contact an Experienced Greenville Car Accident Lawyer

If you have suffered internal bleeding from a car accident, get the medical care you need. Then, call Bobby Jones Law. Talk to an experienced Greenville car accident lawyer. See what your case may be worth. Get legal representation today.