Were you involved in a minor car accident but didn’t need to be seen at the emergency room? Chances are an EMT who evaluated you at the scene did not feel it was necessary to transport you to the hospital by ambulance. Even if you did not require emergency care, you may have sustained an internal injury that is not immediately evident but can be dangerous.

Internal injuries from car accidents can occur in a minor crash. You should seek medical attention within hours or days of the accident, regardless of whether you think you need it, so that a medical provider can assess you for internal injuries. If you were injured, call a car accident injuries attorney at Rizk Law. Our Portland-based lawyers have experience handling personal injury cases involving internal injury claims.

A Run-down of Internal Injuries After a Car Accident

What are internal injuries? These are damage to your organs, tissue, or other internal structures in your body that are not externally visible. If your vehicle was struck in an accident, your body may have hit the steering wheel, door, or another part of your car. Although you may not see any immediate damage, you could have suffered an internal injury.

Some common types of internal injuries sustained in car accidents include:

  • Internal bleeding
  • Organ damage to the spleen, liver, or kidneys
  • Fractured ribs
  • Spinal cord injuries

After an accident, monitoring your health for any emerging symptoms is essential. After an accident, you may be in shock and not feel any symptoms. However, symptoms of internal injuries may start to appear within hours or days of the crash. By watching for any warning signs of internal injuries — such as nausea, persistent pain after a car accident, or dizziness — you may prevent further injury or worsening of a condition by seeking treatment upon their discovery.

Warning Signs and Symptoms of Internal Injuries

Many accident victims report feeling cold after a car accident, which is a sign of shock. It can mask injuries, which, if untreated, can further harm you or even be fatal. Accordingly, it is critical to remain vigilant and aware of any signs or symptoms of internal injuries.

Some common warnings of internal injuries after a car accident include:

  • Abdominal pain or tenderness
  • Dizziness, lightheadedness, or cold sweats
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Chest pain
  • Excessive bruising
  • Changes in bowel habits

Steps to Take Immediately After an Accident

In the aftermath of an accident, you may be confused about the next steps. By doing the following, you can help lay the groundwork for a successful accident claim:

  • Gather Evidence – If you are physically able, take pictures at the accident scene. Be sure to capture the exact location of the accident, any debris from the wreck, and any visible injuries you suffered. You should also exchange insurance information with the driver. If there are any eyewitnesses to the accident, document their contact information and record their observations.
  • Get Medical Care – After the accident, go to a doctor, emergency department, or urgent care facility since serious injuries can take hours or days to manifest. Tell the provider you were in an accident so they will note it in your medical records.
  • Contact Your Insurance Company – Report the collision to your insurance company and be sure to cooperate with their investigation of the accident. Advise them that you are seeking legal representation. Once you retain an attorney, they can assist you with all communications and negotiations with the insurance company.
  • Create a File – Keep all your medical records and bills in a file alongside the photographs you took of the scene. Obtain a copy of the police accident report for your file. This documentation will be helpful for your attorney as they start their investigation.
  • Call a Portland Car Accident Attorney – Get in touch with an attorney as soon as possible after the accident. The sooner you retain a lawyer to represent you, the sooner they can start building your case and pursuing the compensation you deserve.

It is Important to Seek Medical Attention After a Car Accident

Regardless of whether any initial symptoms are present, seeking medical attention after a car accident may save your life. Delaying treatment can cause further injury or worsen a condition that may have been easily treated if caught sooner.

Although signs and symptoms of internal injuries may not be immediately present or evident to you, a doctor can diagnose such injuries through tests, including X-rays, CT scans, and ultrasounds.

By seeing a medical provider shortly after an accident, you can best protect your health and strengthen your potential legal claims by ensuring your medical care and treatment after the accident are properly documented in your medical records.

How a Car Accident Injuries Attorney Can Help

An Oregon car accident injuries lawyer from Rizk Law can assist in all aspects of your case by:

  • Investigating the cause of the accident
  • Gathering evidence to support your claim
  • Communicating with insurance companies
  • Negotiating fair compensation for your injuries, including money for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering

Through skilled legal advocacy, you can rest assured we will seek the best possible outcome for your case. We will develop a strong case by obtaining the necessary evidence through a thorough investigation. Our attorneys understand the tactics insurance companies use to pay accident victims minimum settlements and will work hard to obtain the full and fair compensation you deserve.

With an Oregon car accident injuries lawyer from Rizk Law on your side, you can be confident you are in good hands.

Schedule a Free Consultation with a Portland Car Accident Lawyer

With a Portland car accident lawyer on your side, you can focus on recovering from your injuries while we protect your legal rights. The value of having a local lawyer with experience handling internal injuries cannot be overstated. We will work hard to pursue the compensation you deserve.

If you were injured in a car accident that was not your fault, contact a personal injury attorney at Rizk Law for a free, no-obligation consultation.