Signs of internal organ damage after a car accident
Whether you've been injured in an accident, are dealing with a personal injury claim, or facing another legal issue, Mendez & Sanchez APC is here to fight for you. Contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation.
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Internal organ damage after a car accident can kill you before you feel it. The most dangerous warning signs are abdominal pain or tenderness, swelling or rigidity in the belly, dizziness, rapid heartbeat, and feeling faint or confused. If you have any of these after a crash, go to an emergency room immediately.
Why Internal Injuries Are Easy to Miss
Adrenaline is released during a crash and it masks pain. Many people walk away from a serious accident feeling fine, only to collapse hours or days later from internal bleeding. Internal bleeding does not always show on the outside. There may be no bruising, no cuts, and no broken bones visible. By the time the pain becomes obvious, significant blood loss may have already occurred.
Which Organs Are Most Commonly Injured in Car Accidents
- Spleen. The most commonly ruptured organ in crashes. Bleeds rapidly and requires emergency surgery.
- Liver. Located on the right side. Lacerations cause heavy internal bleeding.
- Kidneys. Often cause blood in the urine, back pain, and flank tenderness.
- Lungs. A punctured lung causes sharp chest pain and shortness of breath.
- Bladder and bowel. Blunt force from a seatbelt or steering wheel can tear these, causing infections and sepsis.
- Aorta. A torn aorta is immediately life-threatening. Sudden severe chest or back pain is a medical emergency.
Symptoms to Watch For in the Hours and Days After a Crash
These symptoms can appear right away or be delayed by 24 to 72 hours:
- Pain, tenderness, or swelling in the abdomen
- A rigid or hard belly
- Nausea or vomiting
- Dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting
- Blood in the urine or stool
- Shoulder pain, which can signal blood pooling near the diaphragm
- Shortness of breath or chest pain
- Rapid or irregular heartbeat
- Pale, clammy skin
- Confusion or difficulty staying alert
Do not wait to see if these symptoms go away on their own. Call 911 or get to an emergency room.
What to Do After a Car Accident to Protect Yourself
First, get medical care. Even if you feel okay, go to an emergency room and tell the doctor you were in a car accident. Ask about imaging like a CT scan. A physical exam alone can miss internal injuries.
Second, document everything. Keep all medical records, bills, and follow-up notes.
Third, speak with a car accident lawyer as soon as possible. California gives you two years to file a personal injury claim, but evidence disappears quickly. The sooner Mendez and Sanchez can begin building your case, the better your chances of recovering the full compensation you are owed.
Why Getting a Lawyer Quickly Matters
Internal organ injuries often result in large medical bills, time off work, and long recoveries. Insurance companies look for reasons to minimize or deny these claims. Mendez and Sanchez is a Los Angeles injury firm focused on car and vehicle accidents. English and Spanish. You talk to an attorney, not a call center. Contact Mendez and Sanchez for a free consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do I have to file a lawsuit if I suffered internal organ damage in a car accident in California?
In California, you generally have two years from the date of the car accident to file a personal injury lawsuit for internal organ damage, under California Code of Civil Procedure Section 335.1. The clock typically starts on the date of the crash, not the date your injury was diagnosed. If your injury was discovered late, the discovery rule may extend your deadline in some cases, but you should not count on it without speaking to an attorney.
What kind of compensation can I realistically recover for a ruptured spleen or liver damage after a car accident in California?
Victims who suffer serious internal organ damage like a ruptured spleen or liver laceration in California car accidents can pursue compensation for medical bills, lost wages, future medical care, and pain and suffering. California does not cap damages in personal injury cases, so your potential compensation reflects the full extent of what you suffered.
My doctor didn't find my internal bleeding until two days after the accident. Can I still sue the at-fault driver?
Yes, a delayed diagnosis does not disqualify you from filing a claim against the at-fault driver in California. Internal organ injuries frequently go undetected in the hours immediately after a crash, and delayed diagnosis is medically well-documented. What matters is that your injury was caused by the accident, not how quickly it was found. Keep all your medical records showing when and how the injury was discovered.
Who is liable if I suffered internal organ damage because my seatbelt failed during a car accident in California?
If a defective seatbelt contributed to your internal organ damage, you may have a product liability claim against the vehicle manufacturer, the seatbelt manufacturer, or the car dealership under California product liability law. You may be able to pursue both a claim against the at-fault driver and a separate product liability claim. An attorney can help identify all parties who may be responsible.
What is the biggest mistake people make after suffering internal organ damage in a car accident?
The most dangerous mistake is delaying medical care because you feel no immediate pain. Adrenaline released during a crash suppresses pain signals, and internal injuries like splenic ruptures or liver lacerations can worsen rapidly and become life-threatening within hours. Go to an emergency room the same day as the crash and specifically ask about imaging to rule out internal bleeding.
Does California have any cap on damages for internal organ damage injuries from car accidents?
For most car accident personal injury claims in California, there is no cap on economic damages like medical bills and lost wages. Non-economic damages such as pain and suffering are also uncapped in personal injury cases. Your potential compensation reflects the full extent of what you suffered.
Can I still recover damages if I was not wearing a seatbelt when I suffered internal organ damage in a car accident in California?
Yes, you can still recover damages in California even if you were not wearing a seatbelt at the time of the accident. California follows a pure comparative fault system, meaning your compensation may be reduced by the percentage of fault assigned to you, but you are not barred from recovering anything. An attorney can help push back if an insurance company tries to use the seatbelt issue to dramatically undervalue your claim.