People often expect to notice car crash injuries immediately. They check themselves and their passengers for broken bones or mobility issues that could indicate spinal cord injuries. They watch for slurred speech or vomiting that could warn of a brain injury.
Unfortunately, people involved in relatively serious crashes involving higher speeds or vehicles of vastly different sizes could sustain significant internal injuries without realizing it. Specifically, the seat belts that saved their lives could have also caused injuries that could worsen without proper medical treatment. Seat belt syndrome, rib fractures and chest injuries are among the internal injuries that people might understandably overlook initially after a car crash.
Internal injuries don’t always heal on their own
Minor internal bleeding, just like minor external lacerations, may resolve without medical intervention. Significant bleeding in the lungs or abdomen could continue for days and put a person at risk of fatal blood loss in some cases. Anyone who notices bruising or inflammation on their torso, chest or abdomen after a crash may need to seek out medical care.
Similarly, people should not try to ignore the pain of a fractured rib or other chest injuries, especially if they work in careers where they perform physical labor. Many blue-collar professionals pride themselves on working through the pain, even after sustaining major injuries.
That attitude could have devastating or even deadly consequences for those with seat belt syndrome or fractured ribs. Continuing to try to lift and perform demanding physical tasks as normal with broken ribs can put people at risk of puncturing their lungs or lacerating other organs, which is one reason why broken ribs have an association with increased mortality risk.
Surgery, rest and stabilization of injuries may all be necessary to prevent the worsening of internal injuries caused by vehicle safety restraints. Seeing a doctor for a diagnosis can help people establish what caused their symptoms. They may then be eligible for compensation from the party at fault for the car crash.
Those with seat belt syndrome, chest injuries or broken ribs may have major medical expenses and lost wages to address. Consulting with an attorney after a diagnosis can help people injured during motor vehicle collisions evaluate insurance coverage or prepare for a lawsuit that could help them recoup their losses.