Car accidents can cause a wide range of injuries, but among the most serious and overlooked dangers is internal bleeding. This invisible and potentially deadly condition often goes unnoticed until it becomes a medical emergency.
If you or a loved one suspects you are suffering from internal bleeding from a car accident, it is crucial to seek immediate medical attention. Once your health is stabilized, you may also need to explore your legal options. If another driver was at fault for the crash, you may be able to seek compensation for the costs of your injuries and other losses.
At Greenspan & Greenspan Injury Lawyers, we fight for the full and fair compensation our clients deserve. From dealing with insurance representatives to aggressively negotiating on your behalf, we work to ensure both your immediate needs and your long-term recovery are taken seriously.
What Is Internal Bleeding from a Car Accident?
Internal bleeding is hemorrhaging that occurs inside the body, rather than through an open wound. After a car crash, blunt force trauma or sharp impacts can damage blood vessels or internal organs, causing bleeding that may not be externally visible. Unlike a cut or scrape that you can see and quickly address, internal bleeding is much more difficult to detect. Because internal injuries often do not show obvious symptoms right away, people may assume they are fine until their condition suddenly deteriorates into an emergency.
Common Signs of Internal Bleeding After a Car Accident
Recognizing the signs of internal bleeding from a car accident is crucial. Some symptoms may not appear until hours or even days after the crash. However, when they do appear, they should be addressed immediately. Watch for:
- Deep purple or blue bruising (particularly around the abdomen or sides);
- Dizziness, weakness, or fainting;
- Confusion or difficulty concentrating;
- Nausea or vomiting (especially if blood is present);
- Abdominal pain or swelling;
- Shortness of breath or chest pain;
- Coughing up blood or blood in urine/stool;
- Unusual fatigue or paleness; and
- Loss of consciousness.
These car accident internal bleeding signs can be early warnings of a life-threatening situation. Even if you are unsure, it is always safer to get checked out by a medical professional.
How Internal Injuries Are Diagnosed
If a physician suspects internal bleeding, they will likely order tests, such as:
- CT scans,
- Ultrasounds (especially a FAST scan in trauma cases),
- MRIs, and
- Blood work to check for internal blood loss.
It is important that you disclose the vehicle accident to your physician so they can determine what may be wrong with your body.
Treatment for Internal Bleeding
Treatment for internal bleeding after a car accident depends on the severity of the injury and its location. Minor bleeding might resolve on its own with rest and monitoring. However, severe bleeding may require:
- Emergency surgery,
- Blood transfusions,
- IV fluids and oxygen,
- Intensive care hospitalization, and
- Long-term rehabilitation.
Quick medical intervention is vital. If left untreated, internal bleeding can lead to shock, organ failure, or death.
Internal Injuries from Car Accident Trauma: A Hidden Risk
Across the U.S., in 2022 alone, there were over 2.6 million emergency room visits after motor vehicle accidents. Closer to home, motor vehicle traffic injuries are a leading cause of injury-related death and hospitalization in New York, according to the New York State Department of Health.
Unfortunately, internal injuries are not always diagnosed at the scene. Adrenaline and shock can mask the symptoms of this dangerous condition. Without immediate, visible wounds, first responders may not detect internal trauma, even with a thorough exam. This is why it is so important to continue monitoring your condition even after initial treatment.
New York Laws That May Affect Your Case
New York is a “no-fault” insurance state. This means your personal injury protection insurance (PIP) coverage typically pays for medical expenses and lost earnings up to the policy limit, regardless of who caused the crash. However, sometimes that coverage is not enough. You can step outside the no-fault system and file a personal injury lawsuit if your injuries are deemed “serious” under New York law.
According to New York insurance law, “serious injury” includes:
- Significant disfigurement,
- Bone fracture,
- Permanent limitation of a body part or function,
- Substantial disability lasting 90 of the first 180 days post-accident,
- Dismemberment or loss of a fetus, or
- Death.
Severe internal bleeding from a car accident that results in hospitalization, surgery, or permanent health issues can often qualify as “serious injury” under this threshold. In those cases, you may be able to file a personal injury lawsuit to recover additional financial compensation for the damages caused by the crash.
However, be aware: New York has a three-year statute of limitations for filing a personal injury lawsuit. If you fail to file a claim within this window, your right to compensation may be permanently lost.
How a New York Injury Lawyer Can Help
After a crash, it is not just your health that is at risk: Your financial future can also be threatened. Insurance companies may minimize your injuries, deny treatment coverage, or push for a lowball settlement, which can make it very difficult to get the care you need. At Greenspan & Greenspan Injury Lawyers, we make it our mission to help you navigate the complexities of the claims process and set you up for a smooth recovery. Our advocates can help you:
- Investigate the crash and collect medical documentation,
- Prove the severity of your injuries to insurance companies,
- Negotiate a fair settlement, and
- Take your case to court if needed.
Most importantly, we focus on your physical, emotional, and financial recovery throughout the entire process.
Your Health and Future Matter
Internal injuries are often invisible but incredibly dangerous. If you are experiencing symptoms of internal bleeding from a car accident, do not wait for them to go away on their own. Get the medical attention you need and speak with a qualified attorney about your options.
At Greenspan & Greenspan Injury Lawyers, we understand how confusing and stressful this process can be. We are here not just to fight for you to receive the highest settlement possible but to work to ensure you receive the care, rehabilitation, and support you need for a full recovery. For over 60 years, our team has advocated diligently for injured New Yorkers, and we are ready to help you.
Contact us today for a free consultation and let us fight for your future.
