Blunt trauma from a car accident can cause serious injuries

On Behalf of | Sep 17, 2020 | Firm News

Scenes involving twisted limbs and copious amounts of blood are often what first come to mind when people think of serious injuries. However, some serious injuries may not show any outward signs of trauma, at least not immediately. It is important to keep in mind that just because a person is not bleeding, it does not mean that he or she has not suffered serious injuries.

You may have recently begun to understand this type of scenario after a recent car accident. You suffered blunt trauma in the incident that caused serious injuries but not in the ways you may have expected after a severe crash.

Blunt trauma vs penetrating trauma

When a person suffers injuries that lead to the loss of blood, whether a little or a lot, those injuries often result from penetrating trauma. This type of trauma causes an open wound often by piercing the skin. This type of trauma can result from car accidents as glass, metal, and other sharp objects or abrasive surfaces can tear or puncture the skin.

Blunt trauma typically does not result in an open wound, and some also refer to this type of trauma as non-penetrating. Still, even if no blood loss occurs, blunt trauma can cause serious internal injuries. Blunt trauma commonly results from car accidents as the sudden stopping of the vehicle can forcefully throw a body against a door, steering wheel, dashboard or even the seat belt.

Outward signs of blunt trauma

Though penetrating trauma typically causes more gruesome wounds, blunt trauma can have outward physical signs and some that remain internal. Some of those signs include the following:

  • Bone fractures
  • Bruises
  • Abrasions
  • Damage to internal organs

After your accident, medical personnel likely assessed the type of wound you suffered, its size and possible tissue damage. After arriving at the hospital, you may have undergone various tests and scans to determine whether you suffered a traumatic brain injury from hitting your head or if you had fluid or blood building up in your abdominal cavity.

Seeking compensation

In the event that you did suffer such serious harm, you likely have an extended recovery period ahead of you. If another driver’s negligence or recklessness caused the accident that led to your blunt trauma injuries, you may have reason to seek compensation for medical bills, pain and suffering, lost wages, and other damages permitted under Georgia state law.