One of the most serious but difficult-to-detect car accident injuries are internal injuries. If you have been in a car accident, understanding these injuries, and seeking legal representation from a skilled Jefferson City car accident lawyer, is crucial for your recovery. Grayson & Grayson has the experience to guide you through this difficult time.
How Car Accidents Can Lead to Internal Injuries
The violent forces involved in a car accident can easily cause internal injuries. Some common scenarios include:
- Impact With the Steering Wheel or Dashboard: This can crush or compress internal organs in the chest and abdomen.
- Seatbelt Injuries: While seatbelts save lives, they can also cause bruising or more severe internal damage if worn improperly.
- Side-Impact Collisions: These crashes often cause serious damage to internal organs on the impacted side.
- Ejection From the Vehicle: If you are thrown from the vehicle, the risk of severe internal injury is greatly increased.
Types of Internal Injuries in Car Accidents
Internal injuries occur when blunt force trauma or penetrating objects damage organs, tissues, or blood vessels inside the body. These injuries are often not immediately visible, making them harder to diagnose and treat. Common types of internal injuries from car accidents include:
- Internal Bleeding: Can occur in organs like the liver, spleen, or kidneys.
- Ruptured Organs: The impact of a crash can cause organs to tear or burst.
- Damage to Blood Vessels: May lead to blood clots or life-threatening blood loss.
- Damage to the Lungs: Car accidents can cause punctured lungs or collapsed lungs.
Determining Recoverable Damages for Internal Injuries
Missouri follows a fault-based insurance system. This means you can seek compensation from the at-fault driver’s insurance company for damages resulting from the accident, including those caused by internal injuries. To establish your right to compensation, you will need to prove:
- Negligence: The other driver acted negligently, such as by speeding, texting while driving, or driving under the influence.
- Duty: a legal obligation that is owed or due to another
- Causation: The driver’s negligence directly caused your car accident and the resulting internal injuries.
- Damages: You have suffered real losses due to your internal injuries.
If you can establish liability, you may be entitled to receive compensation for the following damages:
- Medical Expenses: Past, present, and future costs related to diagnosing and treating your internal injuries.
- Lost Wages: Compensation for income lost due to your injuries.
- Pain and Suffering: Physical and emotional suffering caused by the accident.
- Disability: If your injuries lead to long-term or permanent disability.
Take Immediate Legal Action
Internal injuries from car accidents are often complex and require significant resources to build. Our experienced Missouri catastrophic injury lawyers at Grayson & Grayson, will:
- Handle Insurance Companies: Protect you from unfair compensation offers.
- Build a Strong Case: Prove your right to compensation for all your losses.
- Advocate for Your Rights: Stand up for your best interests and get you fair compensation.
If you have suffered internal injuries due to a car accident in Jefferson City, do not delay. Our seasoned lawyers at Grayson & Grayson will fight for your rights. Contact us today for a free consultation.