In New York, the injuries people suffer in car accidents can range from minor cuts and bruises to more serious life-threatening injuries. Among these injuries, internal injuries are among the deadliest, not only for their severity but also because of the lack of immediately noticeable symptoms. In the decades we have represented New Yorkers as their car accident lawyer in the Bronx, the team at Gabriel Law has seen how internal injuries have impacted the insurance and legal processes of NYC car accident cases. That being the case, our goal is to explain what any car accident victim should know about internal injuries.
What are the most common internal injuries seen in NYC car accidents?
Internal injuries are the damages that are sustained by the body’s internal structure, such as tissue, organs, and blood vessels. These are the most common types of internal injuries seen in NYC car accidents:
- Internal bleeding
- Pneumothorax (collapsed lung)
- Damage to the spleen or liver
- Abdominal trauma
- Rib or pelvic fractures.
These injuries can be caused by all manner of car accidents where the body experiences significant trauma.
What are the signs of an internal injury?
What makes internal injuries extremely dangerous is that there may be no signs of injuries from the outside. While the symptoms can differ from person to person, the signs that appear over time that can point to internal injuries are as follows:
- Shortness of breath
- Unexpected dizziness and fainting
- Confusion
- Loss of balance
- Bruising across the body
- Persistent or worsening pain
If you experience one or more of these symptoms after an accident, get yourself to a doctor right away. Even minor accidents have the potential to cause internal injuries.
What should you do if you suspect an internal injury?
If you suspect an internal injury, you must go seek immediate medical attention. Delaying will not only put your health at risk but also make claiming compensation more complicated. Follow the doctor’s instructions and stay clear from any strenuous activity that might worsen the pain.
At the same time, keep records of all your medical tests and prescriptions. A car accident lawyer in Queens can use them as medical evidence when presenting your claim for compensation to insurance or in a lawsuit.
Are Internal Injuries “Serious Injuries” under New York Law?
Yes, internal injuries, especially those that cause significant or permanent damage to organs and bodily functions, classify as ‘serious injuries.’ They are also classified as serious injuries if you can show that the internal injury prevented you from performing your daily tasks for 90 days from the first 180 days after the accident, the so-called ‘90/180 day rule.’
This classification is important because a person can only file a personal injury lawsuit to claim for non-economic damages if they can show that the injuries they have suffered surpass New York’s “serious injury” threshold or that the economic damages they have suffered exceed $50,000.
Conclusion
Internal injuries are some of the most serious injuries a person can suffer in a car accident, and recovery can take some time. In the meantime, if you’re looking for a personal injury law firm in NYC to help you take care of your insurance and legal matters, then have no fear because Gabriel Law is here to help. We’ve helped thousands of New Yorkers as their car accident lawyer in NYC, fighting for their rights and securing compensation. Call us, schedule your free consultation, and focus on your recovery. We will take care of the rest.