Blunt Force Trauma in Car Accidents – Begin Your Injury Lawsuit Claim

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Car Accidents & Blunt Force Trauma Injuries

Blunt force trauma frequently occurs in auto accidents. It is usually due to an impact with the steering wheel or other object within the vehicle and can cause damage to the head, lungs, abdomen and chest. Learn about these car accident injuries and the actions needed in order to pursue a car accident injury lawsuit.

How a Car Accident Lawyer Can Help with Blunt Force Trauma Injuries

You may be entitled to compensation if you or a loved one has been involved in a car accident that resulted in blunt force trauma. An experienced car accident injury lawyer can help you understand your legal rights and options and fight for the compensation you deserve.

If you were injured in an accident caused by another driver’s negligence, you may need to file a car accident injury lawsuit to help pay for common expenses like medical bills, lost income, and pain and suffering. In some cases, punitive damages may also be available. The experienced car accident attorneys at Wilshire Law Firm can help you investigate the accident and gather evidence to support your claim. If necessary, they will work with expert witnesses to build a strong case on your behalf.

We understand the physical, emotional and financial toll an accident with a blunt force trauma injury can take on victims and their families. We are here to help you through this difficult time. Call us today to schedule a free consultation. We will review your case and advise you of your options going forward.

What Is Blunt Force Trauma?

Blunt force trauma is a severe injury that can occur in a car accident. The impact of the collision can cause the body to be thrown around inside the vehicle, resulting in broken bones, internal bleeding and traumatic brain injury. In some cases, blunt force trauma can even be fatal.

While seatbelts and airbags can help to reduce the severity of blunt force trauma, there is no guarantee that they will prevent it from happening altogether. That’s why it’s essential to drive safely and always be aware of the potential for an accident. If you are in a car accident, go to the emergency room or your family doctor as soon as possible, even if you feel fine. Some injuries such as internal bleeding may not immediately be apparent.

Common Blunt Force Trauma Symptoms

Symptoms of blunt force trauma can vary, depending on the severity of the injury. Common symptoms include:

Pain
Bruising
Swelling
Cuts or lacerations
Tenderness or stiffness in the affected area
Difficulty moving the affected limb or joint
Head, nausea and vomiting with traumatic brain injuries
Shortness of breath or change in vital signs with chest trauma

If you experience any of these symptoms after an accident, it’s essential to begin treatment to avoid complications and worsening symptoms.

Symptoms Can Be Delayed for Blunt Force Trauma Injuries

Most people assume that when an object hits the body, there will be blood or other obvious evidence of injury. However, blunt force trauma does not always show immediate signs of trauma. Occasionally, the injured person may not know they’ve been hurt until much later.

If you’ve been in an accident, it’s important to see a doctor as soon as possible. Even if there is no visible evidence of injury, internal bleeding or other serious damage could be present. Don’t wait to get checked out – obtain prompt medical attention.

Blunt Force Trauma to the Abdomen

Bleeding into the abdominal cavity can result from a blunt force trauma to the abdomen. However, many times, the only sign of trauma is a bruise at the impact site, and a patient may be discharged from an emergency room with the admonition to return if problems arise.

The problems in this case are related to a loss of blood. The patient may notice that they feel faint and are paler than usual. If they have a home blood pressure cuff, their BP may be low and their pulse high. This is consistent with a loss of blood and requires an immediate return to the hospital. Without proper treatment, loss of life may occur.

Blunt Force Trauma to the Chest

In many cases, blunt force trauma to the chest does not produce immediate symptoms. However, this does not mean that they are not injured. In addition to bruising, blunt force trauma can cause internal bleeding and other serious injuries. Despite the absence of visible signs of trauma outside the body, blunt force trauma to the chest may cause serious complications, many of which are incompatible with life.

Only a medical professional can adequately assess your condition and determine whether or not you have suffered damage to the chest. Approximately 25 percent of traumatic deaths occur due to chest injuries [1], so seeking medical attention is vital.

A variety of injuries/traumas affecting the thorax are classified according to the location of the involvement: skeletal injuries (ribs, clavicles, sternum); lung injuries (trachea, bronchi, lungs); and heart/large vessel injuries (myocardium, aorta, pulmonary vessels) exist. It is crucial for a person to have an intact chest cage for adequate ventilation to take place.

A blow to the chest can quickly lead to low oxygen and high carbon dioxide levels. A lack of emergency intervention will lead to too much acid in the body fluids and failure of the respiratory system. Seek medical attention if you or someone you know has suffered blunt force trauma to the chest. Regarding chest injuries, waiting even a few hours could mean the difference between life and death.

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Types of Blunt Force Trauma Injuries

Some of them of the most common blunt force trauma injuries are:

Lacerations: An open wound is referred to as a laceration. The torn skin’s innermost layer is the only thing that holds it together.
Bruising: An injured capillary under the skin’s surface ruptures, resulting in bruising.
Fractures: Broken bones are also known as fractures. A fracture is a break in a bone, and some can heal by applying a simple cast. Others require surgical intervention, often using pins or screws to hold it together while the bone heals.
Abrasions: Skin abrasions are caused by the loss of the epidermis.
Internal bleeding: Depending on the severity of the injury and the location, internal hemorrhages can result in life-threatening complications.

Traumatic brain injuries: A blow to the head can result in a concussion or some other form of a TBI. Severe injuries can result in hospitalization and medical intervention.

As a result of these injuries, you may experience severe pain and suffering, as well as long-term disability. If you have suffered a blunt force injury, it is important to seek immediate medical attention. An experienced personal injury attorney can help you recover the compensation you deserve for your injuries.

”The majority of serious traumatic injuries are due to blunt trauma from motor vehicle crashes and pedestrian injuries.”
– National Library of Medicine

Blunt Force Trauma To The Head

A person can suffer a blunt force trauma to the head in many different ways. Car accidents, falls, and assaults are all common causes. The most serious type of blunt force trauma is a closed head injury, which occurs when the head collides with an object, but the brain does not move inside the skull. This can cause bruising, bleeding, and swelling of the brain. Symptoms of a closed head injury may include headache, nausea, vomiting, confusion, and loss of consciousness. If left untreated, a closed head injury can lead to permanent brain damage or death.

Causes of Blunt Force Trauma

There are many potential causes of blunt force trauma, which can occur in any number of situations. Objects can fall on a person or strike them unexpectedly, causing injury. Some of the most common causes of blunt force trauma include:

Car Accidents: Head injuries are the most common type of blunt force trauma from car crashes. Concussions, convulsions, vomiting, headaches and other symptoms can result from head injuries sustained in an accident. Head injuries are a significant cause of death and disability due to motor vehicle accidents.
Falls: Falling is a leading cause of blunt force trauma, especially among elderly adults and young children. A fall can cause serious injuries such as broken bones, internal bleeding and concussion.
Violence: Blunt force trauma can also be caused by violence such as being hit with an object or punched or kicked. This trauma can lead to injuries, including brain damage, internal bleeding and even death.

Blunt Force Trauma in the Workplace

In contrast to car or truck accidents, workplace accidents often result in blunt force trauma because individual workers move slowly, and they lack significant physical protection against external objects. For example, although construction workers are supplied with safety equipment such as reflective gear and helmets, accidents are still common. When heavy machinery is moving and workers are milling about doing their jobs, it only takes one slip to cause a blunt force trauma accident.

Heavy machinery is not the only cause of blunt force trauma. Those working in warehouses, for example, may be injured by falling boxes or products being improperly stored on high shelves. Office workers can trip over wires and land on a desk or other object and end up with blunt force trauma. And all workers can be at risk for falls, whether from slippery floors or cluttered workspaces to carelessness by another employee.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Blunt Force Trauma Injuries

What is the most common injury in blunt force trauma to the chest?

Rib fractures make up 50 percent of blunt force trauma chest injuries according to the National Institute of Health [2]. Rib fractures can be dangerous when they puncture the lungs, leading to respiratory problems. The speed of the collision affects the severity of chest trauma.

What are the most common causes of blunt force trauma?

Car and pedestrian accidents lead the way. However, falls can cause severe trauma and are commonly associated with older people.

What is the incidence of car accident injuries that lead to blunt force trauma?

Motor vehicle accidents represent 70-80 percent of blunt force trauma incidents according to the National Library of Medicine [3]. Motorists who are not wearing a seatbelt account for many chest injuries.

More Resources from Wilshire Law Firm

Start a FREE Car Accident Injury Case Review
What To Do After a Car Accident
Common Car Accident Injuries that may lead to a lawsuit
Traumatic Brain Injury Guide (TBI)
Car Accident Lawsuit Mistakes – What Not To Do
Whiplash Meaning

Call Us 24/7 For a Free Review of Your Important Injury Case

At Wilshire Law Firm, our experienced personal injury attorneys have helped victims of blunt force trauma injuries recover the compensation they deserve for more than 25 years. If you or someone you love has been injured in an accident, we can help. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation. We will review your case and advise you of your legal options. Call us toll-free at (800) 522-7274, or contact us online to get started.