It is normal to get bruises or contusions after a car accident. We might even feel a sense of relief after sustaining bruises because there appears to be no critical damage to our bodies. There are no signs of bleeding or broken bones. Make no mistake about it. A bruise is an injury. It might even suggest internal bleeding or a more severe underlying injury.
In a car accident, there are so many points of impact that it can be impossible to trace just how much damage your body suffered. The seat belt or air bag could have significantly impacted trauma on your chest, neck or head.
A bruise can signify internal bleeding
Bruises appear when blood vessels underneath the skin break. Discoloration occurs because the blood leaks and pools together under the skin instead of through an open wound. Bruising in the chest area can signify an injury to the circulatory system. It might be why we experience palpitations, irregular heartbeats or difficulty breathing. Bruising on other parts of the trunk can indicate organ damage. The car accident may have caused significant damage to vital organs such as the liver or kidneys.
A bruise can signify head trauma
After a forceful impact, we may not even realize we hit our head against the windshield or dashboard. Another object inside the car could have also collided with our skull. A bruise on the head or neck can be a symptom of an intracranial hematoma or brain bleed. It can also be a sign of a skull fracture.
Seeking medical attention immediately after a car accident is imperative, no matter how minor we perceive our damages to be. Do not worry about the medical expenses because you may recover compensation if you pursue a personal injury claim.