What Happens To Your Organs During a Crash?

Car accidents—even minor ones—can cause serious injuries, some of which involve lifelong complications. When a car is forced to a sudden stop during a collision, the impact forces on the occupants can be tremendous. Occupants can be thrown into the doors, the dash, the front seats, or even out of the vehicle.

Even occupants wearing a seat belt can be injured as the belt restrains their body. These forms of blunt force trauma can cause serious damage to the body, including internal organs. Here’s a brief overview of what happens to your organs during a crash.

Impact Injuries Can Damage Internal Organs

Internal organs are some of the most important structures in the human body, responsible for the functioning of countless bodily processes necessary for survival. Unfortunately, in the event of a car accident, these vital organs are not immune to injury. The force produced by a collision can cause impact injuries that strain and damage the internal organs, leading to internal bleeding and other life-threatening complications.

Also, sharp objects like broken glass, metal, or projectiles can easily slice through tissue and penetrate internal organs. These penetrating injuries can be even more dangerous, increasing the risk of infection and further tissue damage. It is crucial to understand the risks associated with internal organ injuries and take the necessary precautions to protect yourself in the event of a collision.

Organs That Are Vulnerable in Crashes

While all parts of the body, including internal organs, are vulnerable to impact injuries due to a car accident, there are some that are more at risk than others. Here are the three most commonly damaged organs in car crashes:

Thanks to its location in the abdomen—below the left rib cage and near the stomach—the spleen is a commonly-injured organ in car accidents. If a vehicle occupant suffers an impact injury to the abdomen, it can perforate or rupture the spleen and cause internal bleeding. Depending on the extent of the damage, the spleen may have to be removed. Luckily, a person can live without their spleen, but it does compromise the immune system.

The liver is the body’s largest organ, and it performs critical functions necessary for blood clotting, digestion, metabolization, and more. Strong impacts to the upper right abdomen can cause liver damage. Most liver damage can be treated non-invasively, but some require surgery.

These two bean-shaped organs filter blood to produce urine and waste. Their location on each side of the spine makes them vulnerable when someone experiences a mid-to-low back injury in a car crash, especially a rear-end collision. While treatment depends on the severity of the injury, it’s important to remember that kidney damage is sometimes not apparent right away, and life-threatening delayed bleeding can occur. It’s important to seek medical attention immediately after a car accident to ensure there are no underlying symptoms that indicate kidney damage or damage to other internal organs.

Get a Medical Evaluation After a Car Accident

Even if you think your car accident was minor, it’s important to understand that injuries can still happen. In fact, some injuries may not present symptoms immediately, making it even more imperative to seek medical attention as soon as possible.

Even seemingly small bumps can cause serious internal damage, such as whiplash, concussions, or herniated discs. If left untreated, these injuries can lead to chronic pain and even permanent disability. Protect your health and your future by scheduling your medical evaluation with the caring medical team at Impact Medical Group of Brandon today. Call now at (813) 522-8855!