The blunt force trauma of a vehicle striking a pedestrian frequently causes internal injuries—damage to organs and internal structures that may not be immediately apparent but can be life-threatening without prompt treatment. Understanding these hidden injuries and their long-term consequences is crucial for both medical care and legal compensation.

Common Internal Injuries in Pedestrian Accidents

Pedestrian collisions cause internal injuries through direct impact, compression, and deceleration forces. Abdominal organ damage is common—the spleen, liver, and kidneys are particularly vulnerable to rupture or laceration. Hollow organs like the intestines and bladder may perforate.

Thoracic injuries include lung contusions, pneumothorax (collapsed lung), and cardiac contusions. Aortic injuries from deceleration forces can cause fatal internal bleeding. Pelvic fractures often accompany internal bleeding and organ damage.

The Hidden Danger of Internal Injuries

Internal injuries may not cause immediate symptoms, making them particularly dangerous. Victims who feel well enough to refuse ambulance transport may deteriorate hours later as internal bleeding progresses. Adrenaline and shock can mask pain and other warning signs.

Symptoms that develop gradually include abdominal pain and distension, dizziness, fainting, rapid heartbeat, shortness of breath, blood in urine, and referred shoulder pain (indicating diaphragm or spleen injury). Any pedestrian accident victim should receive emergency medical evaluation regardless of how they feel initially.

Emergency Treatment and Surgery

Internal injuries often require emergency surgery to stop bleeding and repair damage. Surgeons may need to remove damaged organs (splenectomy, nephrectomy) or resect injured portions of intestine. Blood transfusions replace lost blood volume. Intensive care monitoring follows surgery.

Even with successful treatment, internal injuries can cause lasting complications. Loss of organs affects immune function and metabolism. Intestinal surgery may cause adhesions and chronic digestive problems. Kidney damage may lead to long-term renal impairment.

Diagnosing Internal Injuries

Emergency room evaluation includes CT scans, ultrasound (FAST exam), and blood tests to detect internal injuries. Serial examinations monitor for delayed presentations. Some injuries only become apparent through exploratory surgery.

Complete documentation of diagnostic findings, surgical reports, and complications is essential for personal injury claims. These records establish the severity of injuries that may not be visible externally.

Long-Term Health Consequences

Internal injury survivors often face ongoing health challenges. Splenectomy patients have increased infection susceptibility requiring lifelong precautions and vaccinations. Kidney damage may progress to chronic kidney disease. Liver injuries can cause lasting dysfunction.

Post-traumatic adhesions from abdominal surgery cause chronic pain and may require additional surgeries. Psychological effects including PTSD and anxiety about health are common among trauma survivors.

Compensation for Internal Injuries

Internal injury damages include substantial medical expenses for emergency care, surgery, ICU stays, and follow-up treatment. Future medical costs for monitoring, treatment of complications, and management of chronic conditions must be projected.

Lost wages during extended recovery and potential permanent work restrictions contribute to damages. Pain and suffering, both from the acute trauma and chronic symptoms, justifies significant non-economic compensation. The invisible nature of internal injuries should not diminish their value.

If you suffered internal injuries in a pedestrian accident, follow all medical recommendations and consult with an attorney to ensure the full scope of your injuries—including future complications—is reflected in your claim.