Bruising After A Car Accident
New Orleans attorney John S. Williams fights for the injured
Car accidents can leave people with a wide range of injuries. Many of these injuries require extensive medical treatment and make it difficult for victims to work or take part in their usual activities. Many people who are in a car crash come away with bruises, also known as contusions. While some bruises are symptoms of minor injuries, others are far more serious.
The Law Offices of John S. Williams, LLC fights for the injured in New Orleans. After a crash on I-10, Canal Boulevard or another road in the city, you may have been treated at East Jefferson General Hospital or another local medical center. Attorney Williams knows many people aren’t sure what to do next after being hurt in a crash and is ready to help.
What causes bruising?
During a crash, blood vessels just under the skin can be broken. This causes bleeding beneath the skin’s surface, which can show up as a black-and-blue mark, or even dark red or purple. Your body repairs the broken vessels and reabsorbs the blood, and eventually the mark disappears.
Minor bruises can heal within a few weeks. But a broken blood vessel can also lead to a hematoma, a large collection of blood under the skin or in muscle. It’s important to be examined by a doctor after an accident. A bruise or a hematoma after a car accident can appear in different parts of the body and need to be treated as soon as possible.
Internal bruising
Most of us think of bruises as something we can see on the skin. But bruises can also appear deeper inside the body. Blood vessels can be damaged in the legs and back muscles. If a person is struck in the abdomen during a crash, there can be damage to internal organs such as the spleen, liver or kidneys. Internal tissue can also be damaged.
People who suffer internal bruising may experience symptoms such as pain, tenderness, limited range of motion in the arms or legs, or blood in the urine. There may be some bruising under the skin visible. A hematoma can also develop around the injured area.
Brain bruising
During a crash, a person’s head can strike the windshield or other object or be shaken backward and forward with great force. This can result in a brain bleed or skull fracture. Some people suffer a “coup-contrecoup” injury. The brain is injured in two places – one from being thrown against one side of the skull, and another when it strikes the other side.
A hematoma can develop between the skull and one of the protective membranes of the brain – the pia mater, the arachnoid mater and the dura mater. Or there can be an intracerebral hematoma inside the brain. Symptoms may include headache, drowsiness, confusion, slurred speech and difficulties with movement.
Bone bruising
Many car accidents can result in broken bones. These cause a lot of damage to tissues within the bone and are visible on an X-ray. But sometimes there is a microfracture in a bone. This may not be visible on an X-ray, but it can still cause damage to tissue. A bone bruise can occur in one of the three layers of the bone – the periosteum, compact bone and spongy bone.
A bone bruise can be very painful. Other symptoms can include swelling, visible bruising and stiffness. Without proper medical treatment, there can be permanent damage.
Chest bruising
During a crash, a driver or passenger can suffer a forceful blow to the chest. This can result in a bruise in the area of the heart, lung, liver, rib or sternum. An injury can also occur from chest compressions while CPR is being performed. X-rays, CT scans and other imaging tests are often needed to determine which part of the body is injured.
Symptoms may include pain, difficulty breathing, increased heart rate, low blood pressure and weakness. These injuries can be very serious and may require surgery.
Some injuries are caused by devices that are designed to protect people in a crash. For example, there can be seat belt bruises to the chest from the belt snapping against the torso, especially if a person is thrown forward or to the side. There can be bruises from airbags in the chest, face and other areas of the body.
An experienced New Orleans attorney can help you get justice
You may have many questions after a car accident. How long does bruising from a seatbelt last? How long does it take to heal from an airbag injury? What if I suffered a hematoma after a car accident? Should I be concerned about a bruised abdomen? Can I sue to recover financial compensation for my injuries?
That’s why it’s important to talk to an experienced car accident lawyer in New Orleans. People in the area know that attorney Williams is a person they can trust, one who treats his clients like family. They know he will fight for what’s right, what’s fair and what’s just.
Attorney Williams takes all your injuries seriously, whether it’s a bruised leg from an airbag, a hematoma from a seat belt or other seat belt injury, an abdominal hematoma or delayed bruising after a car accident. He carefully reviews medical records and talks to you so he can understand how your injuries have impacted your life.
Our firm investigates your car accident to get the facts. Attorney Williams knows where to look for evidence that the other driver was acting negligently. He builds strong cases that force insurance companies to take you seriously. And he fights for the financial compensation you deserve, whether that’s through a negotiated settlement or a jury verdict.
If you’ve been hurt in a car accident, you need trusted legal advice. Contact us to schedule a free consultation.