Major Indicators That a Car Accident Victim’s Life is in Danger

Every car crash is serious. After all, we refer to minor crashes as “fender benders,” yet the impact is enough to bend a fender. While not all car accident victims will sustain injuries, many do – and those injuries can be life-threatening. Getting proper care as quickly as possible can be the difference between healing and sustaining life-altering injuries. It might also be the difference between life and death.

According to Epainassist.com, there are many signs and symptoms that an accident victim has suffered life-threatening injuries. Initial clinical assessments are usually done by emergency personnel in the ambulance or the emergency room.

The six most serious life-threating medical conditions

Emergency doctors look for the following types of injuries:

1. Head injury. This can be caused from a penetrating or blunt trauma. It can cause brain damage and bleeding. Head injuries can cause a concussion, a brain contusion, or a laceration of the brain. Bleeding can cause quadriplegia, paraplegia or hemiplegia. Bleeding inside the brain is called intracerebral bleeding. Bleeding outside the brain is called epidural or subdural bleeding.
2. Neck injury. Neck injuries can be caused by whiplash, falling objects, or slips-and-falls. Doctors look for:
   1. A bulging or herniated disc
   2. Injury to a facet joint
   3. Subluxation of a vertebrae
3. Penetrating chest injury. These injuries post series risks, because internal organs like the heart or lungs can be affected. They fall into four categories:
   1. This chest injury is due to a trapped air pocket outside the lung. The lungs can’t expand which means the patient can’t breathe. If the patient doesn’t get enough oxygen, he/she could die. Doctors need to work to remove the trapped air.
   2. Lung laceration and slash. This causes bleeding inside or outside the lung. Emergency surgery is usually required.
   3. Penetrating wound of heart. A life-threatening condition which, in turn, can cause life-threatening bleeding
   4. Tear or slash of major blood vessels. This can cause life-threatening bleeding
4. Penetrating Abdominal Injury. The dangers of these injuries depend on where the person was injured. Damage to the intestines, stomach, spleen, liver, pancreas, or kidneys can be life-threatening, especially if the bleeding isn’t controlled right away.
5. Fracture of ribs, skull, or extremities. A cracked rib is painful, but it can also pierce internal organs. Skull fractures can lead to permanent brain damage or traumatic brain injuries. A broken bone isn’t always as serious, but it can still cause a lot of trouble for the victim.
6. Dislocation of a major joint. A car or truck accident cause the wrist, shoulder, knee, ankle, or hip joint to become dislocated.

Symptoms of serious or life-threating injuries

Doctors look for the following symptoms when patients are involved in accidents:

• Dizziness
• Memory loss
• Severe pain
• Not able to respond to verbal commands
• Deep confusion
• Blurred vision
• Convulsions or seizures
• Coughing up or vomiting blood

At Cunningham & Mears, our Oklahoma City car accident lawyers understand how devastating the loss of a loved one can be. We work with your team of doctors and independent physicians to get accident survivors the best medical help possible. To schedule a free consultation with an injury attorney from our firm, please call 405-232-1212 or fill out our contact form today.