Intra-Abdominal Hemorrhage After Rideshare Collision

A rideshare trip is meant to be convenient, but accidents can have unexpectedly serious consequences. Intra-abdominal hemorrhage, which is bleeding inside the abdominal cavity, is one of the most devastating injuries that can occasionally go unnoticed.

Due to the severity of possible damage, it’s important to understand its seriousness, why an intra-abdominal hemorrhage might be considered a catastrophic injury, and how a lawyer can help.

What is an intra-abdominal hemorrhage?

Intra-abdominal hemorrhage happens when organs such as the liver, spleen, or intestines are damaged and consequently start bleeding. Blood can pool in the abdominal cavity and potentially cause life-threatening complications.

Since internal bleeding may not show obvious external symptoms, victims can initially feel only mild discomfort, nausea, or dizziness. But if left untreated, it can lead to shock, organ failure, or death. Medical studies note that internal injuries from blunt trauma, including vehicle collisions, can become critical within hours. Imaging tests, such as CT scans or ultrasounds, are usually required to detect and evaluate the extent of the injury.

How can rideshare drivers be at fault?

Even minor collisions can cause significant damage. For example:

• Slamming on the brakes or running into a structure. The upper body may be pressed against the seat belt or interior surfaces, sending excessive force to internal organs.
• Cabin intrusion or failure of seat restraints. In some cases, the structure of the car or the car’s seatbelts might cause blunt trauma.
• Delayed symptoms. Abdominal pain, swelling, or lightheadedness may appear hours later, masking the severity of the injury.

Because internal bleeding can progress quickly, anyone involved in a rideshare crash should seek prompt medical evaluation, even if the person feels fine or if injuries don’t seem like a big deal.

Why is an intra-abdominal hemorrhage a catastrophic injury?

A catastrophic injury generally results in permanent disability, long-term impairment, or life-altering consequences. Intra-abdominal hemorrhage often falls into this category for a number of reasons, including:

• Life-threatening medical intervention. Surgery, blood transfusions, and intensive care are often required.
• Long-term health impact. Some survivors have to live with reduced organ function, chronic pain, or ongoing medical monitoring.
• Financial burden. Medical costs, rehabilitation, therapy, lost wages, and future care needs can often be substantial.
• Emotional and lifestyle effects. Sudden, severe internal injuries can cause trauma, anxiety, depression, and long-term lifestyle changes.

Because these injuries can be severe and life-altering, they’re often described as catastrophic injuries, which can significantly increase the damages at issue.

Legal issues in a rideshare collision

When a catastrophic injury occurs in a rideshare accident, the legal process can feel complicated.

Establishing liability

When seeking compensation due to an intra-abdominal hemorrhage after a rideshare collision, it’s important to identify everyone who may be involved. Sometimes, liability can fall on more than one person or entity. For example, consider asking the following questions:

• Was the rideshare driver negligent? Were they speeding, distracted, or impaired?
• Did the rideshare company’s policies, insurance obligations, or direct negligence play a role?
• Were other motorists, manufacturers, or road conditions contributing factors to the accident?
• Did seatbelts, airbags, and other restraint systems function properly?
• Was the car in rideshare mode?

Proving the injury and long-term impact

To support your claim for a catastrophic injury, you need evidence. Medical records, such as hospital and surgical reports, imaging, lab results, and rehabilitation records, can document the severity of an injury. Expert testimony can establish the causal link between the accident and the long-term impairment and detail lost earnings and future medical costs.

Calculating damages in Illinois

In Illinois, victims may seek two types of damages: economic damages (such as medical bills, lost wages, and future care) and non-economic damages (such as pain and suffering and loss of enjoyment). Plaintiffs may seek economic and non-economic damages, but any award can be reduced by the plaintiff’s percentage of fault, and recovery is barred if the plaintiff’s fault is more than 50%.

If the victim is 50% or less responsible, they may be able to seek monetary compensation. The victim must generally file a lawsuit within two years of the date of the accident, although, in limited circumstances, the deadline may run from when the injury was reasonably discoverable.

Special considerations in rideshare accidents

Rideshare collisions involve unique challenges that aren’t posed by accidents between two private vehicles. For example, considerations include:

• Which insurance policy applies (personal auto vs. commercial rideshare coverage)
• Managing multiple parties with overlapping or insufficient insurance limits
• Assessing coverage based on whether the driver was en route to a pickup, transporting passengers, or off-duty

Understanding the nuances is fundamental to achieving full recovery in catastrophic injury claims.

Important steps to take after a rideshare accident

Knowing what to do after a rideshare collision can help protect both your health and your potential compensation.

1. Seek immediate medical attention. Internal bleeding can get worse quickly. Seek medical attention as soon as possible.
2. Document everything. Maintain crash reports, app data, photos, videos, witness contacts, medical records, and relevant bills.
3. Avoid making statements to insurance companies. In an attempt to limit or deny claims, some insurers are known to use initial statements against victims.
4. Consult an experienced catastrophic injury lawyer. A lawyer can help make sure your rights are protected and that evidence is preserved.
5. Act quickly to avoid missing deadlines. Considering Illinois’ two-year statute of limitations, it’s important to collect evidence and start legal proceedings right away.

Why work with a law firm experienced in rideshare accident cases

Claims involving internal injuries from rideshare collisions are both complicated and high-stakes. Lawyers should be able to:

• Understand the medical implications of internal organ damage
• Know how to quantify future care and lost earning potential
• Explain the intricacies of rideshare liability and insurance coverage
• Work with medical and economic experts to strengthen your claim

At Gainsberg Injury and Accident Lawyers, we have extensive experience handling catastrophic personal injury lawsuits, such as those involving rideshare accidents. Our team looks into the full scope of damages and supports clients through every step of the legal process.

Internal bleeding after a rideshare accident is a serious and potentially life-threatening injury. Schedule a consultation so we can help evaluate your claim, safeguard evidence, and guide you through the process of pursuing damages for your catastrophic injuries.