What Happens When Doctors Miss Internal Bleeding After a Car Crash?

 Posted on February 26, 2026 in Medical Malpractice

A car accident can come with numerous injuries, including broken bones, bruising, cuts, and burns. However, not all injuries are visible at a glance, which is why it’s so important to see a doctor after a crash. When a doctor fails to identify and promptly treat internal bleeding, the victim’s condition can worsen quickly.

No one should have to suffer because a medical professional failed to live up to his or her duty. At Mannarino & Brasfield, A Division of Schwartz Jambois, our Rockford, IL medical malpractice attorneys can take legal action against negligent doctors when a failure to diagnose results in real harm. We bill clients on a contingency fee basis, so you won’t pay unless we help you secure compensation.

What Causes Internal Bleeding in a Car Crash?

Internal bleeding is one of the most dangerous injuries after a car accident. A person may walk away from a crash thinking they are fine, only to collapse hours later.

Blunt force trauma is a common cause. When a vehicle stops suddenly, the body keeps moving. Organs can slam against the rib cage or spine. This impact can tear blood vessels or damage organs like the liver, spleen, or kidneys. High-speed collisions, rollovers, and T-bone crashes increase the risk.

Seat belts save lives, but they can also cause abdominal injuries in severe crashes. Airbags deploy with force and may contribute to internal trauma. Broken ribs can puncture lungs or other organs. Even a fractured pelvis can cause significant internal bleeding.

Sometimes the signs are subtle at first. A person may feel dizzy, weak, or confused. They may have abdominal pain or deep bruising. Low blood pressure and rapid heart rate can follow. Doctors must take these symptoms seriously, especially after a serious collision.

What Happens When Internal Bleeding Goes Untreated?

Untreated internal bleeding can quickly become life-threatening. Blood loss reduces oxygen flow to vital organs. The brain, heart, and kidneys depend on steady blood supply. Without it, they begin to fail.

A patient may go into shock. Signs of shock include pale skin, sweating, confusion, and fainting. As blood loss continues, the heart struggles to pump enough blood. Organ failure may follow. In the worst cases, the patient may die.

The tragedy is that many of these outcomes are preventable. Hospitals often use imaging tests like CT scans or ultrasounds to detect internal injuries. Doctors also monitor vital signs and blood counts. When medical providers fail to order proper tests, ignore symptoms, or discharge a patient too soon, they may miss a dangerous bleed.

A missed diagnosis can lead to emergency surgery that could have been avoided. It can mean longer hospital stays, permanent organ damage, or lifelong health problems. Families are left asking how this could happen.

Filing a Medical Malpractice Claim for a Missed Diagnosis in 2026

A missed diagnosis of internal bleeding may qualify as medical malpractice. In Illinois, a patient must prove that a healthcare provider failed to meet the accepted standard of care. This means showing that another reasonably careful doctor would have recognized the warning signs and acted differently.

Medical malpractice cases follow specific procedures. Under Illinois law, a plaintiff must file an affidavit stating that a qualified medical professional has reviewed the case and believes there is a reasonable basis for the lawsuit (735 ILCS 5/2-622). This requirement is meant to prevent baseless claims. It also means these cases require careful preparation from the start.

The process often begins with a detailed review of medical records. Attorneys may consult with medical professionals to understand what should have been done. A lawsuit is then filed against the responsible provider or hospital. The case moves through stages such as written discovery, depositions, and possibly settlement negotiations. If the case does not settle, it may proceed to trial.

It is also important to understand that you may have two separate claims. The first claim may be against the at-fault driver who caused the car accident. The second may be against the doctor or hospital that failed to diagnose the internal bleeding. These are distinct legal matters. Each has its own evidence, insurance coverage, and potential damages.

How Long Do You Have to File a Claim for Medical Malpractice?

Medical malpractice claims in Illinois are subject to strict time limits. In most cases, a lawsuit must be filed within two years from the date the patient knew, or reasonably should have known, of the injury. This is often called the "discovery rule."

However, there is also an outside limit. In many situations, a claim cannot be filed more than four years after the date of the alleged malpractice, regardless of when it was discovered. There are limited exceptions, such as cases involving minors.

These deadlines are critical. If you miss the filing window, the court will likely dismiss your case. Even a strong claim can be lost due to delay.

How Much Is a Claim Worth for a Failure to Diagnose?

Every case is different. The value of a medical malpractice claim depends on the severity of the injury and its long-term impact.

Economic damages cover measurable financial losses. These may include additional medical bills, emergency surgery costs, rehabilitation, prescription medications, and future medical care. Lost wages and loss of future earning ability are also considered. If the missed diagnosis led to permanent disability, these costs can be substantial.

Non-economic damages compensate for pain and suffering. Internal bleeding can cause extreme physical pain. A delayed diagnosis may also lead to emotional trauma, anxiety, and reduced quality of life. Families may seek damages for loss of normal life or loss of companionship in wrongful death cases.

In some situations, both the driver who caused the crash and the medical provider may share responsibility for different parts of the harm. A careful analysis is required to determine who is liable for which damages.

Contact a Winnebago County, IL Personal Injury Attorney

When doctors miss internal bleeding after a car accident, the results can be catastrophic. You may feel overwhelmed, angry, or confused about your next steps. You deserve answers. At Mannarino & Brasfield, A Division of Schwartz Jambois, we take these cases seriously. Call  our Rockford, Illinois medical malpractice lawyers at 815-215-7561 to schedule a free consultation. We are ready to help you pursue accountability and seek full compensation for the harm you have suffered.