Some internal organs are more susceptible to injuries than others. Your heart and lungs, for example, are protected by your ribcage. But your kidneys, liver, pancreas, gallbladder, spleen, and other organs are made up of soft tissues that can be easily damaged in a car accident. Damage to these organs can quickly become a life-threatening condition.
You also might not know that you are injured right away. The organs perform long-term functions, and it could take hours for your body to signal that they are not working properly. It is absolutely critical that you be examined by a medical provider after an auto accident. Medical professionals can monitor your vital signs, test your blood, take x-rays, and perform other necessary tests to determine whether your internal organs have been damaged.