Unlike other motor vehicles, when a motorcycle has an accident, there is less protection for the driver. He or she may suffer countless injuries, including internal bleeding. 

A motorcycle accident can be a serious source of physical trauma and hence may cause internal bleeding. Trauma induced internal bleeding can be life-threatening, explains WebMD. 

Causes of internal bleeding 

Internal bleeding is one of the most serious ramifications of physical trauma. Significant injuries can cause internal bleeding. The types of injuries that most commonly lead to bleeding include blunt trauma and penetrating trauma. 

Both traumas can occur in a motorcycle accident. Blunt trauma involves a collision of the body with another object at a high speed. The force of the crash can tear or crush blood vessels inside the body. 

Penetrating trauma, on the other hand, occurs when a person's body suffers penetration from a foreign object. This can occur if someone falls on a sharp object during an accident. Most organs can suffer damage that leads to internal bleeding. 

Signs of internal bleeding 

In many cases, people may not recognize that they have internal bleeding right away. Most go to a doctor or call 911 due to the pain from the injuries. Signs that a person may have internal bleeding include: 

• Lightheadedness, fainting and dizziness 
• Swelling and pain in the legs 
• Abdominal pain and swelling caused by internal bleeding in the liver 
• Headaches, loss of consciousness and seizures 

All symptoms may vary in severity. While some internal bleeding cases will cease on their own, others will need surgery to stop the bleeding. All signs of internal bleeding are a medical emergency.