What Can Cause Stomach Pain After a Car Accident?

There are car accident injuries that are more apparent, such as broken bones or lacerations.  However, it is essential to be aware of many other types of injuries that take time to reveal themselves. That is why you should never ignore stomach pain following a car accident.  Pain in your abdomen, even if it feels minor, may signal that you have suffered a much more severe injury.

Stomach pain following a car accident can develop for several reasons.  It is always good to seek medical attention after a car accident, even if you are not in pain.  Even if you do not, though, as soon as you experience stomach pain, seek medical help immediately.

Here are a few common causes of stomach pain after a car accident:

• Seat belt syndrome: Although seat belts and airbags save lives, they can cause injury to a passenger. Seat belts pressure the abdomen and chest area, even if put on correctly.
• Organ compression: Organ compression occurs when the body is impacted on two sides, squeezing the organs. This can cause internal bleeding and lacerations of the internal organs.
• Trauma: Blunt force trauma is common in an accident, as objects can strike the body, or the body itself can impact parts of the car. This can damage your internal organs such as kidneys, intestines, liver, and other organs.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), about five percent of all severe injuries in a car accident are abdominal.  Stomach pain can be life-threatening, and you should be examined by a doctor immediately.  Here are some common injuries that stomach pain can be indicative of:

• Organ damage: The abdominal region contains some of the most vital organs of the human body, such as the liver, spleen, intestines, and kidneys. Should any internal organ become damaged, it could rupture and bleed internally.  Furthermore, some organs that burst may empty their contents into the body, causing infection and possible death.  Examples of organ damage include peritonitis, liver damage, ruptured spleen, and kidney trauma.
• Internal bleeding: If your abdomen is impacted by trauma, the blood vessels may have ruptured, causing internal bleeding, leading to systemic infection. Some symptoms of internal bleeding include headache, vision loss, weakness, shortness of breath, rectal bleeding, blood in stool or urine, or low blood pressure.
• Shock: The most common form of shock is emotional shock, but physically, it can also occur when the body does not have enough blood flow. Symptoms of shock can include excessive sweating, high pulse rate, enlarged pupils, high blood pressure, confusion, and rapid breathing.

If you experience stomach injuries following an accident, you might be able to take legal action against the at-fault party.  It is important to seek medical attention immediately and speak to a car accident attorney.

Belleville Car Accident Lawyers at The Cates Law Firm Advocate for Injured Accident Victims

Stomach pain can indicate serious and debilitating injuries.  Our Belleville car accident lawyers at The Cates Law Firm are here to provide legal guidance.  Call us today at 618-277-3644 or fill out our online form for a free consultation.  Located in Swansea, Illinois, we serve clients in St. Louis, Belleville, East St. Louis, Edwardsville, Granite City, Waterloo, Chester, Carbondale, St. Clair County, Madison County, Monroe County, Randolph County, and other regions throughout Southern Illinois.