What to Do if You Experience Abdominal Pain After a Car Crash

Experiencing Abdominal Pain After a Car Crash? Get Checked Right Away

If you have abdominal pain following a car crash, get help immediately. You may think it's just soreness or stress. However, this discomfort is usually a sign of severe internal injuries. You might have a potentially life-threatening condition, and without prompt medical intervention, the outcome could be fatal.

We know you might be worried about medical bills, but The Smith Law Center has over 75 years of experience with complex accident claims. With over $1 billion in settlements and verdicts, our team of trusted attorneys is here to guide you through a lawsuit if needed.

We prioritize your well-being and will support you from beginning to end. To get started, you can reach out online or by phone at (757) 244-7000.

Why Abdominal Pain After a Car Crash Should Never Be Ignored

Abdominal pain after a car accident is more than just a lingering ache—it can be a silent alarm for severe internal injuries. The force of a collision may cause trauma to internal organs without visible external injuries.

The seatbelts, meant to save your life, can instead exert tremendous pressure on your abdomen during a crash, leading to conditions like seatbelt syndrome. This syndrome encompasses a range of injuries, from minor bruising to severe internal organ damage.

Delayed onset of pain is common, making it even more important to pay attention to any abdominal discomfort following an accident. Ignoring these signs can lead to severe complications. 

Signs and Symptoms to Watch For If You Suspect Abdominal Trauma From a Car Accident

After a rear-end car crash, your body might be in shock and your adrenaline high, masking the symptoms of internal injuries. Here are critical signs to watch for:

• Persistent Abdominal Pain: If the pain stays or intensifies over time, it could indicate internal bleeding or organ damage.
• Abdominal Bruising: Visible abdominal bruising after a car accident or other marks on your abdomen may indicate damage to internal tissues or organs.‍
• Nausea and Vomiting: These symptoms can suggest internal bleeding or organ rupture.‍
• Dizziness or Fainting: Feeling lightheaded may indicate significant internal blood loss.
• Blood in Urine or Stool: This is a severe sign of internal injury to organs like the kidneys or intestines.
• Rigid or Tender Abdomen: Lower abdominal pain after a car accident can sometimes result in stiffness. This can be a sign of internal bleeding or infection.

The Smith Law Center collaborates closely with medical professionals to accurately document all injuries and establish their connection to the accident. This comprehensive approach not only aids in your recovery but also strengthens your legal case.

How Long Does It Take for Abdominal Injury Symptoms to Start?

What makes abdominal injuries following a car accident so dangerous is that symptoms don’t often show up right away. In some cases, pain or other signs of injury may not appear for hours, days, or even weeks.

For example, in cases of internal bruising of your abdominal muscles or organs, symptoms could take up to 1-2 weeks to present.

This delay can make it easy to overlook serious damage to your organs. Even if you only feel minor discomfort after a crash, you should never brush it off.

Symptoms are often delayed because internal injuries don’t always cause immediate pain like, say, a broken limb would. When you’re in a crash, your body may pump adrenaline, which could temporarily mask the pain. 

Additionally, injuries like internal bleeding or organ tears can take time to worsen, as blood or fluid may not accumulate enough to cause noticeable pain until later. In some cases, organs may continue functioning even after they’re damaged, only showing signs of distress as the injury progresses.

Children have less body fat and less developed abdominal muscles compared to adults, which makes them more vulnerable to internal injuries or organ damage after a car accident.

It’s important to be evaluated by a medical professional as soon as possible if you or a loved one has been involved in a collision. You could be entitled to compensation if the crash was due to someone else’s negligence. Get in touch with The Smith Law Center today online or by calling (757) 244-7000 to find out how we can help you.

What Could Be Happening Inside Your Body If You Have Abdominal Trauma From a Car Accident?

Your abdomen contains some of your most vital organs, and damage to them can be serious, even fatal after a collision. The most commonly damaged organs in car accidents include:

• Liver: A ruptured or lacerated liver can lead to significant internal bleeding. Since the liver holds a large amount of blood, this type of injury is often life-threatening if not treated immediately.
• Spleen: Located on the left side of your abdomen, the spleen can rupture from a crash impact, causing severe bleeding. This is an emergency situation and can lead to shock if not addressed quickly.
• Kidneys: Blunt force trauma can damage the kidneys, causing internal bleeding or even kidney failure. 
• Bowel: The intestines can rupture or become obstructed after an accident, leading to severe pain and potentially fatal infections like peritonitis if the bowel's contents leak into the abdomen.
• Appendix: In rare cases, a car accident can trigger appendicitis. If the appendix ruptures, it can cause serious infection throughout your abdomen.

What to Do if You’re Experiencing Abdominal Pain Post-crash?

• Seek Immediate Medical Attention: Even if symptoms seem mild, visit a healthcare professional immediately. Request comprehensive diagnostic tests like CT scans or ultrasounds to detect internal injuries that aren't visible externally. Follow all medical advice and attend all follow-up appointments. 
• Document Your Symptoms and Treatment: Keep a detailed record of all symptoms, no matter how insignificant they may seem. Maintain copies of all medical reports, prescriptions, and bills. Document how the injuries affect your daily life, including work and personal activities.
• Avoid Settling Early with Insurance Companies: Do not accept settlement offers without consulting your attorney, as initial offers are often far less than you deserve. Insurance adjusters may pressure you to settle quickly before the full extent of your injuries is known.
• Consult an Experienced Car Accident Attorney: Contact The Smith Law Center for a free consultation before speaking with insurance adjusters. We can guide you through communicating with insurance companies to avoid jeopardizing your claim. Our attorneys will begin gathering evidence immediately, including accident reports, witness statements, and expert opinions.

Following these steps will help you prioritize your health and the viability of your legal claim. If you decide to move forward with a claim, we will provide personalized guidance.

Legal Considerations for Abdominal Pain After a Car Accident

Navigating the legal landscape after experiencing abdominal pain from a car accident can be daunting. Insurance companies often downplay delayed symptoms, making it challenging to receive fair compensation. They may argue that your abdominal injuries are unrelated to the accident or are pre-existing conditions.

The Smith Law Center understands insurance companies' tactics to minimize payouts and has effectively developed strategies to counter these approaches.

We emphasize the importance of thorough medical documentation. A prompt medical evaluation creates a critical link between the accident and your injuries, making it harder for insurance companies to dispute your claims.

Types of Damages The Smith Law Center Can Argue For

When you experience abdominal pain after a car accident, the financial, physical, and emotional toll can feel overwhelming. We at The Smith Law Center tirelessly strive to compensate you for the accident's impact on your life. Below are the types of damages we can pursue on your behalf:

• Medical expenses: These damages pay for all your injury's current and future medical care. This includes hospital stays, surgeries, medications, physical therapy, and necessary follow-up treatments.
• Lost Wages: Typically, if your injury prevents you from working, compensation may cover lost wages and earning potential. If the injury affects your ability to work in the future, we will calculate and pursue damages for those long-term financial impacts as well.
• Pain and suffering: These damages account for the physical pain and emotional distress caused by your injuries. They also include compensation for anxiety, depression, PTSD, or the loss of enjoyment in life due to the accident.
• Property damage: These damages cover your vehicle's repair or replacement costs and any other personal property damaged in the accident.
• Punitive damages: These are awarded to punish the at-fault party for especially reckless or harmful behavior, such as drunk driving. They also serve to deter others from engaging in similar conduct.

How The Smith Law Center Can Help You

When you're dealing with the aftermath of a car accident and the complications of abdominal pain, you need a law firm that combines legal prowess with genuine compassion. The Smith Law Center stands out as a beacon of hope for victims seeking justice.

With over $1 billion in settlements and verdicts secured for our clients and over 75 years of experience, our reputation speaks for itself. We've earned the community's trust through decades of dedicated service and successful outcomes. Let us help you get the compensation you deserve. Reach out to us by phone at (757) 244-7000 or online for your free consultation.