Car accident injuries to internal organs, bleeding, whiplash, and seat belt trauma can all cause stomach pain and should be compensated by those at fault for the crash. Contact the car accident lawyers at Wilshire Law Firm today to start a free case review. We’ve recovered over $1 billion for clients. Call us 24/7 at (800) 501-3011.
Table of contents
- Pay Attention to Stomach Pain When You Are in a Car Accident
- Stomach Injury in a Car Accident
- Other Abdominal Organs Injured in a Car Accident
- Symptoms of Abdominal Injury in a Car Accident
- Treatment for Car Accident-Related Abdominal Injuries
- Can You File a Lawsuit for Car Accident Stomach Pain?
- Free Case Review for Your Car Accident Stomach Injuries
- Frequently Asked Questions About Stomach Pain
Pay Attention to Stomach Pain When You Are in a Car Accident
Stomach pain is one of the most common symptoms experienced by individuals in car accidents. Regardless of the underlying cause, stomach pain after a car accident could be severe. If left untreated, car accident stomach pain can lead to severe complications and negatively impact an individual’s health and well-being. Therefore, seeking medical attention as soon as possible is crucial to receive a proper diagnosis and treatment.
Causes of Stomach Pain After a Car Accident
Here are some possible causes of stomach pain after a car accident:
- Internal organ injury or Rupture: Stomach pain after a car accident could be caused by an injury to your internal organs, such as your liver, spleen, or kidneys.
- Internal bleeding: Stomach pain may also be a symptom of internal bleeding. This is a severe condition that requires urgent medical attention.
- Whiplash: Whiplash is a common injury when the head, neck, and upper back are violently jolted forward and back. This movement can cause abdominal pain due to the force of the impact, even though the abdomen is not directly involved.
- Seat belt injury: Seat belts are designed to protect you in a car accident but can also cause injuries. Stomach pain may indicate a seat belt injury, such as bruising or internal bleeding.
Stomach Injury in a Car Accident
Stomach injury in a car accident frequently results from blunt force trauma to the abdomen. Stomach injuries can range from minor bruises to life-threatening internal bleeding, depending on the severity of the impact.
Some of the types of stomach injuries that can occur in a car accident include:
- Bruising or contusions: These are minor injuries to the stomach that can cause pain and tenderness but usually do not require medical treatment.
- Lacerations: These are cuts or tears in the stomach that can cause internal bleeding and require immediate medical attention.
- Perforations: Holes in the stomach can also cause internal bleeding and require urgent medical treatment.
Other Abdominal Organs Injured in a Car Accident
Here are some other abdominal organs that are commonly injured in a car crash:
- Liver: The liver is located in the upper right of the abdomen and is a common site of injury in car accidents [1]. Blunt trauma to the abdomen can cause the liver to tear or rupture, leading to internal bleeding.
- Spleen: The spleen is located in the upper left part of the abdomen and is commonly injured in car crashes. The spleen is a fragile organ, and even minor abdominal trauma can cause it to rupture, resulting in internal bleeding. People with Epstein-Barr virus might have a greater chance of a ruptured spleen in a car accident [2].
- Kidneys: The kidneys are located on either side of the spine in the lower back and are responsible for filtering waste products from the body [3]. In a car crash, the kidneys can be injured due to the force of the impact, leading to internal bleeding or other complications.
- Pancreas: The pancreas is behind the stomach and produces digestive enzymes and hormones that regulate blood sugar levels. In a car accident, the pancreas can be injured due to the force of the impact, leading to inflammation or other complications.
Symptoms of Abdominal Injury in a Car Accident
Symptoms of an abdominal injury after a car accident can vary depending on the type and severity of the injury [4]. It is essential to seek medical attention immediately if you have been in a car accident and are experiencing any of the following symptoms:
- Abdominal pain: Pain in the abdomen can indicate an injury to one or more abdominal organs.
- Nausea and vomiting: Nausea and vomiting are common symptoms of an abdominal injury.
- Swelling or bruising: Swelling or bruising of the abdomen can be a sign of internal bleeding and should be taken seriously.
- Tenderness: If the abdomen is tender to the touch, it could indicate an injury to one or more abdominal organs.
- Back pain can be a sign of an injury to the kidneys, which are located in the lower back.
- Dizziness or lightheadedness: Dizziness or lightheadedness can indicate internal bleeding.
- Low blood pressure: Low blood pressure can be a sign of internal bleeding and should be taken seriously.
Treatment for Car Accident-Related Abdominal Injuries
The treatment for car accident-related abdominal injuries depends on the severity and type of trauma. Here are some of the treatments commonly used for car accident-related abdominal injuries:
- Observation: If the abdominal injury is minor, observation may be all that is needed. The doctor may monitor the patient’s condition and perform further testing if necessary.
- Medication: Pain medication may be prescribed to manage abdominal pain. Antibiotics may also be given if there is a risk of infection.
- Blood transfusion: A blood transfusion may be necessary if there is significant loss due to internal bleeding.
- Surgery: Surgery may repair or remove a damaged organ, stop bleeding, or remedy other injuries in the abdominal cavity. Emergency surgery may sometimes be necessary to save the patient’s life.
- Hospitalization: Depending on the severity of the injury, hospitalization may be needed to monitor the patient’s condition, provide supportive care, and prevent complications.
Can You File a Lawsuit for Car Accident Stomach Pain?
In general, if you were injured in a car accident caused by another driver’s negligence, you can file a lawsuit to recover damages for your injuries and other losses.
It is best to consult with a personal injury attorney to determine if you have a viable case. They can evaluate the details of your claim and advise you on your legal options.
If you file a lawsuit, you must be able to prove that the other driver’s negligence caused your injuries.
Proving negligence may involve gathering evidence such as police reports, witness statements, and medical records. If you successfully win your lawsuit, you can recover damages for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other losses related to your injuries.
It’s important to note that there may be a statute of limitations for filing a personal injury lawsuit in California, which is two years in most cases. It is essential to consult with an attorney as soon as possible to protect your legal rights.
Free Case Review for Your Car Accident Stomach Injuries
If you developed abdominal pain after a car accident, Wilshire Law Firm can help. Our experienced car accident attorneys can meet with you to review your accident, answer your questions and provide options. Don’t hesitate to call since evidence can disappear or be lost quickly after the accident.
Our award-winning law firm often sends investigators to the accident scene to examine the site for evidence and uses accident reconstruction to evaluate liability. You must call us at (800) 501-3011 to schedule a free case review. You can also contact us online if that is easier for you.
Frequently Asked Questions About Stomach Pain
Is an abdominal injury life-threatening?
Yes, it can be without immediate medical care. The problem is some people are discharged from the hospital without a diagnosis of abdominal injury. In short, the person can become symptomatic and must return to the hospital.
How do you check if you have an abdominal injury at home?
If an organ bleeds after an abdominal injury, it might be recognized by frequent BP readings and dizziness. Always contact a medical professional as soon as possible.
More Helpful Resources
- Start a FREE Car Accident Injury Case Review
- Common Car Accident Injuries that may lead to a lawsuit
- Common Causes of Car Accidents
- How To Describe a Car Accident – – Lawsuit Guidance & Insurance Reporting
- Car Accident Lawsuit Mistakes – What Not To Do
- What To Do After a Car Accident
- Suing for Pain and Suffering