What to Do if You Suffer Stomach Pain After a Car Accident

At Burger Law, we are committed to educating and supporting individuals who experience stomach pain after a car accident, which refers to abdominal discomfort caused by the forceful impact of a collision. This pain can result from blunt abdominal trauma, seatbelt compression, internal bleeding, organ damage, or stress-related digestive issues. This guide will explore potential causes, common injuries, and the importance of seeking medical and legal assistance.

Why Does Stomach Pain Appear After a Car Accident

A car accident can severely impact your abdomen, but stomach pain may take hours or days to appear. Blunt abdominal trauma (BAT) from forceful impact can damage internal organs and tissues without immediate symptoms.

Common Causes of Stomach Pain After a Car Accident

Several factors can contribute to stomach pain following a collision. Some of the most common include:

1. Seatbelt or Airbag Impact

Seatbelts and airbags save lives but can also cause bruising and internal injuries, especially in high-speed crashes where abdominal pressure may lead to organ damage.

2. Whiplash-Related Abdominal Pain

Whiplash is typically associated with neck injuries, but the rapid back-and-forth movement can also compress or stretch abdominal organs, leading to delayed pain and discomfort.

3. Bloating and Digestive Issues

Crash-related stress and trauma can disrupt digestion, causing bloating, nausea, diarrhea, or cramps. Intestinal trauma may also lead to delayed bowel issues or severe inflammation, requiring immediate medical attention.

Stomach Injuries Caused by Car Collisions

According to Saint Luke’s Health System, blunt abdominal trauma (BAT) is one of the most frequent causes of internal organ injuries in accidents, often leading to delayed symptoms and potentially life-threatening conditions.
Several types of serious abdominal injuries can result from car accidents, including:

1. Internal Bleeding

Damage to blood vessels or organs can result in internal bleeding, which may cause dizziness, fainting, severe abdominal pain, or swelling. Skin discoloration (bruising) around the abdomen is also a common symptom.

2. Organ Damage or Compression

The liver, spleen, kidneys, and intestines are vulnerable to trauma from impact. Damage to these organs can cause persistent or sharp pain, difficulty breathing or moving, and potential rupture requiring surgery.

3. Seatbelt Syndrome

Seatbelt syndrome refers to internal bruising, intestinal rupture or hernia, and fractured ribs or spinal injuries. This occurs when a seatbelt forcefully compresses the abdomen, leading to internal trauma that may not be immediately obvious.

How Long After a Crash Can Stomach Pain Appear?

Abdominal injuries can have a delayed onset, with bruising appearing within hours, while severe conditions like organ tears may take days or weeks to develop. Internal bleeding or ruptured organs can rapidly worsen, becoming life-threatening.

According to the American Academy of Emergency Medicine (AAEM), lower abdominal pain following a crash can be caused by organ damage, muscle strain, or vascular injuries, and ignoring symptoms could lead to severe complications.

Get Help From a Personal Injury Attorney for Your Car Accident Case

Abdominal pain after a car accident can be a sign of a life-changing injury with long-term health and financial consequences. We fight for car crash victims in Burger Law to receive compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain. Call (314) 500-HURT to protect your rights.

Gary Burger

Founder | Injury Attorney
Gary Burger has dedicated his career to standing up against bullies. The founder and principal attorney of Burger Law | St. Louis Personal Injury Lawyer has helped hundreds of Missouri and Illinois individuals and families recover th …
Years of experience: 30 years
Location: St. Louis, MO

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