Thousands of accidents take place each year, and many include injuries. While you probably know all about neck pain, whiplash, and back pain, you might not know about how abdominal pain can help you after a wreck.
There are several points you should understand, along with some warning signs. Here's what you should know about lower abdominal pain after a car accident.
1. This Could Be the Sign of an Internal Injury
When you're dealing with an auto accident, you're at risk for several different injuries. Internal injuries are common, though not the most obvious that you'll see.
The pain that you're dealing with might be the sign of a damaged intestine or another organ. This sort of injury requires a series of scans to verify and will likely involve some sort of surgery. Because this pain could point to any number of injuries, you'll need to stay on top of it.
2. Abdominal Pain Might Be Delayed Following the Accident
Keep in mind that you don't always feel the pain of a serious injury immediately.
The body is flooded with adrenaline following a car accident. This hormone is produced during the fight or flight response and can help numb some of the pain that you would otherwise experience.
That adrenaline could take days to wear off, at which point the pain and soreness will begin to set in.
Adrenaline aside, delayed abdominal pain is very serious because it could be due to a rupture that is progressing. Even if your abdominal pain came days later never right it off as minor because you might be dealing with life-threatening injuries.
3. A Rupture Could Potentially Be Fatal
A rupture is the deadliest internal injury that you might face falling a car accident. The most common injury of this sort is a rupture of the abdominal aorta.
Your aorta is a major blood vessel directly tied to the heart. As you might imagine, rupturing this aorta can lead to significant internal bleeding that will quickly become fatal.
4. Pay Attention to Relate Symptoms You're Experiencing
Be particularly mindful of your abdominal pain if you're getting dizzy or dealing with abdominal bruising. These are some of the major signs that you're dealing with a rupture of some sort.
Losing blood can also make you nauseous and cause you to vomit. You may also deal with symptoms like diarrhea or blood in your urine.
Women may miss their menstrual period following a car accident after experiencing some sort of abdominal injury. Always heed these sorts of signs, because they may point to internal damage.
5. You May Be Dealing With Seat Belt Syndrome
Several people experience seat belt syndrome following a vehicle wreck. This is an injury that happens when your safety belt is pulled hard into your body due to the velocity of the accident.
Once your vehicle comes to an abrupt stop, the seat belt can cause anything from light bruising and burning to damage to your internal organs. Since people are required to wear seatbelts when they drive or ride, this is one of the most common types of injuries following a car wreck.
The injuries are usually minor, but you should still get checked out to be on the safe side.
6. Visit the Doctor to Get Your Health Checked Out
The bottom line is that you'll need the care of a physician after you've been in a car wreck. You'll drive yourself crazy worrying about symptoms, so the best way to know where you stand is to get a series of CT scans and MRIs.
This is critical since car accidents aren't immediately apparent, and a professional diagnosis can stop these injuries before they worsen. Catching something like internal bleeding even hours late can be fatal.
Failing to get a diagnosis turns a potentially simple procedure into a wrongful death case. Your doctor will help you to acquire whatever evidence you'll need for a court case, and can also help you through the long-term journey of healing.
Going to a qualified medical professional will also prevent you from having to go through a costly series of trial and error.
For instance, abdominal pain can even show up when you have a back injury. This happens your abdominal muscles are forced to work harder to make up for your weakened back.
Choosing a seasoned doctor will help you differentiate minor injuries from major injuries right away.
7. Find a Car Accident Lawyer That Can Represent Your Interests
Finally, touch base with a car accident lawyer that can address these situations. They understand the entire landscape that comes with healing from abdominal car crash injuries.
Your lawyer will keep a track record of whatever injuries you're dealing with and can help you get whatever settlement amount is appropriate.
Take Lower Abdominal Pain After a Car Accident Seriously
Experiencing lower abdominal pain after a car accident doesn't have to be a serious matter, but you should always treat it as such. It's better to be safe than sorry, so get checked out and do your due diligence until you get to the root of these issues.
Our law firm would be happy to assist you if you find yourself in need of help following a car wreck. We proudly serve the Waco, Bryan, Austin, and Killeen areas, and can work with you on any case that you have.
Take the time to reach us online, or call or text us at (800)474-1233.
