Yes, car accidents can cause a variety of stomach problems, including intestinal and abdominal issues. While some are minor, many will require seeing a doctor or even call for emergency medical treatment. In many cases, stomach problems after an accident are a sign of severe internal injuries.
Always get help from a doctor if you are experiencing stomach problems after a car accident.
The 3 Most Common Types of Stomach Injuries After a Car Accident
While there are many types of stomach problems that can show up after an accident, here are the 3 most common you should know about:
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#1: “Seat Belt Bruise”
Most seat belts have two parts: an upper strap that goes diagonally across your torso, and a lower strap that fits like a belt around your waist. While both parts help save lives, they can do some damage of their own when you are thrown forward against them in an accident—especially the lower strap. That’s where “seat belt bruise” comes from.
Seat belt bruise is any one or more bruises or welts that appear along the waist where your seat belt was. It can appear almost immediately after the accident, or you might not notice it until the next day or longer. Seat belt bruise can be very mild or very severe, and it can be extremely painful.
While the bruising on its own can be treated with ice and over-the-counter painkillers, the real problem may be deeper. If the force of the seat belt was enough to cause that much damage on the surface, it may have also caused internal damage. Always see a doctor if you have seat belt bruise after an accident.
#2: Diarrhea
Many car accident victims will end up having diarrhea in the days following an accident. While this can sometimes be brought on by stress alone, don’t brush it off—it can be serious. Diarrhea is often a symptom that that the accident caused some kind of damage to your bowels or gastro-intestinal (GI) tract. In some cases, it can also mean that the accident aggravated an existing or developing case of irritable bowel syndrome. In other words, the problem could be much more than just diarrhea alone. See a doctor, and be prepared to have a CT scan to check for damage to your GI tract.
#3: Abdominal Pain or Swollen Stomach/Abdomen
Abdominal pain or swelling is never a normal sign. While not highly common after a car accident, when it does occur it often means that there is internal bleeding or damage to one or more organs. In some cases it may mean that your appendix has become inflamed (appendicitis) and is in danger of rupturing—this is very serious. In other cases it may mean another organ is bleeding or has been damaged, such as the gallbladder or others. All of these situations require prompt emergency treatment. Do not delay if you have these symptoms—see a doctor immediately. The sooner they are treated, the less severe they are likely to be.
Talk to an Atlanta Car Accident Lawyer for Free
All of these stomach issues have something in common: they can all be treated, and they are all covered by a car accident settlement. After you’ve seen a doctor, make sure you talk to a lawyer as well. Your lawyer can help you protect your rights and get the most money possible after your accident. Let us give you a FREE consultation. Call us at (404) 341-6555 or fill out the form to the right to get your free consultation today.
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