What if I Have Stomach Pain After a Car Accident?

If you are experiencing stomach pain after a car accident, getting medical attention should be a top priority. Abdominal pain and cramping could be indicative of a more serious injury that could worsen if you do not receive the medical treatment you need. Internal injuries often cause stomach pain and may not be noticeable until the adrenaline coursing through your body slows and you relax in the hours after the motor vehicle wreck.

Whether your stomach pain was caused by blunt trauma or seatbelt injuries in the collision, if someone else is responsible for causing your wreck, you may have the right to hold them accountable for your expenses and damages. Working with a skilled Atlanta car accident lawyer from John Foy & Associates could be the best way to maximize your payout. Contact our office to request a free consultation today and learn more about how much compensation you may be entitled to for your stomach injuries.

Stomach Pain Is Common After a Car Accident

If you have stomach pain after a car accident, try not to panic. It is not unusual for car accident victims to experience abdominal pain or swelling in a collision. This is, in part, due to the fact that seat belts apply intense pressure on your chest and abdomen region to protect you from being ejected from the vehicle, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

Despite the fact that wearing a seatbelt could cause injuries, according to the National Library of Medicine, wearing a seatbelt is highly recommended. Use of a seatbelt has been shown to reduce the risk of catastrophic or fatal injuries, according to the NHTSA. Mild stomach pain may occur, but it is often a small price to pay for the seatbelt, saving your life.

However, if you are experiencing extreme pain in the stomach or abdomen after a car accident, this could indicate a more serious injury. Crushing injuries could result in internal bleeding or organ damage. For this reason, it is critical to get medical attention as soon as possible after the accident.

Stomach Pain Is Often Indicative of Neurological Damage

While abdominal pain may be a seemingly minor symptom of an injury, it may surprise you to learn that it could also be a side effect of a traumatic brain injury. It is not unusual for neurological damage and brain trauma to cause symptoms like nausea and vomiting, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Since the brain is the most sensitive organ in the human body, even a minor injury could be devastating.

You might assume a concussion is not a serious head injury. But it is important to receive medical attention nonetheless. An untreated concussion could lead to personality changes, concentration or memory issues, or even second impact syndrome, which could be fatal, according to the American Association of Neurological Surgeons (AANS).

Your healthcare provider can order magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) testing, CT scans, and other diagnostic tests to determine the severity of your brain injuries and identify other injuries you may have experienced in the collision. The sooner you get medical attention, the better. Not only can your healthcare provider get you the treatment you need, but receiving medical attention will create comprehensive medical records that can later be used to prove the severity of your injuries when you file your claim against the driver who hit you.

Stomach Pain Symptoms May Indicate Internal Injuries

Stomach pain may be a sign of internal injuries as well. While minor bruising caused by the seat belt may heal without any medical intervention, severe abdominal pain could be life-threatening. You should allow yourself to be transported to the nearest hospital after a collision to get the medical care you need so your condition does not deteriorate.

Depending on how your collision occurred, stomach pain could manifest due to organ damage or internal bleeding. If you notice weakness, vomiting, nausea, dizziness, or lightheadedness with your abdominal pain, these could be symptoms of an internal injury. Keep in mind that internal injuries may not manifest until days after the collision.

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

If you are struggling to cope with severe abdominal pain after a car accident, do not hesitate to get medical help. Even if you believe your injuries are minor, getting medical attention should be a top priority. Failure to do so could cause your condition to worsen and create opportunities for the defense to argue that your injuries were not as severe as you claim.

After you receive prompt medical treatment, you should consult an experienced personal injury attorney for legal guidance and support. John Foy & Associates can review the circumstances of your case and conduct an intensive investigation into how your collision occurred. Once we know who is responsible, we will have a better understanding of which legal options are suitable for your case.

Since Georgia follows fault insurance laws according to the Georgia Department of Revenue, we may initiate the claims process by filing a claim against the liable party’s insurance policy. If negotiating with the insurance company does not result in a reasonable settlement, we will consider alternative options. For instance, you may have the opportunity to file a claim against your no-fault insurance policy or file a personal injury lawsuit.

Meet with Premier Car Accident Lawyer John Foy & Associates Today

Although you may be confused and frightened in the aftermath of your collision, stomach pain requires medical help as soon as possible. Do not worry about gathering supporting evidence or speaking with witnesses if you have suffered a serious concussion or internal injuries. You can rely on your highly experienced car accident lawyer from John Foy & Associates to conduct an intensive investigation and build the strongest case possible.

With medical treatment, you may make a full recovery. However, it is also possible your stomach pain could have lasting consequences. Fight for the compensation you deserve when you call our office or fill out our convenient contact form to schedule your free, no-obligation consultation as soon as today.