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It’s always a good idea to get to a doctor as soon as you can after being involved in a car accident. Your doctor will give you a thorough examination to ensure that you don’t have any immediate concerns. But, even if you get to the doctor right away, your physician may not be able to tell whether you have certain types of injuries. Some injuries have delayed symptoms, which means that you may not realize just how badly you are hurt until hours, days, or even weeks later.
Abdominal or stomach pain is pretty normal after a car accident because of how the seatbelt hits you and keeps you in your seat. But, long-lasting abdominal pain could signify a much more serious concern.
What is “seat belt syndrome”?
Although wearing your seatbelt can prevent severe injuries, including getting ejected from your vehicle, they can cause some damage as well. This type of damage is so common that they now refer to it as a syndrome.
Symptoms generally only include abrasions on your skin around the neck, chest, and abdomen. But, those marks increase the likelihood that you have internal injuries as well.
It’s fairly common that you will experience some soreness and pain in your stomach due to the pressure of the seatbelt. But, when you have more serious symptoms, including the following, you need to see a doctor right away.
- Vomiting
- Nausea
- Abdominal cramps
- Abdominal pain
- Abdominal swelling
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Deep purple or nearly black bruising on the stomach
These could be signs of internal bleeding, which may mean that you need to get to the doctor immediately to avoid any severe complications. Sometimes small intestinal tearing and swelling are the cause. In other situations, it may be something more serious.
What else do I need to know about abdominal pain?
Even if you don’t have pain right away, you can still develop abdominal pain later. While some pain is normal, severe pain or long-lasting stomach pain is often a sign of organ damage, severe bleeding and swelling, and other potentially very dangerous issues. In some situations, however, it may be something as simple as a reaction to the increased stress of being involved in a car accident.
If you have any pain at all, go see your doctor. But, you should be especially concerned if your pain is lasting more than a day or two and doesn’t seem to be getting better.
Lightheadedness, dizziness, and confusion are sometimes associated with loss of blood. If you have pain paired with any of those symptoms, get to the doctor immediately.
Talk to a Car Accident Lawyer Today
Internal bleeding or other more severe injuries not only need more extensive medical attention, but they also warrant more legal attention as well. This type of injury can affect you for the rest of your life, even if you don’t realize that right now. Let John Foy & Associates examine your situation and determine what your best legal options may be. Call us at or fill out the form to the right to get your free consultation today.
