After a car accident, you become surrounded by distractions. You are trying to call the authorities, make sense of how the crash happened, and determine the next steps you need to take. During those initial moments and the following hours, the adrenaline pumping through your body may be hiding signs of significant injuries you may have sustained during the accident.

Once you handle the accident and your adrenaline begins to subside, you need to be aware of the signs of injury. One area of the body that sustains much of the force of the impact is your abdomen and chest. When an accident occurs, blunt force trauma suffered from safety devices like seatbelts and airbags or other objects inside the vehicle can potentially cause life-threatening internal injuries.

Signs of Abdominal Injuries After an Accident

Experts generally refer to abdominal injuries as delayed injuries, which means the person who sustained them doesn’t notice the damage until long after the accident. If you recently experienced a car accident, you need to be looking for these signs of possible abdominal injury:

• Visible bruising of the abdomen caused by seatbelts or airbags
• Pain in the stomach or pelvic region
• Tenderness or swelling in the abdomen
• Abdominal rigidity or stiffness
• Nausea, vomiting, and fever
• Blood in the urine

If you develop any of these symptoms days or even weeks after the accident, seek medical attention immediately. There could be a possibility that the delayed injuries caused by the wreck could be severe and potentially life-threatening.

Possible Abdominal Injuries After an Accident

If you experience any of the symptoms listed above after an accident, they could be signs of severe internal injuries. Some of the possibilities include but are not limited to:

• Internal Bleeding–blunt-force trauma can cause blood vessels to rupture inside of the abdominal cavity, resulting in internal bleeding. Without immediate medical attention, internal bleeding can result in death.
• Internal Bruising–similar to internal bleeding, but generally less severe. Internal bruising is bruising to internal organs resulting from the impact.
• Seat Belt Syndrome–any injury sustained due to the locking of the seatbelt. Seat belt syndrome covers everything from external bruising to internal abdominal wall bruising and organ damage.
• Systemic Infection–infection from bleeding or torn organs resulting in sepsis. Statistically, sepsis is one of the most common killers after automobile accidents.
• Organ Aggravation–impact from the accident may cause the aggravation of internal organs. Examples of organ aggravation include trauma-induced appendicitis.

The abdominal injuries sustained during automobile accidents are significantly more extensive than those listed above. That is why it is imperative to seek medical attention as soon as the accident happens. If you wait, you may be risking more severe consequences due to the delayed nature of abdominal injuries.

Can You Receive Compensation for Your Injuries?

If you sustain abdominal injuries after being involved in a car accident, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries. In cases where another driver was responsible for the accident, the possibility of you receiving repayment for current and future medical expenses is highly likely. Additionally, you may be entitled to receive compensation for the time you spent recovering and the emotional damages caused by the accident.

To learn more about your options, you must find an experienced car accident attorney in your area. Different states have different regulations regarding negligence, accident fault, and insurance responsibility. Partnering with a reputable personal injury lawyer can provide you with the answers you need to receive the compensation you deserve.

Contact Poynter & Bucheri–Premier Indianapolis Car Accident Attorneys

If you or someone you love sustained severe abdominal injuries resulting from a car accident, the experts at Poynter & Bucheri are here to help. We understand that personal injury cases can be challenging to navigate, but we have the experience needed to form a strong case for your injuries. We will help you gather the necessary evidence and fight for your case in the courtroom–giving you the peace of mind that you have someone on your side.

Don’t hesitate–one of our experienced attorneys can assist you immediately—call 1-800-265-9881 for a free case review.