Abdominal injuries often fly “under the radar” for a while after a car accident. Because the blunt-force trauma of the car accident is so shocking to your entire body, you may immediately realize that you have a neck, back or head injury. However, your abdominal injuries can take time to develop.
And that’s a serious problem.
Delayed detection of abdominal injuries can lead to internal bleeding, damage to your vital organs, sepsis and death. That’s why you need to be on the lookout for the following symptoms after your car accident:
- Persistent tenderness to the touch in certain areas of your abdomen
- Severe bruising, especially around the seat belt area
- Nausea and vomiting
- Pain in your stomach when standing, walking or lifting
- Blood in your urine or stool
- Unexplained fevers
- Stiffness or rigidity in your abdomen
- Swelling in your stomach area
None of that is normal. Stiffness, swelling and fever indicate that you likely have internal bleeding and an infection starting, so seek medical treatment without delay. You may also have an intestinal leak due to a rupture somewhere, which can cause fecal matter to leak into your bloodstream. Whatever is happening, this is a true medical emergency — not something that can wait on a doctor’s appointment.
An abdominal injury following a car accident isn’t just painful. Many require surgery and an extensive recovery period. You will likely have significant hospital bills and a prolonged period of time where you’re unable to work. You may even have permanent damage to your body that can’t be undone. That makes it especially important to seek legal advice about your claim against the party responsible for your accident.