Idaho residents involved in car accidents are at risk of various injuries. Although all symptoms should be taken seriously, abdominal pain is urgent. These are the most common causes of this symptom after a car accident.
Seatbelt or airbag trauma
Impact with a seatbelt or airbag during a motor vehicle accident can lead to abdominal pain if the devices are improperly fitted to the user’s body. For example, if you have a habit of wearing your seatbelt too low instead of across your torso, it can dig into your stomach area and lead to pain after an accident.
Similarly, the airbags can cause stomach pain if they’re not correctly in place or if you’re taller than average.
Blunt force trauma
Blunt force trauma is an injury that can affect the stomach if it harshly hits the steering wheel or another object in your vehicle during a crash. Often, this results in bruising, redness and swelling. However, you could also experience digestion problems.
Internal bleeding
Internal bleeding, common after a car accident, signifies serious abdominal injuries such as organ trauma or damage. Symptoms include shortness of breath, blood in urine or bowel movements, rectal bleeding, low blood pressure and weakness. In the worst-case scenario, a person can go into shock.
Bloating
Abdominal bloating after a motor vehicle accident often means organs have suffered ruptures. It also commonly involves a buildup of gas inside the stomach. Some people might experience nausea and vomiting if they have these injuries.
Sometimes, stomach pain doesn’t show up for days after a car accident. In some cases, these injuries can be life-threatening. As a result, if you’ve been in a collision, it’s wise to seek prompt medical attention.