Injuries in car accidents aren’t limited to common ailments such as whiplash or fractures. The body can react to the trauma of a crash in unusual and unexpected ways.

You might experience symptoms days or weeks after an accident has occurred. This includes stomach pain, diarrhea, and other gastrointestinal tract issues.

Abdominal pain and injuries can be severe, even life-threatening. You should visit your doctor or a specialist to screen for internal bleeding and organ damage. Even if you think your pain is slight or manageable, it could indicate a serious problem that needs to be treated immediately.

Talk to our Georgia car accident lawyers if you were internally injured in a car accident and need help with your personal injury claim.

Delayed Symptoms of Stomach Injuries

In the moment of the accident, the body releases endorphins and adrenaline to dull pain and help you stay alert. Even after these hormones’ effects fade, the body may go into a state of medical shock, masking deep injuries for a period of time.

Signs that you may be suffering from internal injuries after an accident include:

• Bloating
• Bruised stomach
• Diarrhea
• Feeling sick or unwell
• Fever
• Lower stomach pain
• Nausea
• Stomach cramps
• Vomiting

Seat Belt Syndrome

What can cause diarrhea and other abdominal issues after a car accident? One of the main factors is what is known as “seat belt syndrome.”

The abrupt forces of an auto accident jerk the body, particularly the lower abdomen, against the safety belt. Most of the time, seat belt syndrome only leaves bruises or surface-level lacerations. In rare cases, it can cause damage to internal organs, the ribs, abdominal muscles, and the bowels.

The danger in leaving seat belt syndrome untreated is the risk of internal bleeding. A ruptured organ will hemorrhage blood, causing it to pool in the abdominal cavity. A hemorrhage can cause serious infections or rapid blood loss, potentially leading to organ failure and death.

Other consequences include bowel obstructions and inflammation, kidney and liver damage, spleen and pancreas injury, and appendicitis.

Monitor children after a car accident. Because their abdominal muscles aren’t fully developed yet, children are more susceptible to stomach injuries than adults. Watch them for stomach pain, noticeable injuries, bloating, or swelling.

Read More: 5 Myths and Facts About Wearing Seat Belts

When to See a Doctor for Abdominal Issues

You should always seek medical care after a car accident, even if it was just a mild fender bender. The exam may not find anything and you’ll be sent home. Hours or days later, you may notice internal injury symptoms that were missed. If you experience headaches, neck pain, confusion, lightheadedness, bloody stool or urine, or lower blood pressure, promptly seek medical care.

Paying for Medical Care After a Car Accident

Car crashes are life-altering events. They can take an emotional, physical, and financial toll on an injured victim. On top of trying to physically recover, you may be facing significant hospital bills and physical therapy costs.

When you hire Gary Martin Hays & Associates, we can help you get the medical treatment you need — even if you don’t have health insurance. Our law firm has been operating in the Atlanta area for a long time, so we can connect you with local specialists and treatment facilities to assess your abdominal issues.

Our professional personal injury attorneys offer free consultations to understand your situation and offer legal advice on the next steps best for your case. Delayed injuries and symptoms are serious. We know it is imperative you receive the proper medical treatment so you can recover the full amount of the car accident settlement that you are entitled to.