Stomach Pain After a Car Accident

Stomach pain after a car accident can be an early warning sign of life-threatening injuries–and in many cases, it’s not immediately apparent. Our Chicago-based legal team has helped car crash victims throughout Cook County and the surrounding areas hold negligent drivers accountable. Whether it’s internal bleeding, organ damage, or other serious injuries, immediate medical attention and legal guidance are essential. Our law firm works closely with medical professionals and investigators to build strong personal injury claims that address the full impact of your injuries.

What Are Common Abdominal Injuries Sustained in Car Accidents?

Abdominal injuries are more common than many people realize following a motor vehicle accident. The force of a crash, especially when combined with sudden deceleration or seat belt impact, can lead to a range of internal injuries–some of which may not cause immediate pain. If you experience abdominal discomfort, delayed abdominal pain, or any unusual symptoms after a car crash, seek medical attention immediately. Here are some of the most common abdominal injuries linked to car accident trauma:

Seat Belt Syndrome

Seat belts save lives, but they can also cause injury during high-impact collisions. Seat belt syndrome refers to a pattern of injuries caused by the restraint during a crash. It often involves damage to the abdominal wall, contusions, and injury to the underlying abdominal organs. The force of the seat belt against the stomach can lead to internal bleeding or soft tissue damage. Anyone with stomach pain and seat belt marks after a crash should receive a prompt medical evaluation to detect internal injuries.

Internal Bleeding

Significant internal bleeding is one of the most serious complications that can result from abdominal injuries caused by a car accident. It often stems from damage to blood vessels or organs like the liver or spleen. Symptoms may include low blood pressure, dizziness, and severe stomach pain. Because internal bleeding is not always immediately visible, car accident victims should seek medical attention even if symptoms are mild at first. Left untreated, internal bleeding can become a potentially life-threatening condition.

Internal Organ Injuries

The abdominal cavity houses several vital organs, including the liver, spleen, pancreas, kidneys, intestines, and bladder. A strong impact during a car accident can cause ruptured organs or severe internal injuries. These injuries often present as severe stomach pain, swelling, or tenderness in the abdominal area. Damage to abdominal organs may also lead to systemic infection or long-term complications if not treated quickly. Prompt medical intervention is critical for any injury involving the internal organs.

Soft Tissue Damage

Soft tissue injuries affect the muscles, ligaments, and connective tissues in the abdomen. During a car accident, blunt force trauma can strain or tear the abdominal muscles, leading to ongoing discomfort or sharp pain. One common sign is contusions–internal bruising across the abdominal wall that may appear shortly after the crash. These contusions can be a surface injury or indicate more serious trauma beneath. While soft tissue injuries may not seem as urgent as internal organ damage, they can still interfere with mobility and daily function and should be assessed by medical professionals.

Gastrointestinal Distress

Gastrointestinal distress may not be the first symptom people associate with car accident injuries, but it can develop due to stress, organ injury, or shock to the digestive system. Symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, bloating, or changes in bowel habits. In some cases, gastrointestinal issues signal bowel obstructions or perforations, which require urgent surgical treatment. If you suffer stomach pain or digestive issues after a collision, don’t ignore them–they may point to serious injuries.

Post-Traumatic Hernia

A post-traumatic hernia occurs when trauma creates a tear in the abdominal wall, allowing internal tissue or organs to push through. This can happen immediately or develop over time as the injury progresses. Victims with hernias may notice a lump, pain when lifting, or persistent discomfort in the abdomen. Left untreated, hernias can lead to bowel obstructions or other severe complications. Medical imaging is often required to confirm the diagnosis and determine the proper treatment.

What Causes Abdominal Pain After a Car Crash?

Abdominal pain after a car crash can come from a wide range of physical and emotional factors. While some causes are immediately obvious, others develop over time or appear unrelated at first. Any post-accident stomach pain should be taken seriously, especially if it increases in intensity or is accompanied by other physical symptoms. Below are some of the most common reasons car accident victims experience abdominal pain post-collision:

Blunt Force Trauma

Direct impact during a car crash can injure the abdominal wall, muscles, and internal organs. The force may come from the seat belt, steering wheel, or other hard surfaces, leading to bruising, soft tissue injuries, or internal bleeding. Some injuries may not be immediately apparent, making prompt medical attention critical.

Medication Side Effects

Pain medications prescribed after a car accident can cause side effects like bloating, constipation, or nausea. These symptoms may feel like stomach pain but stem from how the body reacts to certain drugs. Always report new or worsening stomach issues to your doctor.

Referred Pain

Injuries to the spine, ribs, or chest can cause referred pain, where discomfort is felt in the abdomen even though the actual injury is elsewhere. This can make diagnosis more difficult without proper imaging to detect internal injuries.

Emotional Stress

The emotional distress following a car accident can affect the digestive system, leading to stomach pain, cramps, or nausea. Anxiety and trauma may trigger gastrointestinal distress even without physical injury. These symptoms still need attention, especially if they interfere with daily life.

How Is Abdominal Pain Post Accident Diagnosed?

Diagnosing stomach pain post-accident begins with a thorough medical evaluation. Doctors will review the patient’s symptoms, medical history, and details of the car crash to assess the likelihood of internal injuries. A physical exam often focuses on tenderness, swelling, or internal bruising. Imaging tests such as CT scans, ultrasounds, or X-rays are commonly used to detect internal bleeding, soft tissue damage, or organ injuries. In some cases, blood tests help identify signs of infection or significant internal bleeding. Because some injuries involve delayed onset, ongoing monitoring may be necessary. Prompt medical evaluation not only helps detect internal injuries early but also creates medical documentation that can support a personal injury claim.

How Are Abdominal Car Accident Injuries Treated?

Treatment for abdominal injuries after a car accident can lead to significant medical expenses, especially if the damage involves internal organs or blood vessels. Some injuries require emergency surgery to address internal bleeding, ruptured organs, or bowel obstructions. Others may require hospitalization, ongoing monitoring, pain medication, or follow-up imaging. Even soft tissue injuries can lead to extended recovery times, physical therapy, and time away from work, contributing to lost wages and out-of-pocket costs. Medical treatment after a car accident often includes diagnostic testing, specialist care, and long-term follow-up, depending on the severity of the abdominal injury. These costs can quickly add up, especially without proper insurance coverage. An experienced personal injury attorney can help recover compensation for medical bills, lost income, and future care related to abdominal car accident injuries.

How Much Can Chicago Victims Recover for Abdominal Trauma After a Car Accident?

According to Law.com’s VerdictSearch, cases involving stomach pain after a car accident have an average award of $2,456,607, with a median award of $1,210,466. Payouts range from as low as $1,752 to as high as $10,000,000.

Compensation for abdominal trauma caused by a car accident varies widely depending on several factors:

• Medical expenses, including surgery, hospitalization, and ongoing treatment
• Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
• Severity of the abdominal injuries, including internal bleeding or organ damage
• Pain and suffering, both physical and emotional
• Venue, with Cook County, IL, being the most common for these types of claims
• Type of resolution, with most cases ending in verdicts rather than settlements or arbitration

What Damages Are Awarded in Personal Injury Claims Involving Stomach Pain After a Car Accident?

Victims experiencing stomach pain after a car accident may be entitled to several types of damages, depending on the severity and impact of their injuries. Common recoverable damages include compensation for medical expenses such as emergency care, diagnostic imaging, surgery, and follow-up treatment. If stomach injuries cause extended recovery or permanent limitations, victims may also claim lost wages or diminished earning capacity. Pain and suffering are often awarded for physical discomfort, emotional stress, and the overall toll of post-accident abdominal pain. In cases involving severe injuries, damages may also cover disfigurement, disability, or loss of normal life.

Example Cases Involving Abdominal Injury Symptoms

$4,203,743 Verdict for Fatal Crash Involving Crush Injuries and Abdominal Trauma

Mary Wright, age seventy-two, was struck by a truck while driving on Route 6 in Bureau County. She was trapped in her vehicle for an hour and later treated for severe crush injuries, compound fractures, and extensive abdominal bruising. One leg became infected and required amputation. Despite surgery and intensive care, she died fifty-five days later. Her estate sought damages for wrongful death, survival claims, and medical expenses. The defense argued that the demands were excessive due to her age and her children’s independence. The jury awarded $4,203,743,

$1,210,466 Verdict for Abdominal Injuries and Wrongful Death in Highway Collision

Victor Rodriguez, a forty-five-year-old missionary, struck a stopped flatbed truck on Interstate 294 in Chicago. The truck driver had stopped in a live traffic lane after an earlier collision. Rodriguez suffered severe stomach injuries, internal bleeding, and intestinal damage. Emergency surgery followed, but he died eleven hours later. His estate claimed negligent conduct due to the lack of hazard lights and reflective triangles. The defense argued that Rodriguez shared blame for failing to avoid the truck. The jury awarded $1,210,466, then reduced it by forty percent for comparative negligence, resulting in $726,279.60.

What to Do If You’re Experiencing Abdominal Pain After a Car Accident

If you experience abdominal pain after a car accident, seek medical attention immediately–even if symptoms seem mild. Internal bleeding, soft tissue damage, or organ injuries may not be obvious but can become life-threatening without prompt medical intervention. Be sure to follow all recommended medical treatment and keep copies of your medical records and bills. This documentation is essential if you need to file a personal injury claim. Before speaking with insurance companies, consider contacting our Chicago car accident attorneys to protect your rights and pursue full compensation for your injuries.

How an Experienced Car Accident Attorney Can Help

Our Chicago personal injury lawyers are here to guide you through the legal process from start to finish. We begin by investigating the accident, gathering evidence, and reviewing your medical documentation. Abdominal trauma often involves life-altering injuries that require extensive medical care, and insurance companies may try to downplay or deny claims involving delayed symptoms. Your lawyer will consult medical professionals to understand the extent of your abdominal injuries, and calculate the full value of your damages–including medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. We’ll handle all communication with insurance companies to protect your claim and prevent low settlement offers. If negotiations fail, your attorney can file a lawsuit and prepare for trial.

Book a Free Consultation

If you’re suffering stomach pain after a car accident, don’t wait to get legal help. Our law firm offers free consultations to help you understand your options and your rights. We handle personal injury claims on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay nothing unless we secure compensation for you. Let our legal team fight for the compensation you deserve. Contact us today to schedule your free consultation.