Abdominal Injuries from Vehicle Crashes

Vehicle crashes can cause a variety of abdominal injuries due to the impact and forces involved. Some common abdominal injuries from vehicle crashes include:

• Abdominal wall injuries: Contusions, lacerations, or hernias in the abdominal wall muscles and tissues, which may require surgical repair.
• Aortic injury: Rare but life-threatening injury involving the abdominal aorta, which can lead to severe internal bleeding and requires immediate surgical intervention.
• Blunt abdominal trauma: Solid organ injuries that damage organs like the liver, spleen, and kidneys can result in internal bleeding and require urgent medical attention. Hollow organ injuries cause damage to organs such as the stomach, intestines, and bladder, and can lead to perforation, leakage of contents, and peritonitis.
• Diaphragmatic rupture: The tearing of the diaphragm, the muscle that separates the chest cavity from the abdominal cavity, can lead to herniation of abdominal organs into the chest cavity, affecting breathing.
• Mesenteric injury: Damage to the mesentery—the tissue that attaches the intestines to the abdominal wall—can compromise blood flow to the intestines and cause ischemia.
• Pelvic fractures: Fractures of the pelvic bones can be associated with significant blood loss and injury to nearby organs, such as the bladder and urethra.
• Penetrating abdominal trauma: Injuries caused by objects penetrating the abdominal wall. These injuries can potentially damage internal organs and blood vessel and may result in severe bleeding and infection.
• Retroperitoneal hematoma: Bleeding into the retroperitoneal space (the area behind the peritoneum), which can be difficult to diagnose and manage due to its deep location.

Prompt medical evaluation and imaging studies (like ultrasound, CT scans, or X-rays) are crucial for diagnosing and treating abdominal injuries.

What are the symptoms of abdominal injuries?

Symptoms of abdominal injuries from a car accident may vary depending on the type and severity of the injury. Some common symptoms include:

• Abdominal distension: Swelling or bloating of the abdomen resulting from internal bleeding, gas, or fluid accumulation.
• Blood in urine or stool: Hematuria (blood in urine) or hematochezia/melena (blood in stool), indicating injury to the urinary or gastrointestinal tract.
• Bruising and swelling: Visible bruising (ecchymosis) or swelling (edema) in the abdominal area might indicate underlying injury or bleeding.
• Difficulty breathing: Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, which can occur with injuries to the diaphragm or significant abdominal distension.
• Internal bleeding: Signs include skin that appears pale or ashen and feels cool or damp; dizziness, fainting, feeling lightheaded, or passing out; increased heart rate (tachycardia) and rapid breathing (tachypnea); low blood pressure that may indicate significant blood loss.
• Nausea and vomiting: Feeling nauseated or vomiting, which can be a sign of internal injury or shock.
• Pain: Generalized or localized pain in the abdomen, which may be sharp, dull, or cramping. Referred pain—pain that is felt in areas other than where the injury occurred, such as the shoulders or back—is also common.
• Peritonitis: Severe abdominal pain that worsens with movement; rigid, tense, or stiff abdominal muscles; elevated body temperature due to infection or inflammation.
• Shock: Symptoms include confusion, anxiety, and a feeling of impending doom, which may accompany severe internal injuries.
• Tenderness: Sensitivity or pain when the abdomen is touched or pressed.

If you suspect someone has sustained an abdominal injury in a car accident, it is crucial to seek immediate medical attention. These injuries can be life-threatening and require prompt diagnosis and treatment.

Are certain types of accidents more likely to lead to abdominal injuries?

Certain types of car accidents are more likely to result in abdominal injuries, due to the nature and mechanics of the collision. These include:

Collisions with large vehicles (trucks or buses)

Crashes involving large vehicles often result in greater force and impact, increasing the likelihood of severe injuries, including to the abdomen.

Frontal (head-on) collisions

Head-on collisions often cause the driver and passengers to be thrown forward, potentially leading to blunt force trauma to the abdomen from the steering wheel, dashboard, or seatbelt.

High-speed collisions

Collisions at high speeds increase the risk of severe injuries, including abdominal trauma, due to the greater force of impact.

Hit-and-run accidents

Hit-and-run accidents can involve sudden and severe impacts, potentially leading to serious abdominal injuries for victims.

Motorcycle accidents

Motorcyclists are particularly vulnerable to abdominal injuries in a collision due to their exposure and lack of protective barriers.

Pedestrian and cyclist accidents

Pedestrians are particularly at risk for abdominal injuries in car accidents due to their lack of protection and the nature of the impact when struck by a vehicle. When a vehicle strikes a pedestrian or cyclist, the impact can cause significant abdominal injuries, especially if the person is thrown onto the hood or ground.

Rear-end collisions

While often associated with whiplash, rear-end collisions can also lead to abdominal injuries, especially if the force causes the occupants to collide with the interior of the vehicle.

Rollover accidents

Rollovers are highly dangerous and can lead to severe abdominal injuries due to the multiple points of impact and potential for ejection from the vehicle.

Side-impact (t-bone) collisions

Side-impact crashes can cause significant trauma to the abdomen, especially for the occupants on the side of the vehicle that is struck. The force can cause internal injuries from the intrusion of the vehicle’s side panels.

Even when safety measures like proper seatbelt use and airbags are taken, the force of a collision can still result in significant trauma to the abdomen.

If you have suffered abdominal injuries in a car accident, the Maryland personal injury attorneys at Plaxen Adler Muncy, P.A. want to help. We serve clients across Maryland. We have offices throughout the state for your convenience, and can also arrange to meet by telephone or videoconference if necessary. To reserve a free consultation at any of our locations, please call or fill out our contact form.