Can a Car Accident Cause a Hernia?

Yes, a car accident can cause a hernia. However, a hernia may be only one of many injuries you could suffer in a car accident. A New York City car accident lawyer from Finz & Finz, P.C. can help you pursue the compensation you deserve for all your accident-related injuries, including a hernia.  

How Can a Car Accident Cause a Hernia?

Victims can sustain a hernia from a car accident in various ways. Sometimes, the pressure of a seatbelt against the abdominal area can cause a hernia. The sudden impact of the collision or contact with a hard object in the vehicle can cause internal organs to push through weakened muscle areas. 

Types of Hernias Resulting from Car Accidents

The type and severity of the car accident typically dictates the type of hernia you may suffer in a car accident. The following are examples of hernias you can sustain in a collision: 

• Hiatal hernia – This hernia occurs when part of the victim’s stomach enters the chest through a gap in the diaphragm. Some accident victims experience accident acid reflux after sustaining this injury. 
• Inguinal hernia – An inguinal hernia can result from increased and sustained pressure within the abdomen in an accident. This hernia occurs when intestinal or other tissue pushes through the abdominal wall of the accident victim. 
• Acute traumatic abdominal wall hernia – Although a rare injury, this hernia occurs when a blunt object suddenly impacts an accident victim’s abdominal wall. In a car accident, this type of hernia can occur if the victim’s body strikes an object with significant force. 

Symptoms of a Hernia After a Car Accident

A hernia is generally indicated by an unnatural bulge protruding in the accident victim’s abdominal or groin area. Its location depends on the type of hernia suffered. Some hernias occur in the belly button, while others are below the waistline. 

While symptoms can vary depending on the type of hernia and location, some common symptoms include the following: 

• A pinching sensation 
• Chest pain 
• Fever
• Nausea
• Pressure or a dull ache near the hernia 
• Sensitivity 
• Shortness of breath 

Legal Rights and Compensation for a Hernia Caused by a Car Accident in New York City

When you engage Finz & Finz, P.C., you can work with a highly experienced personal injury lawyer who can advise you concerning the compensation you can pursue after an accident. We can thoroughly evaluate your injuries and losses to demand maximum compensation. This is our never-ending commitment to you. 

New York is a no-fault state for car accidents. That means you will first turn to your own personal injury protection (PIP) coverage to pay your medical expenses. If your injuries meet the legal threshold for significant injuries, you can pursue compensation from the at-fault driver’s insurance policy.

Although every case is different, car accident victims may be able to pursue money in a personal injury case for the following: 

• Lost wages
• Medical expenses
• Mental distress
• Pain and suffering

Contact Our New York Car Accident Lawyers for Help

Car accidents can have devastating, life-altering consequences for victims and their families. If you were injured in an accident that was not your fault, we want to help you seek the fair compensation you deserve. A skilled and knowledgeable car accident lawyer from Finz & Finz, P.C. can investigate the circumstances that led to the accident, evaluate the liability of all potentially responsible parties, and determine the full extent of your injuries and losses as we build a strong case on your behalf. Call today to get started with a free case review.