Common Chest Injuries in Car Accidents

Accidents are inevitable, especially when it comes to negligence on the road. If you were harmed in a car accident, seeking experienced representation is important to recover compensation for medical expenses, hospital bills, lost wages, and more.

For many victims, chest injuries are a common source of stress and pain after an auto accident. Even mild chest pain can point to serious health complications, making it crucial to seek medical attention and sound counsel from a skilled car accident attorney as quickly as possible after a car accident.

In this blog, we’ll review common types of chest injuries sustained in auto accidents and break down essential steps to take if you experience chest pain after a car crash.

What Causes Chest Injuries in Car Accidents?

Depending on the circumstances of the auto accident, chest pain and chest injuries can arise for various reasons. Common causes of chest injuries in car accidents include:

Seatbelts: While seatbelts are critical for safety, the force exerted during a collision can cause bruising, internal injuries, or fractures.
Muscle strain: The sudden jerking movements during a crash can lead to muscle strains around the chest and upper body.
Bruised ribs: Direct impact to the chest area, either from the steering wheel, dashboard, or other objects, can cause ribs to bruise, leading to significant pain and discomfort.
Malfunctioning airbags: Although airbags save lives, they can cause chest injuries if they deploy with too much force or malfunction.
Steering wheel injuries: In collisions without airbag deployment, the steering wheel can cause blunt force trauma, leading to chest injuries.

Common Types of Chest Injuries in Auto Accidents

After a car accident, chest pain can result in significant implications for the victim’s recovery process and long-term health. Chest injuries commonly occur in car accidents due to the sudden and intense force exerted on the body during the collision, making it crucial to seek immediate medical care when needed.

Understanding common types of chest injuries is critical to recognizing and treating serious injuries, as well as reducing the risk of adverse health effects and long-term harm. Common types of chest injuries resulting from car accidents include:

Seatbelt injuries: The added pressure on seatbelts during a crash can cause skin abrasions, deep tissue bruising, and internal injuries. In severe cases, the force of the crash can result in fractured ribs or collarbones, making it urgent to seek medical care as soon as possible to alleviate pain and avoid serious health complications.
Punctured lungs: In car accidents, pierced lungs may occur due to direct trauma to the chest, making it difficult to breathe. It’s imperative to seek prompt medical attention to avoid collapsed lungs (pneumothorax) and other life-threatening risks associated with this injury.
Rib damage: Rib damage is one of the most common chest injuries, ranging from simple bruising to complete fractures. The severity of this injury generally depends on the force of the impact, potentially impairing breathing and mobility.
Sternum damage: The sternum or breastbone can fracture under the impact of a collision. These injuries should be taken extremely seriously, as they may also signal underlying, life-threatening damage to internal organs, such as the heart and lungs.

Warning Signs of Chest Injuries

Recognizing the telltale signs of a chest injury after an auto accident is vital for a swift recovery. Chest injuries can impact vital organs and lead to other potential complications, making it crucial to seek medical attention as soon as possible if you suspect a chest injury. Some common signs to watch out for include:

Difficulty breathing: Experiencing shortness of breath can be a sign of pneumothorax or other injuries affecting the lungs.
Severe chest pain: Intense, persistent pain can indicate rib fractures or internal injuries, especially when breathing or coughing.
Visible bruising or swelling: Bruises or swelling on the chest area can be signs of more serious internal damage.
Coughing up blood: Coughing blood is a serious symptom indicating the need for immediate medical attention, as it may indicate internal bleeding or lung damage.
Feeling faint or dizzy: Dizziness or fainting may also be signs of chest injuries that involve internal bleeding, signaling the need for urgent medical attention.
Deformities in the chest area: Any noticeable deformities or irregularities in the chest wall can be a sign of fractures or internal organ damage, indicating the need for prompt medical care.

What to Do if You Sustain a Chest Injury in a Car Crash

It’s normal to feel disoriented and overwhelmed after an unexpected accident. If you were injured by another person’s negligence on the road, recognizing and addressing potential injuries is essential to recover compensation for medical bills, lost earnings, and more. Seeking sound counsel from an attorney who is well-versed in personal injury law is important to pursue damages and hold all liable parties accountable for the harm they’ve inflicted.

Here are 5 steps to take if you experience chest pain after a car accident:

Seek immediate medical care: Prioritize your health by visiting an emergency room or visiting a doctor as soon as possible. Even if your symptoms aren’t severe or apparent, seeking immediate medical care is vital to rule out underlying injuries.
Document your injuries and treatments: Keep a detailed record of your injuries, medical appointments, treatments, and recovery. This documentation can be invaluable evidence for your claim when seeking compensation.
Notify your insurance company: Inform your insurance provider about the accident and your injuries, but be mindful of the wording. Offer only factual statements and avoid speculating about the accident or injuries.
Collect evidence: Collect and organize any evidence related to the accident, such as photographs, police reports, witness statements, and medical records. This evidence can fortify your claims of events and injuries during the claims process.
Seek sound counsel: Consulting with an experienced car accident attorney is imperative to navigate the legal complexities of filing a car accident claim. Your lawyer can ensure that all damages are accounted for to maximize available compensation and hold liable parties accountable for the harm they’ve caused.

Pursuing Justice for the Wrongfully Injured in San Jose

At The Law Offices of Caroline J. Nasseri, our skilled attorney has extensive experience representing the wrongfully injured in a wide range of personal injury lawsuits, from drunk driving accidents to premises liability claims. Our compassionate team has years of experience to demand the maximum compensation you deserve after a serious injury, empowering you to take back your life after an unexpected accident while fighting to hold all negligent parties accountable.

No one deserves to pay the price for someone else’s negligence. Call (408) 912-2217 to schedule a free consultation with our San Jose attorney. Pay nothing until we achieve a fair settlement.