Chest Pain After a Car Accident: What You Should Know?

Chest pain is always frightening since it is typically associated with heart attacks. It can also happen after car accidents. The pain could be from heart problems, but it might also be from internal organ damage.

How Do Car Accidents Cause Chest Injuries?

Airbags save lives but can cause chest injuries. They release incredible force when deployed, most directed at the chest.

Seat belts also save lives and should always be worn. Yet, they can cause injuries because they are worn across the chest and stomach. The force needed to restrain a driver or passenger’s body can cause bruising, fractured bones, and internal organ damage.

During a car wreck, the blunt force pushes the occupants against things close to them. Even though seat belts and airbags offer protection, being close to a dashboard, steering wheel, or another hard surface can cause chest injuries.

Chest Injuries Caused From Car Accidents

It is best to seek immediate medical attention after a car accident, whether from an emergency room or your doctor’s office. They can take your information and perform tests to arrive at a diagnosis. Common ones include:

• Fractured ribs: Broken or fractured ribs cause significant, constant pain. These chest injuries happen when people hit dashboards or steering wheels or experience other blunt trauma. They can also cause complications, like punctured organs.
• Heart attacks: The trauma from a car accident can cause heart attacks.
• Lung damage: The impact of a motor vehicle crash can cause blood to build up in the lungs. Symptoms include low blood pressure, increased heart rate, and shortness of breath.
• Muscle bruising: These injuries are usually not as life-threatening as other chest injuries. They can happen when muscles in the upper body strain to stabilize the body from impact.
• Myocardial contusion: Blunt trauma can cause bruising of the heart muscle, leading to lightheadedness, an irregular heartbeat, and significant medical complications.
• Whiplash: Although this is associated with neck injuries, whiplash can lead to chest pain. That happens when soft tissues in the chest stretch or tear from the rapid motion of a crash.

Filing a Lawsuit for Chest Injuries

It may be possible to sue an allegedly at-fault party for your chest injuries from a car accident. The first approach is to work with an experienced car accident lawyer. Should the insurance company reject or make a lowball settlement offer, you and your attorney can decide if you will file a lawsuit.

An Edwardsville Car Wreck Lawyer at The Cates Law Firm Represents Clients With Chest Injuries

If you have chest injuries from a car accident, a skilled Edwardsville car wreck lawyer at The Cates Law Firm can help. To learn more, complete our online form or call 618-277-3644 to schedule a free consultation. Located in Swansea, Illinois, we serve clients in St. Louis, Belleville, East St. Louis, Edwardsville, Granite City, Waterloo, Chester, Carbondale, St. Clair County, Madison County, Monroe County, Randolph County, and other regions throughout Southern Illinois.