Chest pain after a car accident can be highly concerning.
You may wonder what types of injuries this could point to and what you should do if you are in pain after a wreck.
Injuries to the chest are, unfortunately, very typical after a car accident.
We understand how stressful it is to go through a car wreck, but our attorneys are here to help.
If you are suffering from chest pain after a car accident, reach out to our knowledgeable Yakima, Washington auto accident attorneys at Kapuza Lighty, PLLC today.
Let us help you get started on filing your claim.
Please call (509) 866-4166 or fill out our online form for a free consultation and learn how we can get you more cash for your crash®.
Typical Causes of Chest Pain After a Collision
Depending on the circumstances surrounding the car accident, chest pain may have a variety of causes.
The Dashboard and Steering Wheel
You may have pain and injuries due to hitting the dashboard or steering wheel in an intense collision.
Slamming into the steering wheel or dashboard is especially common if the driver was close to the wheel or the passenger was close to the dashboard.
Injuries that a person may sustain after a collision with the dashboard or steering wheel include:
- A damaged trachea,
- Sternum injuries,
- An injury to the kidneys,
- Lung damage, and
- Spleen damage.
Some injuries may not be immediately apparent. It’s essential to get checked out by a doctor if you suffered an impact in the crash.
The Airbags
Although airbags often prevent injuries, colliding with them can be extremely painful. The airbag of the driver is around the size of a beach ball and is inside the steering wheel itself.
The passenger’s airbag is usually larger since the passenger tends to be further away.
The pressure of deployment can cause airbag injuries to the chest, like internal bruising or bleeding. Additionally, chemicals that come from the airbags can cause asthma attacks.
The Seat Belt
Your seat belt is there to restrain you and keep you safe in the event of a crash.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, out of over 23,800 passenger vehicle occupants who passed away in 2020, 51% did not wear a seat belt.
Nevertheless, wearing a seat belt can cause injuries. This is due to the immense force in a crash, causing the belt to press against your hips, chest, and stomach.
A seat belt can cause rib fractures or bruise the stomach and chest.
When it comes to a severe seat belt injury, chest pain, even if it is minor, can be one of the first signs.
Common Chest Injury Symptoms
There are multiple symptoms of a chest injury that you ought to watch out for.
If you experience any of these symptoms, it is critical that you get medical care:
- Shortness of breath,
- Trouble breathing,
- Vomiting or nausea,
- Pain with movement, and
- Pain in the ribs.
Suffering from any of these symptoms may be a sign of a more serious injury and could prove fatal if you do not seek medical care.
Ensure that you get treatment from a medical provider right away after an accident.
What Steps Should I Take If I Experience Chest Pain?
If you are suffering from pain in the chest after a car accident, there are a few steps you should follow.
Seek Medical Treatment
First, it is essential to get medical care after a car accident, even if you think the pain is not severe.
Injuries after a car accident are not always apparent right after the fact. Sometimes adrenaline from a car accident can mask your injuries.
An evaluation from a qualified medical professional can help you determine if you have any internal or hidden injuries.
Contact Our Attorneys
Chest injuries from car accidents can make it challenging to return to activities of everyday life.
An attorney can help you to file your claim and recover compensation for your injuries.
Damages that you may be able to recover after a car accident include:
- Lost wages and income,
- Property damage,
- Medical bills, and
- Pain and suffering.
Our skillful lawyers are here to provide you with the best representation possible. Give us a call with any questions or concerns you may have.
How Our Lawyers Can Help You Get More Cash For Your Crash
At Kapuza Lighty, our attorneys are fearless in fighting aggressively for you. Contact us today if you have suffered ongoing or delayed chest pain after a car accident in Washington.
Our lawyers have over 50 years of combined experience and have been recognized as “Super Lawyers.” Furthermore, they have both earned ratings of 10 out of 10 on Avvo.
Our practice areas include car accident claims, truck accident claims, and motorcycle accident claims, among many others.
Get in touch with us online or call (509) 866-4166 today to schedule a free consultation.
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