Chest Pains After a Car Accident: Should I Worry?

When most people think of car accident injuries, they think of broken bones, whiplash, head injuries, and other traumatic injuries. However, one common problem people report after a crash is chest pains. There are several reasons that a person may experience chest pain after a car crash, and all of them require immediate medical attention.

There are thousands of injury-causing crashes in Kentucky each year. When a crash occurs, you need to seek medical care for any injuries. Chest pain after an auto accident can indicate a serious medical emergency that could end up being fatal.

Common Causes of Chest Pain After a Car Accident

Defining chest pain when discussing a car accident can be difficult because there could be several underlying causes. Chest pain could be a sign that something very serious is going on, and it may or may not be related to trauma from the crash. Common causes of chest pain after a motor vehicle accident include:

• Muscle strain: An auto collision can strain various muscles inside our bodies, including our chest muscles. While this may not be life-threatening, it can cause severe pain.
• Bruised ribs: The ribs and sternum can be bruised in a car accident due to collisions with the steering wheel, the dashboard, or other parts of the vehicle. Bruised ribs can cause chest pain, aching, and other dull pains that are noticeable when you move. The seatbelt can also cause bruised ribs.
• Fractured ribs: Fractured ribs or a fractured sternum often lead to sharp, excruciating pain and chest discomfort. These are also caused by impacts with the steering wheel, dash, and other parts of the vehicle.
• Internal organ injuries: The force of a crash can cause internal organ damage that will lead to chest pain. Some of the most commonly injured internal organs can include the kidneys, liver, spleen, and heart (myocardial bruising). A crash can also cause arteries and veins to tear or rupture. These injuries can be life-threatening.
• Heart attack: Heart attacks can be triggered by stressful situations, including car accidents. A person experiencing a heart attack immediately after or soon after a car accident may brush it off as other pain caused by the crash.

What You Should Do If You Experience Chest Pain

Anyone involved in a car accident should seek medical treatment immediately. By receiving immediate care, you are giving medical professionals a chance to examine and diagnose any potentially life-threatening conditions caused by the car accident. Do not put off care by explaining the pain as “soreness.” There may be a serious underlying medical emergency happening.

Are you entitled to compensation?

If you or a loved one have been injured in a car crash that was caused by another person’s careless or negligent actions, you may be entitled to compensation. This could include:

• Your medical expenses related to the incident
• Lost wages and benefits if you cannot work
• Pain and suffering damages
• Loss of personal enjoyment damages
• Punitive damages against those responsible

Chest injuries caused by a crash can lead to costly medical bills and significantly alter a person’s ability to go about their everyday lives. Those responsible should be held accountable for their actions. If you have any questions regarding your legal options, speak with a car accident attorney in Lexington for more information.