What if I Have Chest Pains After a Car Accident?
March 27, 2024
After enduring the chaos of a car accident, survivors often experience a range of physical and emotional effects. Chest pain can be particularly distressing because people typically associate it with heart attacks. If you were recently involved in a car accident and experienced chest pain, you may wonder about these severe connections.
Can I Experience Chest Pain Without Having Visible Injuries?
Absolutely. While injuries like broken bones are apparent, internal injuries might not manifest immediately. The force generated during a collision can cause significant trauma to the chest area, leading to injuries like bruised or fractured ribs, internal bleeding, or internal organ damage. Those injuries can result in chest pain without any visible external signs.
You should seek medical attention promptly after a car accident, even if you do not feel injured; many issues take time to become symptomatic. A thorough medical evaluation can identify any underlying problems and ensure you receive appropriate treatment.
What Are Common Causes of Chest Pain After a Car Accident?
Chest pain following a car accident can stem from:
- Whiplash: Although commonly associated with neck pain, whiplash can also lead to chest discomfort. The abrupt jerking motion during a collision can strain the muscles and ligaments in the neck and chest area, causing pain and stiffness.
- Seat belt injuries: While seat belts are crucial for preventing more severe injuries, they can also cause chest pain. The force exerted by a seat belt during a collision can result in bruises, contusions, or even fractures to the chest wall.
- Airbag impact: Airbag deployment saves lives by cushioning the impact during a crash. Yet the force of an airbag deploying can also cause chest injuries, like bruising or abrasions.
- Internal trauma: In some cases, chest pain signals more serious internal injuries, like damage to the heart, lungs, or other organs.
Do not dismiss chest pain as mere soreness or discomfort after a car accident. Seemingly minor injuries can have potentially serious consequences if left untreated. The best advice for diagnosing the underlying cause of your chest pain and preventing complications is to seek prompt medical attention.
How Can a Car Accident Lawyer Help Me?
Consulting with an experienced car accident lawyer can be invaluable in ensuring your rights are protected. An attorney can review the details of your accident and assess the extent of your injuries, including chest pain. They can determine whether you have grounds for a personal injury claim and advise you on the best course of action. Building a solid case requires thorough investigation and evidence gathering; your lawyer can collect police reports, medical records, witness statements, and other documentation to support your claim.
Dealing with insurance adjusters can feel intimidating, especially when you are dealing with physical pain and emotional stress. An attorney can handle those communications on your behalf and negotiate a fair settlement covering your medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.
Our Baltimore Car Accident Lawyers at LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton Are on Your Side
If you experienced an injury and chest pain after a car accident, reach out to our accomplished Baltimore car accident lawyers at LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton. Call 800-547-4LAW (4529) or contact us online to schedule a free consultation.
We have offices in Baltimore, Glen Burnie, Lanham, and Owings Mills, allowing us to represent clients in Maryland, including those in Anne Arundel County, Baltimore County, Carroll County, Harford County, Howard County, Montgomery County, Maryland’s Western Counties, Prince George’s County, Queen Anne’s County, Southern Maryland, and the Eastern Shore, as well as the communities of Catonsville, Essex, Halethorpe, Middle River, Rosedale, Gwynn Oak, Brooklandville, Dundalk, Pikesville, Nottingham, Windsor Mill, Lutherville, Timonium, Sparrows Point, Ridgewood, and Elkridge.