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Chest Pain After a Car Accident | Compensation & Settlements

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Suffering From a Chest Injury After a Texas Car Accident? Contact The Adley Law Firm for a Free Consultation Today!

Car accidents are traumatic events that can cause a variety of injuries, with chest pain being one of the most alarming and potentially serious symptoms. Whether the pain arises from blunt force trauma, sudden impact, or internal injuries, it is crucial to understand how these injuries occur, their implications, and how to pursue compensation for your losses.

At The Adley Law Firm, based in Houston, TX, we’ve helped thousands of clients recover fair compensation for their injuries, including those involving chest pain. This comprehensive guide will explain how chest pain commonly occurs during car accidents, the factors that impact your legal case, and why consulting an experienced attorney is essential.

What to Do If Your Chest Hurts After a Car Accident

If you experience chest pain after a car accident, it’s crucial to take the situation seriously and act promptly. First, seek immediate medical attention, even if the pain seems mild, as some injuries—like internal organ damage or rib fractures—may not present severe symptoms right away. Medical documentation of your injury is also essential for any future legal claims. Avoid strenuous activities that could worsen your condition and follow all medical advice, including diagnostic tests such as X-rays or MRIs. Once your immediate health concerns are addressed, contact an experienced car accident attorney to discuss your case. An attorney can help evaluate the cause of the accident, determine liability, and ensure you receive fair compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

Can My Chest Start Hurting Days After a Car Accident?

Delayed chest pain after a car accident is common and can occur hours or even days later due to the body’s initial adrenaline response masking symptoms. This type of pain may indicate injuries such as muscle strain, bruised ribs, or more serious internal damage. It’s essential to seek medical evaluation as soon as symptoms arise to identify the cause and prevent potential complications.

Why Does My Chest Hurt After a Car Accident?

During a crash, the chest is often exposed to significant forces, whether from the seatbelt tightening, airbag deployment, or blunt force trauma from hitting the steering wheel or dashboard. Even seemingly minor accidents can cause soft tissue injuries, such as bruised chest muscles or strained ligaments.

In more severe cases, chest pain may indicate rib fractures, lung injuries, or even damage to internal organs, such as a heart contusion or a punctured lung. Sudden deceleration during a crash can also create internal pressure that injures the chest cavity, even without visible external trauma. Additionally, the psychological stress or anxiety following an accident can manifest as chest discomfort, mimicking physical injury.

It’s important to remember that chest pain after an accident should never be ignored. Seeking prompt medical attention is essential to identify the cause and prevent potential complications, especially if the pain worsens or is accompanied by symptoms like shortness of breath, dizziness, or nausea.

Common Causes for Car Accident Chest Pain

Chest pain is a common complaint following car accidents, as the chest is often exposed to significant forces during a collision. Below are some of the primary ways chest pain can occur:

1. Seatbelt Impact

Seatbelts are designed to save lives, but they also exert a significant amount of pressure on the chest during a crash. The sudden deceleration of a vehicle can cause the seatbelt to press forcefully against the ribcage, leading to bruising, strained muscles, or even rib fractures.

While this type of injury is often minor, severe crashes can cause more substantial damage, including internal injuries beneath the site of the seatbelt.

2. Airbag Deployment

Airbags deploy at speeds of up to 200 miles per hour to protect the driver and passengers during a collision. While they prevent severe head and neck injuries, the force of deployment can result in chest pain. Common injuries from airbags include bruising, fractures, or even contusions to internal organs like the lungs or heart.

3. Blunt Force Trauma

In a car accident, the chest may strike hard surfaces such as the steering wheel, dashboard, or door frame. This blunt force trauma is one of the leading causes of chest injuries and can result in:

  • Rib fractures or bruising
  • Soft tissue injuries, such as muscle strain
  • Internal organ damage, including to the lungs or heart

4. Steering Wheel Injuries

For drivers, the steering wheel is often the first point of contact during a collision. Even with airbags, the force of the crash can cause the driver’s chest to hit the wheel, leading to fractures, internal injuries, or significant bruising.

5. Crush Injuries

In more severe accidents, particularly rollovers or head-on collisions, parts of the vehicle may collapse, compressing the chest. These crush injuries can cause severe damage, including broken ribs, punctured lungs, or injuries to the diaphragm.

6. Sudden Deceleration Forces

Even without direct impact, the rapid deceleration during a collision can cause internal injuries. This phenomenon, known as “shear force,” can damage blood vessels or organs inside the chest cavity, even if there is no visible external injury.

Average Settlements for Chest Pain After A Texas Car Wreck

The average settlement for chest pain resulting from a car accident in Texas ranges from $10,000 to $50,000, depending on the circumstances of the accident and the severity of the injuries. For cases involving more severe injuries, such as rib fractures with complications or internal organ damage, settlements can exceed $100,000.

However, it’s important to remember that every case is unique. Factors such as liability, insurance coverage, and the long-term impact of the injury can significantly influence the settlement amount.

Contact The Adley Law Firm Today

Chest pain after a car accident can indicate serious injuries that require extensive medical care and may lead to long-term complications. Navigating the legal process while dealing with the aftermath of an accident can be overwhelming. That’s where an experienced attorney can help.

At The Adley Law Firm, we specialize in representing car accident victims across Texas. Our team understands the complexities of chest pain cases and will work tirelessly to secure the compensation you deserve. From gathering evidence to negotiating with insurance companies, we are here to guide you every step of the way. Call us today to schedule your free consultation. Trust us to fight for your rights and help you get the justice you deserve.

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