Chest pain after a car accident? This article will help you understand the most common causes of chest pain after an accident and the next steps to take.
If you or a loved one experiences chest pain after a Tampa-area car accident, be sure to take it seriously. Chest pain can be a symptom of a serious injury or medical condition that may require prompt medical attention.
Abrahamson & Uiterwyk is a Florida personal injury law firm with over 30 years experience and $800M recovered for our clients. We invite you to contact us anytime. Our knowledgable injury law team members will listen to the details of your car accident and tell you whether you may have a valid personal injury claim related to your chest pain.
Common Causes of Chest Pain After a Car Accident
Experiencing chest pain after a car accident can be a sign of a serious injury. Remember, not all serious injuries result in severe pain. If your chest hurts or you feel lingering discomfort in the chest after an accident, it’s important to seek medical care for a proper diagnosis.
Some of the most common causes of chest pain after a car accident include fractured ribs, bruised ribs, muscle strain and injuries to internal organs.
Fractured Ribs
Broken ribs are another common cause of experiencing chest pain after a car accident, often in the form of sharp, shooting discomfort. These types of injuries are often caused by the chest being restricted by a seat belt or hitting the steering wheel in an accident.
Bruised Ribs
The trauma involved in a car accident can also be responsible for bruising the sternum or ribs. This type of injury is often associated with dull, aching pains that may come and go with movement.
Muscle Strain
Another common cause of dull, aching chest pain after a car accident is strain to the muscles of the chest. While this type of injury may not be life threatening, it may be important to seek medical attention after your accident to confirm that a more serious injury has not taken place.
Injuries to Internal Organs
Experiencing pain in the chest after an accident can also be a sign of a potentially life threatening injury to an internal organ, particularly the heart. Chest pain can also be a sign of a heart attack. Additional signs that a serious internal injury may have taken place include fatigue, shortness of breath, headache and dizziness.
Symptoms Associated With Chest or Sternum Injuries
Trauma to the chest and sternum can result in a variety of symptoms depending upon the location and severity of an injury. Some common symptoms of chest injuries include:
- Sharp, stabbing pain when moving or stretching
- Severe pain when coughing, sneezing or laughing
- Constant discomfort or pain, even while not moving
- Pain or discomfort when even a small amount of pressure is applied to the chest
Remember, experiencing chest pain after a car accident may indicate that you have suffered a serious injury that requires the care of your healthcare provider. Take action and seek medical attention as soon as possible if you suspect that you may have suffered a chest injury from a car accident. If you’re wondering what kind of compensation for a fractured sternum you can get see our post that gives settlement examples for those types of injuries.
Discuss Your Car Accident Chest Injury with an Attorney. No Fee, No Obligation
If you or a loved one has been seriously injured in an accident due to someone else’s irresponsibility, call the Tampa car accident lawyers of Abrahamson & Uiterwyk today at 1-800-538-4878 or fill out our contact form.