The impact of the car crash, forceful contact with the steering wheel or airbag, and broken or fractured ribs can all lead to immediate and ongoing chest pain.
Suppose you or someone you love is having chest pain after an auto accident. In that case, a personal injury lawyer can help you recover compensation for your medical expenses, collect evidence, clarify filing deadlines, and negotiate a fair and appropriate settlement without going to court.
Commonly Reported Causes of Auto Accident Chest Injuries
Where you were seated in the car at the time of the accident can play a role in the injuries you sustained. If you were the driver, for example, your seat belt, steering wheel, and airbag could have caused chest injuries. Other factors can include points of impact, each vehicle’s speed, and the type of collision.
Signs and symptoms of a chest injury include:
- Difficulty breathing
- Wheezing or shortness of breath
- Inflammation, swelling, or bruising
- Pain that travels into your neck or jaw
- Chest pain that worsens with movement or motion
A car accident lawyer in your area can obtain and review your medical records. When necessary, they will consult medical experts and specialists who support your case. The case file they build for you will note the specific cause of your chest pain.
Broken or Fractured Ribs
According to Cleveland Clinic, broken and fractured ribs are often the result of traumatic events like car accidents. Approximately 30% of people who sustain trauma to the chest suffer a broken rib. The CDC also notes the lengthy recovery time needed to heal from broken ribs — a minimum of a month. In addition to complete breaks, types of rib fractures can include:
- Stress fracture
- Avulsion fracture
- Comminuted fracture
- Floating fracture
- Displaced rib fractures
- Non-displaced rib fractures
Treatment can vary based on the severity of your injury and any resulting complications, including heart, lung, liver, kidney, and spleen damage. Some rib fractures can also cause difficulty breathing and pulmonary complications.
Lacerations and Puncture Wounds
Most people carry a variety of objects around in their cars. Objects flying around the car at the time of the collision can cause serious cuts, scratches, and puncture wounds. The weight and build of the items will determine the severity of resulting chest injuries.
A deployed airbag can also cause bruising, burns, and friction on your face and chest.
Crush and Restraint Injuries
Seat belts and airbags are life-saving tools. Sometimes, however, they can cause or exacerbate chest injuries. The force of a deployed airbag or the forced restraint of a seat belt can cause deep bruises and internal bleeding. Being ejected from the car in an accident can also lead to severe chest injuries and additional forms of trauma.
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Recovering the Costs of Treating Chest Injuries
Your current and future healthcare costs will depend on the severity of your injury and your treatment plan. When a lawyer represents you, they can help you recover the following medical bills:
- Emergency care
- Hospitalization
- Rehab and therapy
- Medications
- Surgical intervention
You can also recover the cost of laboratory and imaging tests and in-home medical or domestic support throughout your recovery.
Additional Recoverable Damages After an Auto Accident
Medical care is not the only form of compensation you can request from the other party. Additional economic damages can include:
- Lost income throughout your recovery
- Loss of future earning capacity
- Property damage or total loss
These damages are tangible and typically supported with documentation. Your lawyer may also request many non-economic damages, including:
- Physical disability
- Physical disfigurement
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
- Emotional distress
- Diminished quality of life
Assessing your recoverable damages can be more complicated than you might think. If an attorney takes your case, they will create a detailed list of your damages.
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A Personal Injury Lawyer Can Help You Build a Strong Compensation Case
In addition to physical injuries, a car accident can be mentally and emotionally traumatic. Dealing with the aftermath of the accident can add stress to an already difficult recovery process. A local lawyer can handle the details of building your case, including:
- Investigate your auto accident
- Gather physical evidence
- Obtain medical documentation
- Complete insurance forms
- Draft and file your case
- Communicate on your behalf
- Consult expert witnesses
- Locate and interview lay witnesses
Your lawyer will work hard to negotiate a settlement for you. If they cannot reach one, they can represent you in court and keep fighting for financial recovery.
Evidence Your Lawyer Collects to Build Your Case File
Your medical records are an important part of your evidence collection. Your lawyer may compile them from every medical and rehab professional and facility where you were treated, as well as other evidence related to financial losses, including employment and salary history records.
Other evidence that helps prove the accident’s cause and the at-fault driver’s financial liability will include:
- The car accident report
- Accident scene photos
- Video footage
- Witness statements
- Accident reconstruction analysis
The law firm that handles your case will collect the evidence your case needs. While they concentrate on building the strongest possible case for you, you can focus on recovering your health.
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Get Help With Your Car Accident Case Today
If you or someone you love suffered from chest pain after a recent auto accident, our law firm can help you recover the costs of your medical bills, pain and suffering, and lost income. We will collect evidence that supports your case and advocate for you from start to finish.
Founded in 2014, we have more than 250 years of combined personal injury experience. Contact one of our case review team members at Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers to get started today. We offer free consultations.
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