An automobile accident can result in catastrophic, life-altering injuries. In some cases, the injuries from a car accident or truck accident can be fatal. Vehicle accidents can cause many injuries including injuries to the chest that cause chest pain. Chest pain can be an indication of a variety of different injuries from mild soreness to potentially life threatening conditions.
Because of the way a person is positioned when sitting in a vehicle, it is not unusual to experience injury to the upper torso area. When the person is slammed against an object, the force of the impact can cause substantial pain and injury. Even in a low impact crash, you can experience severe chest pain.
Types of Injuries That Can Cause Chest Pain After a Car Accident
When you are in a car accident, a minor blow to the chest can cause serious internal injuries that may not be immediately visible or noticeable due to the stress and shock of the crash. A blow to the chest from the air bag, seatbelt, dashboard, steering wheel, or flying object can result in one or more of the following injuries:
- Damage to one or both lungs
- Damage to the tracheal
- Cracked and/or broken ribs
- Injury to the kidneys when the back of the chest is struck
- Damage to the spleen and/or liver when the lower chest or side of the chest is struck
- Damage to the esophagus, heart, and/or large blood vessels due to damage to the sternum in the front of the chest
- Pain in the chest wall that impairs movement of the arms, shoulders, rib cage, and trunk
Because some injuries may not present symptoms immediately, if you are in an accident and you are struck in the chest, you should see a doctor to determine if there are internal injuries you may not be aware of immediately. You will need a comprehensive examination including one or more diagnostic tests such as a CT scan or X-rays to determine the exact damage caused by the chest injury. In some cases, time, rest, and pain killers allow the chest pain to heal and subside; however, internal injuries may require more intensive treatment including surgery and physical therapy.
Medical Bills and Other Expenses Caused By Chest Injuries in an Automobile Accident
As an accident victim is recovery from chest pain after an accident, the chest pain can make it difficult to work. The medical bills associated with a chest injury can be substantial. In many cases, chest pain will ease and the victim will recover; however, sometimes there may be lasting damage that can even be life-threatening and fatal.
Victims of motor vehicle accidents have the right to receive compensation for their losses, damages, and injuries under Louisiana’s personal injury laws. The amount of compensation increases as the severity of the injury increases. In the case of a wrongful death, the family of the accident victim can sue the at-fault driver for damages.
Contact an Experienced NoLA Car Accident Attorney
If you have been injured in a car accident or truck accident, contact the experienced New Orleans accident attorneys of The Olinde Firm. Call us today for your free legal consultation at (504) 587-1440 or 1-800-587-1889. Our legal team will aggressively fight for your right to receive compensation from the person who caused your injuries.