What Should I Do If I Have Chest Pain After an Arizona Car Accident?

Chest pain after a car crash could be a symptom of a serious injury. Seeking immediate medical care is crucial to avoid complications that could lead to long-term health problems or even death.

The Arizona car accident lawyers at Mushkatel, Gobbato, & Kile, P.L.L.C. want to help if you suffered a chest injury or other injuries in a motor vehicle crash. We can assist you in seeking compensation for your injuries and holding the at-fault party accountable for their negligence.

Is it Normal to Have Chest Pain After a Car Accident?

Feeling chest pain after a car accident is relatively common. This discomfort can arise from several sources. For example, the force of the crash might cause you to strike the steering wheel or seatbelt, leading to bruises or other injuries on your chest.

Additionally, the stress and shock of being in an accident can cause muscle tension, which might also result in anxiety-related chest pains. Some people experience chest pain immediately after a car accident, while others might not feel symptoms until days or weeks later.

Even if your chest pain seems minor, take it seriously. Sometimes, what feels like a minor issue could be a sign of a severe chest injury like internal bleeding or even heart trauma resulting from the accident. Seek medical attention immediately because these conditions can worsen without proper care. After a thorough checkup, your healthcare provider can determine the cause of your chest pain and the best way to treat it.

What are Some Possible Causes of Chest Pain After an Arizona Car Accident?

There are several potential causes of chest pain after a motor vehicle accident. Understanding them can help you better address any possible health issues. Common causes of chest pain from collisions include:

• Blunt force trauma – Direct impact to the chest from the steering wheel, dashboard, airbag, or seatbelt can cause bruising, fractures, or more severe internal injuries.
• Whiplash – While whiplash is typically associated with neck injuries, the sudden jerking motion of a crash can also strain chest muscles and cause significant pain.
• Stress and anxiety – Accidents are traumatic events that put the body in “fight or flight” mode, which may manifest as chest pain or discomfort due to increased heart rate and muscle tension.
• Rib fractures – The force of a collision can crack or break ribs, causing sharp chest pain that worsens with breathing or movement.
• Internal bleeding – Forceful physical trauma can cause internal bleeding from organs like the heart or lungs, which can present as pain in the chest cavity.

Regardless of the cause, chest pain following a car accident requires immediate medical treatment to prevent further complications and improve the chances of a proper recovery. Prompt diagnosis and medical care are essential to manage the effects of these injuries.

What are the Symptoms of a Chest Injury?

Recognizing the symptoms of a chest injury after a car accident is crucial for timely medical intervention. Here are some warning signs:

• Pain and tenderness – One of the most immediate symptoms of a chest injury is intense pain in the chest area, which may increase with movement or deep breathing.
• Bruising – Visible bruising on the chest is a clear indicator of trauma. Bruises might not appear immediately but can develop within hours after an accident.
• Difficulty breathing – If you find breathing hard or experience shortness of breath, it could be a sign of a punctured lung or other severe injuries.
• Swelling – Swelling in the chest area can occur after a crash. This inflammation often indicates trauma beneath the skin, such as broken ribs or internal bleeding.
• Deformity – Any noticeable change in the shape of the chest or rib cage could suggest broken bones or internal organ damage.
• Bloody cough – Coughing up blood is a significant indicator of internal chest trauma that requires urgent medical attention.

Why You Need to Seek Immediate Treatment for Chest Injuries in a Crash

Experiencing chest pain after a car accident is always worth investigating. Go to an emergency room or see a physician as soon as you notice chest-related symptoms. Prompt treatment could save your life. And from a legal standpoint, it also creates a clear connection between the car accident and your injuries. This link can serve as evidence for a personal injury claim you might consider later.

When you have chest pain after a car crash, timely medical care ensures that doctors can assess the extent of your injuries in the early stages. This is vital because some serious conditions, like internal bleeding or heart damage, might not show up immediately but can have life-threatening consequences if untreated.

Getting timely treatment addresses urgent health concerns and supports your recovery process. It also helps you manage pain, prevent dangerous complications, and start rehabilitation if needed. Moreover, you have an official record of your car accident injuries when you see a doctor immediately.

How Long Do I Have to File an Injury Lawsuit Against the Other Driver in Arizona?

In most cases, Arizona law gives car accident victims two years from the date of a collision to file a personal injury lawsuit. While this is the deadline for most car accident claims, some cases may have a shorter or longer time limit. It’s in your best interest to hire a car accident attorney to learn the statute of limitations for your case. You don’t want a missed deadline to eliminate your right to full and fair compensation.

Our Lawyers Help People with Chest Injuries in Car Accidents

The Arizona car accident lawyers at Mushkatel, Gobbato, & Kile, P.L.L.C. have seen how chest injuries can change people’s lives after an auto accident. Let us help you recover the fair compensation you deserve for your physical injuries, medical bills, lost wages, and other losses. We will do all the legal legwork while you heal, and there is no fee unless we recover compensation for you. Call or contact us today for a consultation.

Visit Our Arizona Car Accident Injury Law Offices

About the Author

Zachary Mushkatel

Zachary Mushkatel discovered his affinity for the law by chance. As a political science major at the University of Arizona, he first aspired to become a professor. But an unexpected invitation to participate on a mock trial team at the university encouraged him to turn his competitive spirit and drive…