After a car accident, it is common to experience some pain and discomfort. Many victims experience severe consequences and may find it difficult to continue daily activities. Chronic pain after an injury can reduce the enjoyment of various activities and may affect an individual’s life and ability to work.
Some victims experience chest pain after a car accident. The force of the collision may be exerted on the chest area by hitting the steering wheel, which can lead to significant injuries. Even if you have not experienced any visible injuries, you should always seek immediate medical attention and get yourself treated for any injuries that may not be readily apparent.
From helping you with taking the initial steps of obtaining a medical evaluation and filing a claim with the insurance company, to gathering evidence to prove damages and filing a legal complaint, a qualified attorney can handle most things on your behalf.
You may even consider contacting a San Antonio Personal Injury Attorney to understand the process and receive compensation for injuries you have suffered.
Why Do Accident Victims Experience Chest Pain?
Chest pain is one of the most common symptoms that accident victims experience after an accident. In a crash or a collision, a sudden stop may throw an individual forward, causing all sorts of injuries to bones and internal organs in and around the upper torso area of the body. These types of injuries often impact a person’s quality of life. Chest pain may even be psychological, caused by trauma associated with the accident.
People experiencing chest pain after an accident should seek immediate emergency medical treatment and get a chest scan. A significant impact to the upper body can have several underlying causes for the pain, not least of which is the potential for heart damage. Heart damage can prove to be fatal if not treated in a timely manner. Not wearing a seat belt, striking the steering wheel, and the force of an airbag can have serious consequences.
Common Causes of Chest Pain
The following are some of the common causes of chest pain after a crash or collision:
- Muscle strain: A strain could be one of several reasons that lead to severe chest pain. Any traumatic event, such as a vehicle accident, can result in muscle strain leading to severe chest pain. You should never let chest pain go unchecked, even if you are experiencing only minor pain. It is important that you immediately get in touch with a medical professional for a physical examination and evaluation of the pain.
- Bruises and fractured ribs: Individuals may experience persistent and severe pain if they receive bruises or fractured ribs. Both conditions can lead to pain and discomfort, making it difficult for an individual to function normally.
- Torn or ruptured veins or arteries – A serious accident can result in life-threatening injuries such as torn or ruptured veins and arteries. The condition is often associated with severe chest pain and may deteriorate a person’s quality of life.
- Internal organ injuries – A crash can result in severe injuries, and an individual may experience internal injuries to vital organs of the body. This may lead to various difficulties in an individual’s life.
- Heart attack – Car accidents can increase stress significantly and may even lead to trauma. As a result, an individual may experience severe health conditions such as heart attack and chest pain.
What To Do If You Experience Persistent Chest Pain After A Car Accident?
After a car accident, you should not take pain and discomfort lightly. Whether the pain is minor or significant, a physical examination is necessary. Not only will you protect yourself from any latent health conditions, but you will create a record of your injuries.
Here are a few things you can do if you are experiencing persistent pain after an accident:
- Seek a physical examination: Get a full body physical examination to understand the reason behind the pain and your health condition. It could be something serious that may require immediate attention. This is the reason why it is crucial to seek close medical attention after a crash. Your healthcare provider may suggest a CT scan or a full body checkup to understand the root cause of the pain. Afterwards, they may prescribe medications and other treatment accordingly.
- Take a break from work: You should avoid working for a few days until your condition improves. If you continue performing difficult or laborious tasks, there is a chance that you could hurt yourself more. Many do not want to take a break for several reasons, including lost wages. It is important to understand that the reason for the pain could be something critical. If you are experiencing persistent pain there is likely something wrong. In serious cases, you may be entitled to personal injury compensation. In accordance with the law, you may be entitled to recover compensation for medical benefits, lost wages, pain and emotional suffering. You can either file a third-party insurance claim or file a lawsuit against the negligent party.
- Gather all your medical documents: To receive a settlement and get appropriate benefits, you will have to prove that you are suffering from a serious medical condition. Medical records play a crucial role and will strengthen your case. Whether seeking compensation from an insurance policy or through a lawsuit, there is a chance that your claim for compensation could be denied if it lacks sufficient supporting medical and other evidence. You should maintain a record of all medical documentation to ensure that you receive a settlement timely.
Consult an accident attorney at your earliest convenience after being involved in an accident. An attorney can help you throughout every step of the process, from dealing with insurance companies to filing a lawsuit, should that be necessary.