Must-knows about chest pain after a car accident
Chest injuries are common after a car accident. In fact, many people who survive such incidents only become aware of their injuries after the shock and adrenaline of the accident has passed.
Don’t miss any warning symptoms. If you’re experiencing chest pain after a car accident, the cause could be a hematoma or muscle strain. It may also be a sign that you’ve suffered a rib fracture or catastrophic injury to internal organs such as the heart.
Why is it so common to experience chest pain after a car accident? Often this occurs due to the seat belts and air bags, as well as the proximity of the driver to the steering wheel and the dashboard.
7 tips for chest pain after a car accident
Official data confirms that Texas is one of the states with the most traffic accidents. In 2020 alone, about 205,948 people were injured in motor vehicle crashes and 14,656 people suffered a disabling injury due to a collision.
If you were involved in a car accident and are experiencing chest pain, follow these steps:
- Get examined by a physician immediately.
- Receive medical treatment and a correct diagnosis.
- Have documentation from your doctor at hand.
- Don’t try to endure the pain.
- Talk to an attorney with experience in helping people injured in car accidents.
- Inform your insurance company about your chest pain.
- Don’t sign any agreements related to your accident.
Common symptoms of chest pain
If you were injured in a car accident and experience any of the following symptoms, seek immediate medical attention:
- Chest pain even without moving
- Discomfort when a small amount of pressure is applied
- Chest heaviness when coughing, sneezing, or laughing
- Chest discomfort with any movement
Causes of chest pain after a car accident
Chest pain after a car accident is cause for concern and warrants a thorough physical examination by your doctor. Getting a prompt diagnosis will ensure that you receive the necessary treatment to alleviate your pain.
Common causes of chest pain after a car accident are due to:
- Bruising
- General pain from shaking inside the vehicle
- Choking from airbag deployment
- Muscle contracture
- Fractured ribs
- Injuries to internal organs
- Injuries to the heart
In addition to severe pain, you may not be able to perform daily activities. While sometimes there’s no way to prevent an accident caused by someone else, you can make the smart decision to be responsible for your own well-being by always wearing your seat belt.
How to file a claim after a car accident
In the state of Texas, you can initiate your claim for chest pain after a car accident by filing a no-fault claim for benefits with the responsible insurance company.
If your insurer refuses to pay or cancels benefits related to chest pain after you suffer a car accident, then you may be able to sue for unpaid medical bills and even lost wages if your injuries have prevented you from returning to work.
You may also sue the at-fault driver for compensation due to pain and suffering as a result of injuries related to the crash. However, you must first prove that you weren’t responsible for causing the accident.
Who should you call if you were in a car accident in Texas and have chest pain?
As we have mentioned, a car accident can change your life drastically. It’s essential to get a proper medical diagnosis in order to rule out more serious internal injuries.
In the event that you’re diagnosed with a serious injury and need to seek compensation, contact us at George Salinas Injury Lawyers. We will fight for your rights regardless of your immigration status. Schedule a free initial consultation with us, so we can help guide you on the right legal path.
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