Rib and Chest Pain After a Car Accident

Many people experience rib and chest pain after a car accident. While you may think that rib and chest pain is “natural” following a car accident- after all, your seatbelt is keeping you secure and that pressure needs to go somewhere- rib and chest pain after a car accident can often be more serious than people think.  

The injury attorneys at Phoenix Accident and Injury Law Firm near you have significant experience in helping clients who have experienced chest or rib pain after a car accident.  Our offices are conveniently located in nearby Chandler, Peoria, and North Phoenix, and we can meet in-person or over the phone or video call.  You can contact us for a free consultation, or read on to find out more.

By the way, we will also help with other problems that have cost you sleep, like getting a rental car very soon and finding a nearby doctor who can help you. Even the best legal team isn’t good enough if your quality of life isn’t sustainable while justice and compensation are on the way. The whole point of legal action is to regain quality of life, so we help you long-term as attorneys and short-term as your go-to people.

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Why Do People Experience Chest Pain After A Car Accident? 

Many people report rib and chest pain after a car accident. This can be from something as minor as the seatbelt restraining you or the airbag opening. Or, it can come from slamming into the door, dashboard, or steering wheel during impact.  

What Are the Common Types of Chest Pain? 

Your chest pain after a car accident can be one or more of quite a few things. The types of chest pain range from minor to major.  

• Muscle Strain: This occurs because during impact your muscles can stretch too far, or even tear. This is not as serious as other chest pains; however, it can cause severe pain.  
• Bruised Ribs: While many types of bruises are associated with car accidents, the ribs and sternum are some of the most commonly bruised body parts. They can be bruised as a result of hitting the steering wheel, being restricted by the seatbelt, or the airbags opening. This may cause chest pain, tightness, or discomfort.  
• Fractured Ribs: While the skin over your ribs may be bruised, often, ribs are often fractured. This can occur when you hit the steering wheel or dashboard, or when the airbag opens. Fractured ribs can cause sharp and excruciating pain in your chest.  
• Internal Organ Injuries: When damaged, essential organs like the liver, kidneys, spleen, heart, or lungs, can cause chest pain. Each of these have extreme and life-threatening complications.  
• Heart Attack: Any stressful situation or traumatic event, like a car accident, can trigger a heart attack in an otherwise healthy person. This may happen immediately after, during, or soon after the crash. Often, people mistake a heart attack for chest pain.  

What Are the Symptoms of Chest Pain? 

In addition to actually having chest or rib pain, you may experience other symptoms that could indicate a more serious problem with your chest or ribs. They include:  

• Shortness of Breath/ Trouble Breathing 
• Difficulty Swallowing 
• Wheezing When You Breathe  
• Tenderness Around the Affected Area 
• Numbness or Tingling in Arms 
• Pain that Worsens with Movement 
• Upper Back Pain
• Asymmetrical Chest Expansion 
• Bruised Area that Gets Bigger as Time Passes (Hematoma) 

What to Do if You Have A Chest or Rib Injury? 

Apart from seeing a doctor, the best thing to do for chest and rib injuries is rest. Even gentle stretching may damage your ribs and chest further. Come up with a personalized treatment plan with your doctor, depending on the type of injury you have.  

How Long Does Chest Pain Last After A Car Accident? 

The recovery period of chest pain after a car accident will vary based on the type and severity of your injury. Generally, the pain will be the worst in the first 24- 48 hours after the initial accident, and hopefully start to lessen after approximately 72 hours. However, this will vary based on the type of injury. It is best to see your doctor, and they will give you a more accurate idea of recovery expectations. While abrasions and soft tissue injuries heal quickly, broken bones and sprains will take longer to heal.  

For More Information, Take a Look at These Articles

How can I handle my own auto accident claim if I have rib or chest pain?

 What should I expect to receive from the at-fault driver for my rib and chest pain? 

How do I file an insurance claim for my rib and chest pain after an auto accident?

What medical treatment should I get if my ribs and chest hurt after a car accident? 

What medical treatment should I expect to receive if I have rib and chest pain after a hit-and-run accident? 

Can I claim pain and suffering if I have rib and chest pain after an auto accident?

How can I start to recover from my rib and chest pain? 

What if my accident happened at a low speed and I’m experiencing rib and chest pain? 

How can I cope with the unexpected medical bills for my rib and chest injuries? 

How do car accident settlements work if I’ve injured my ribs or chest?

What are latent rib and chest injuries and how can I prepare for them?

What is the value of rib and chest pain after my auto accident?

Why do I need to hire an auto accident doctor for my rib and chest pain? 

How much will it cost to have an attorney handle my rib and chest pain claim? 

Hospitals Near You

Chandler 

Chandler Regional Medical Center 

Mercy Gilbert Medical Center 

Arizona General Medical Center 

North Phoenix 

Deer Valley Medical Center 

John C. Lincoln Medical Center 

Abrazo Arrowhead Campus