Chest Pain After a Car Accident

A car crash can rattle you in ways you don’t expect. One moment, you’re fine. The next, you’re dealing with chest pain after a car accident and wondering, should I be worried? The short answer is yes. Any kind of chest discomfort after a crash could mean something serious. And here’s the thing: Adrenaline can mask pain, so what feels minor now could turn into something major later.

Your health should always come first. But if another driver caused the accident, you should also think about your legal rights. In Delaware, you may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Let’s walk through the possible causes of your chest hurting after a car accident and what to do next.

Why does your chest hurt after a car accident?

When you’re in a crash, your chest takes a lot of the impact. Whether it’s from a seat belt, an airbag, or hitting the steering wheel, the force can lead to injuries – some minor, some severe. Here are the most common reasons for pain in your chest after a car accident:

1. Seat belt and airbag injuries

Seat belts save lives. No question. But they also lock up instantly when a crash happens, which can cause sternum pain after a car accident. Airbags deploy at over 200 mph. The force alone can leave you with bruising or even fractured ribs. It’s a trade-off – these things protect you from worse injuries, but they can still hurt you.

2. Blunt force trauma

If your chest slams into something during the crash, like the steering wheel or dashboard, you could be dealing with bruising, broken ribs, or internal injuries. Sometimes, the pain doesn’t show up right away. That’s why it’s important to get checked out.

3. Fractured or bruised ribs

A sore chest after a car accident might just be bruising. It could also mean cracked ribs, which are dangerous because they can puncture your lungs or other organs. If breathing hurts or moving makes the pain worse, you need medical attention ASAP.

4. Muscle strains and soft tissue injuries

Muscle strains from the sudden jolt of a crash can cause ongoing discomfort. There’s also costochondritis after a car accident – a painful inflammation where your ribs meet your sternum

Signs of a serious chest injury

Not all chest pain is an emergency, but some symptoms should send you straight to the ER:

• Trouble breathing or shortness of breath
• Sharp, stabbing pain that worsens with movement or deep breaths
• Visible bruising, swelling, or deformities in your chest
• Pain that spreads to the shoulders, neck, arms, or jaw
• Dizziness, nausea, fainting, or signs of internal bleeding

Whether it’s just right side chest pain after a car accident or left side chest pain after a car accident, don’t ignore it. Internal injuries aren’t always obvious at first. And the longer you wait, the worse things can get.

Delaware car accident laws and your rights

If someone else caused the accident, you shouldn’t be stuck with medical bills. Delaware law allows you to seek compensation for injuries, including chest pain after a car accident and seat belt injuries. Here’s what you need to know:

Delaware’s no-fault insurance system

Delaware is a no-fault state, meaning your own personal injury protection (PIP) insurance covers your medical expenses and lost wages, no matter who caused the crash.

When can you sue?

You can file a personal injury claim if:

• Your medical costs go beyond your PIP coverage.
• You suffer long-term pain or impairment.
• The at-fault driver was reckless or negligent (such as drunk driving or texting while driving).

Delaware law gives you two years from the accident date to file a personal injury claim. Miss that deadline? You lost your right to sue.

How a Delaware car accident lawyer can help

Dealing with chest pain is stressful enough. Adding legal battles on top of that can be overwhelming. That’s where a lawyer comes in. A car accident attorney can:

• Investigate your case. They can collect evidence, police reports, and medical records.
• Deal with insurance companies. Insurers want to pay as little as possible. A lawyer fights to get you what you deserve.
• Prove your injuries are serious. Medical documentation and expert opinions can strengthen your claim
• Negotiate a settlement. Most cases don’t go to trial, but if needed, your lawyer will be ready to fight for you in court.

What should you do next?

If you’re feeling chest pain after a car accident, here’s what to do:

1. Get medical help: Don’t wait. Even if it feels minor, get checked out.
2. Follow your treatment plan: Whether it’s rest, medications, or physical therapy, stick to what the doctor orders.
3. Document everything: Keep medical records, accident reports, and notes on how the pain affects your daily life.
4. Talk to a lawyer: If another driver caused the accident, legal help can make a huge difference.

Silverman, McDonald & Friedman: Helping Delaware car accident victims

No one expects to deal with pain after a car accident caused by seat belt injuries. But if you’re in pain because of someone else’s negligence, you deserve compensation.

At Silverman, McDonald & Friedman Attorneys at Law, we help injured clients get the financial recovery they need. We know how devastating car accident injuries can be, and we’re ready to fight for you. If you’ve experienced medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, or other damages, we’re prepared to work to get you the best outcome possible. Contact us today.