There are several painful injuries someone involved in a car crash may experience. From herniated discs to muscle strains, the aftermath of a car crash is confusing and painful both physically and emotionally. Vehicle occupants commonly suffer bruising or swelling in their upper chest after car crashes. Discoloration on the chest or difficulty breathing after a crash may be signs of organ damage or internal bleeding. People can easily mistake symptoms of a chest contusion for crash-related anxiety, which is why it is essential to undergo a medical examination following a car crash.
Understanding Chest Contusions
Many injuries from car crashes can be detrimental to one’s long-term health and financial future. Chest contusions happen when a sudden force or impact occurs to the chest. Small blood vessels break under the skin and appear as bruising on the surface. Some bruises may not be visible but can be detected through tenderness or swelling. In more severe cases, chest contusions can lead to a hematoma when blood collects and pools under the skin. Because chest contusions are likely to cause internal injuries, you should speak with a medical professional to properly diagnose your injury. Difficulty breathing is a common sign of internal bleeding which can cause severe organ injury or death. If you or a loved one has a chest contusion, get to the doctor right away to have it evaluated. Then call an experienced lawyer at Golden State Lawyers who can help you recover for your injuries. The right legal team can investigate your claim, protect you and advance your best interests during the claims and/or litigation process.What Are Some Types of Chest Contusions?
Chest contusions can be deadly: While some injuries may be minor, others can cause long-term problems. Different types of chest contusions that commonly result from car crashes include:- Myocardial contusion: When extreme force impacts the chest directly over the heart, the heart itself can suffer bruising and damage;
- Pulmonary contusion: Injury to your lung tissue can happen in car crashes when the chest experiences extreme force leading to internal bleeding and swelling;
- Bruised Sternum: Bruised sternum chest contusions can cause extreme pain and discomfort. In more severe cases, a bruised sternum can fracture and/or lead to pneumonia.
What Are Some Common Causes of Chest Contusions?
There are many ways a chest contusion might occur; the most common cause of this injury, however, is car crashes. Chest contusions happen whenever you experience a great strike or blow to the chest during a crash. Some common causes include:- Steering wheels: If you find yourself in a car crash where you are sitting too close to the steering wheel, the impact from the collision can cause a chest contusion;
- Seat belts: Your seat belt should hold you in place and keep you safe in the event of a car crash. When the seat belt rapidly tightens against your body during a collision, the seatbelt itself can cause a chest contusion;
- Airbags: When airbags deploy, they do so rapidly and with great force sometimes causing chest contusions.
How Can I Recover Compensation for Chest Injuries?
People injured in car crashes can recover money from the at-fault party’s insurance. In some cases, claimants might demand compensation from multiple parties - for instance, the at-fault driver and the vehicle manufacturer if a defective car part contributed to causing the injuries. You should consult with an experienced lawyer from Golden State Lawyers before speaking with or accepting a settlement from the insurance company. Depending on the severity of your chest contusion, it may take some time before you can get back to regular life. Don’t accept a quick settlement offer and be left scThe teambling for funds when future medical issues and expenses arise. Our lawyers at Golden State Lawyers know insurance companies are in the business of making money - not helping claimants - which is why you should contact our lawyers to ensure that you do not waive your rights to recover. We will fight hard for you and have demonstrated our ability to secure full value for your claim.Chest Contusions and Car Crash FAQs
What are some of the most common driving violations that result in chest trauma?
Texting while driving, following too closely, speeding, failure to yield, unsafe lane changes, driving while under the influence, failing to obey traffic lights and signals and failing to pay proper attention while driving are all common traffic violations that end up causing car crashes which injure and kill people.What if a family member dies in a car crash?
You might be able to file a wrongful death claim if your family member died in a car crash. Injuries to the chest cavity can sometimes result in fatal lung or heart damage. Because these cases often have different procedures and deadlines, you should speak with a car crash lawyer at Golden State Lawyers as soon as possible.What damages are available in cases involving serious chest cavity trauma?
Sudden injuries can cause more than just medical bills. Among other compensation, claimants can pursue lost wages, property damage and human losses such as pain, suffering, anxiety, inconvenience and loss of enjoyment of life in a personal injury case.What are the costs of hiring a lawyer for a car crash case?
Car crashes happen suddenly and can bring on tremendous economic loss. Most injury lawyers do not require up-front payments and work on a contingent fee which is a delayed payment structure that works through an agreement with your attorney. If your lawyer resolves your case successfully, he will accept a portion of your final settlement as his fee.Contact a Car Crash Lawyer for More Information
Robert Bohn, Jr.
Attorney
For more than 40 years, the lawyers at Robert Bohn, Jr. has dedicated their practices to personal injury law, representing people who have been injured or damaged due to the negligence or carelessness of others. For most people, handling a personal injury claim can be complicated and stressful.
Author's Bio