Chest Pain After A Florida Auto Accident
Chest pain is fairly common following auto accidents in Florida. If you were involved in a Florida car accident and are experiencing chest pain, you need to seek medical help right away. It would be best if you did not ignore the pain. Indeed, chest pain could be an indication of a minor injury, but it could also be an indication of a more severe injury. Below, we discuss, among other things, the types of auto accident injuries that cause chest pain.
Types of Auto Accident Injuries That Can Cause Chest Pain
If you are experiencing chest pain after an auto accident, you may have suffered, among many others, one of the following injuries.
- Bruises – occur when a blow breaks blood vessels near the skin’s surface. In auto accidents, bruises usually arise when an occupant’s chest slams against structures in the vehicle. For example, you could have suffered a bruise if, during your accident, your body slammed against the dashboard. Generally, bruises are considered minor soft tissue injuries. However, it is not uncommon for people to suffer severe bruising in auto accidents.
- A punctured lung – The force from an auto accident can cause a rib to break and tear the lung in such a way that air is able to get into the chest cavity. Unfortunately, after a lung is punctured, it can collapse.
- Muscle strain – An auto accident can strain muscles, including chest muscles. In an auto accident, your chest muscles can become strained, as they work to protect your body. While muscle strain often does not cause severe pain, it is possible to experience strained muscles that cause severe pain.
- Fractured ribs – Chest pain is often a symptom of fractured ribs. It is crucial that, if you think you suffered a fractured rib in your accident, you see a doctor immediately so you can be able to confirm whether or not the rib has punctured the lung or any other internal organ.
- Internal organ injuries – Chest pain can also be an indication that you have suffered injuries to your liver, spleen, trachea, kidneys, or even heart.
What Should You Do if You’re Experiencing Chest Pain After an Auto Accident?
As already mentioned, if you were in a Florida car accident and are experiencing chest pain, ensure you see a doctor as soon as possible. Do not try to act tough as the pain could be an indication of a severe injury that may become fatal if left untreated. The sooner you see a physician, the better. A doctor can examine you, diagnose the cause of your chest pain, and help you get started on treatment.
Additionally, if you plan on filing a personal injury claim, ensure you maintain medical documentation to avoid future problems with the at-fault party’s insurance company. Documentation can, for instance, help you prove to the at-fault party’s insurance company that the auto accident was the cause of your chest injury.
Contact Us for Legal Help
If you are experiencing chest pain after a Florida car accident and would like to speak to a personal injury attorney, feel free to contact our Fort Lauderdale personal injury attorneys at The Pendas Law Firm. We can provide you with the professional legal guidance you need and even help you pursue compensation from the at-fault party that caused your chest injury. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.
The Pendas Law Firm also represents clients in the Miami, Orlando, Ocala, Tampa, Jacksonville, Fort Myers, Daytona Beach, Bradenton, and West Palm Beach areas.