Causes of Chest Pain After a Car Accident

Why is chest pain common after a car accident?

Motor vehicle crashes involve strong forces acting on the body. In a front-end crash, the body moves forward in response to the collision. A person’s body may hit the seat belt, an airbag, the steering wheel, the dashboard, or other objects. These crashes can cause chest pain.

What are common causes of chest pain after a car accident?

Chest pain is serious. If you are experiencing chest pain after a car accident, you should seek medical attention immediately. Causes of chest pain include: 

• bruising
• soreness
• inhaling airbag debris
• muscle strain
• bruised chest bone (sternum)
• bruised ribs
• fractured ribs
• internal organ injuries
• heart injury

The only way to know whether your chest pain is the result of common soreness, or a life-threatening condition, is to seek medical attention immediately. Doing so may save your life.  

What should I do if I was in a car accident and am experiencing chest pain?

If you experience chest pain after a car accident, don’t sit by and do nothing. The chest pain may not go away, and it could be life-altering or fatal. You want to take action as soon as possible. Here are some things you should do if you have chest pain after a car accident:

Seek medical attention immediately.

Chest pain is serious. Your injury could put you at risk for serious medical conditions.

Get tested and see a specialist

If you report chest pain after a car accident, most doctors will order imaging of your chest, like a CT scan. It may also be appropriate to ask your primary care physician or a hospital physician to refer you to a specialist, such as a cardiologist. Specialists have additional training and experience that will help them diagnose your symptoms. Don’t ignore chest pain! 

Make a record

There are many causes of chest pain. Insurance companies are quick to point that out. If you are in a car accident and are having chest pain, you want to inform your doctors, so they include that information in your medical records. If your medical records at the emergency room or an initial visit with your primary care physician document chest pain, it will be more difficult for the insurance company to argue your chest pain was unrelated to the crash. Also, and more importantly, you want your doctors to know this information. It may save your life.    

Talk to an attorney

Insurance companies act quickly to minimize their financial responsibility after a crash. For example, they often take recorded statements of accident victims to try to obtain information to minimize the value of their claims. Talk with an experienced personal injury attorney so you know the tactics insurance companies use. Information puts you in control. Talk to an attorney as soon as possible after a crash to protect you and your family.    

Tell your no-fault insurance company about the chest pain

If you were in a Michigan car accident, and another driver was at fault, you likely have at least two claims (1) a Michigan no-fault claim and (2) one or more negligence claims. To obtain no-fault benefits, you must submit an application for no-fault benefits to the correct insurance company. Talk to an attorney to identify the correct insurance company. In your application, list chest pain where it asks about crash injuries. The earlier you can document the relationship between the crash and your chest pain, the better chance you have of the insurance company paying for treatment for your chest pain.  

Do I have a legal claim if I am having chest pain from a car accident?

Yes. You likely have a Michigan no-fault claim and, depending on the circumstances, you may have multiple other legal claims as well. Chest pain is serious. If another driver was at fault for the crash, you likely have multiple valuable claims. Talk with a car accident attorney to better understand your rights. 

Call or contact Conybeare Law Office now to speak with an experienced Michigan car accident lawyer 

A car accident is a scary, painful, and traumatic experience. It can be difficult to know who to talk to after a crash, but having an experienced Michigan car accident attorney can help alleviate much of the stress and uncertainty that comes after an accident. The knowledgeable car accident lawyers at Conybeare Law Office will help you understand your rights so you feel like you are in control, and they will fight to get you the money you deserve. To learn more about the wide range of legal services offered to our Michigan car accident clients, talk to our office today. Conybeare Law Office has offices in Saint Joseph and Kalamazoo, Michigan, and proudly serves all of southwest Michigan and beyond. Call or contact us for a free consultation. We look forward to talking to you. Remember, if it’s not fair, call the bear.

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