Chest pain after a car accident should never be ignored. While it may be caused by minor bruising from a seatbelt, it can also indicate serious internal injuries like fractured ribs, organ damage, or internal bleeding.
Medical experts warn that any chest pain after a crash requires immediate evaluation to rule out dangerous conditions like pulmonary contusions, heart damage, or internal bleeding. Even if symptoms seem mild initially, delayed injuries can worsen over time, making early medical attention important.
If your chest pain results from another driver’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Texas law follows modified comparative negligence (Texas Civil Practice & Remedies Code § 33.001), meaning you can recover damages if you are less than 51% at fault.
At Keith & Lorfing, we are more than just lawyers—we are trial-tested advocates for hardworking Texans. With over 100 years of combined experience and 500+ trials under our belt, we don’t just settle cases—we prepare every case as if it’s going to trial.
Named Best Lawyers in Abilene in 2023, our firm is built on results-driven litigation, relentless advocacy, and a commitment to securing maximum compensation for our clients. When you work with Keith & Lorfing, you’re not just another case—you’re part of the West Texas community we are proud to serve.
If you’re experiencing chest pain after a car accident, seek medical attention immediately and contact our skilled Lubbock personal injury lawyer today for a free consultation to discuss your legal options.
Common Causes of Chest Pain After a Car Accident
Chest pain after a car crash can result from blunt force trauma, restraint injuries, or internal damage. Even a minor chest injury can lead to severe pain or hidden complications.
Learning more about the possible causes can help determine when to seek medical care and whether you may be able to pursue compensation for medical bills and future medical treatment.
| Cause of Chest Pain | How It Happens | Potential Injuries | When to Seek Medical Care |
|---|---|---|---|
| Impact with Steering Wheel or Dashboard | The chest forcefully hits the steering wheel or dashboard in a collision | Bruised ribs, fractures, internal organ damage | Severe pain, difficulty breathing, crunching sounds in ribs |
| Seatbelt and Airbag Trauma | The seat belt restrains the body while the airbag deploys | Bruising, chest abrasions, sternum fractures | Persistent chest pain, trouble moving, shortness of breath |
| Whiplash-Related Injuries | Sudden jerking motion causes strain on chest muscles and connective tissues | Muscle strain, soft tissue damage, diaphragm irritation | Ongoing pain lasting days or weeks after the accident |
| Blunt Force Trauma from Side Impact | A T-bone collision or motorcycle accident causes a direct hit to the chest | Broken ribs, collapsed lung, internal bleeding | Sharp chest pain, difficulty breathing, dizziness |
| Delayed Pain from Internal Injuries | Damage to organs, blood vessels, or bones that worsens over time | Internal bleeding, punctured lung, heart injury | Pain that appears or worsens days or weeks after the crash |
Types of Chest Injuries Caused by Car Accidents
Chest injuries from a motor vehicle collision can range from minor bruising to life-threatening internal damage. Recognizing symptoms and seeking medical treatment is paramount, as some injuries may cause severe pain or develop into serious complications if left untreated.
- Bruised or Broken Ribs: Caused by impact with the steering wheel, dashboard, or seat belt. Symptoms include sharp pain when breathing, tenderness, and bruising. Treatment involves rest, pain management, and restricted movement. Severe cases may require medical intervention if a rib punctures a lung.
- Sternum Fracture: Often results from high-impact crashes or forceful airbag deployment. Symptoms include intense chest pain, swelling, and difficulty breathing. Recovery requires weeks of rest, but severe cases may need surgery.
- Heart and Lung Contusions: A direct chest impact can bruise the heart (cardiac contusion) or lungs (pulmonary contusion). Symptoms include chest pain, shortness of breath, and irregular heartbeat. These injuries can lead to cardiac arrest or lung punctures, requiring immediate medical care.
- Internal Organ Damage: High-impact crashes can injure vital organs like the spleen, kidneys, or liver. Symptoms include abdominal pain, internal bleeding, dizziness, and nausea. Without urgent treatment, these injuries can be life-threatening and may require surgery.
- Soft Tissue Injuries & Muscle Strain: Crash impact can strain chest muscles and ligaments, causing pain, stiffness, and swelling. Symptoms may take days or weeks to appear, but physical therapy, rest, and pain management can help recovery.
Studies show that chest injuries, especially fractured ribs and sternum damage, can take weeks or months to heal. Some cases even result in chronic pain, making fair compensation essential for ongoing treatment.
Symptoms That Indicate a Serious Chest Injury
Chest pain after a car accident should never be ignored, as some injuries may not show immediate symptoms but can become life-threatening. Certain warning signs indicate the need for urgent medical attention to prevent complications like internal bleeding, punctured lungs, or heart damage.
- Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath: A chest injury can restrict lung function, leading to labored breathing or an inability to take deep breaths. This could indicate a collapsed lung (pneumothorax), pulmonary contusion, or rib fractures pressing against the lungs. Seek immediate medical attention if breathing worsens.
- Severe or sharp pain when breathing, coughing, or moving: Pain that intensifies with movement or deep breaths may indicate rib fractures, sternum fractures, or internal injuries. If pain does not improve or worsens, a CT scan or X-ray may be required to assess internal damage.
- Visible bruising or swelling in the chest area: Blunt force trauma from airbags, seat belts, or impact with the steering wheel can cause deep bruising and swelling. Extensive bruising may indicate internal bleeding, while swelling could be a sign of fluid buildup or tissue damage.
- Dizziness, lightheadedness, or nausea: Feeling faint or disoriented after a crash may be a sign of low oxygen levels, internal bleeding, or shock. Injuries affecting the heart, lungs, or major blood vessels can cause dizziness and require immediate medical care to prevent serious complications.
- Blood in urine or coughing up blood: The presence of blood in urine may indicate kidney trauma, while coughing up blood could signal lung damage, internal bleeding, or a ruptured blood vessel. These symptoms require urgent evaluation to determine the cause and prevent life-threatening complications.
- Pain that radiates to the arms, back, or neck: Chest pain that spreads to other areas may indicate heart-related trauma, nerve damage, or referred pain from internal injuries. Pain traveling down the left arm can sometimes be mistaken for a heart attack, while pain in the back may suggest rib fractures or lung damage.
Hypothetical Case #1: Delayed Symptoms Leading to Internal Bleeding
Jessica, a 32-year-old teacher, was involved in a rear-end collision while waiting at a red light. Although her car sustained minor damage, the force of impact pushed her chest into the steering wheel. At the scene, she felt only mild discomfort and declined medical attention.
Two days later, she began experiencing intense pain when breathing, dizziness, and nausea. A CT scan revealed internal bleeding from a fractured rib that had punctured a lung. She required emergency surgery, followed by months of physical therapy.
Because the at-fault driver’s insurance company initially downplayed her injuries, Jessica sought help from our experienced personal injury attorney. With proper medical documentation, she was able to secure a six-figure settlement for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Hypothetical Case #2: Misdiagnosed Chest Injury Resulting in Long-Term Pain
Mark, a 45-year-old construction worker, was T-boned at an intersection by a distracted driver. At the ER, doctors diagnosed him with minor bruised ribs and prescribed pain medication. However, in the following weeks, he noticed chronic pain in his chest, shortness of breath, and difficulty lifting heavy objects.
After consulting a specialist, he was diagnosed with a sternum fracture and soft tissue damage that had gone undiagnosed in the initial ER visit. This injury limited his ability to work, affecting his income. His legal team gathered expert testimony from a medical professional to prove the severity of his injuries and secured compensation for ongoing medical care and lost earning potential.
Insurance companies often downplay injury claims—don’t settle for less than you deserve. Our San Angelo personal injury lawyers are ready to fight for your full compensation.
What to Do If You Have Chest Pain After a Car Accident
Even if the pain seems minor, it could indicate complications that require immediate attention. Taking the right steps can help protect your health and legal rights.
- Seek immediate medical attention: Chest injuries from blunt chest trauma or an airbag as it deploys may not be immediately obvious. Ribs can also sustain fractures without severe pain at first, so a doctor should evaluate your condition as soon as possible.
- Document all medical visits, tests, and diagnoses: Keep records of X-rays, CT scans, and doctor reports detailing the type of injury sustained. This documentation is critical for proving how the injury law applies to your case and ensuring you receive proper treatment.
- Avoid signing insurance settlements without consulting our lawyers: An insurer may try to downplay your injuries or offer a low settlement. If you need medical treatment beyond what they estimate, accepting an early offer can leave you covering additional costs on your own.
- Consult our Texas personal injury lawyer to assess your case: If your chest may have suffered a serious injury due to another driver’s negligence, our legal professional will help determine whether you are entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Additional reading: Should I get a lawyer for a minor car accident in Texas
Legal Options for Chest Injury Victims in Texas
Sustaining a chest injury in a Texas car accident can have significant medical and legal implications. Comprehending your legal options is necessary to ensure you receive appropriate compensation for your injuries.
Filing a Personal Injury Claim
Texas operates under a fault-based system for car accidents, meaning the party responsible for the accident is liable for resulting damages. To establish liability, you must demonstrate that the other party was negligent and that their negligence directly caused your injuries.
This involves proving:
- Duty of Care: The defendant had a legal obligation to act reasonably.
- Breach of Duty: The defendant failed to fulfill this obligation.
- Causation: The breach directly resulted in your injury.
- Damages: You suffered actual harm or losses due to the injury.
Recoverable Damages
Victims of chest injuries from car accidents in Texas may be entitled to various forms of compensation, including:
- Medical Expenses: Coverage for hospital bills, surgeries, rehabilitation, and any future medical care related to the injury.
- Lost Wages: Reimbursement for income lost due to the inability to work during recovery.
- Pain and Suffering: Compensation for physical pain and emotional distress resulting from the injury.
Here are the general averages for bodily injury claims reported by Forbes, which can offer some context:
- Average auto liability claim for bodily injury in 2022: $26,501
- Surveyed car accident settlement average: $23,900
- Reported settlement range: Less than $5,000 to more than $20,000
Statute of Limitations in Texas
In Texas, the statute of limitations for personal injury cases is two years from the date of the injury. This means you must file your lawsuit within this timeframe; otherwise, you may forfeit your right to pursue compensation.
You must be aware of this deadline to ensure your claim is valid.
How our Lawyer Can Help
Contacting our personal injury lawyer will significantly impact the outcome of your case. Our attorney will:
- Negotiate with Insurance Companies: Insurance adjusters often aim to minimize payouts. Our lawyer will advocate on your behalf to seek a fair settlement.
- Prove Injury Severity: Our attorney will gather and present medical evidence to demonstrate the extent of your injuries and their impact on your life.
- Work Through Legal Procedures: Legal procedures can be difficult. Our lawyer ensures that all paperwork is filed correctly and that deadlines are met.
Why Choose Our Texas Car Accident Lawyers?
At Keith & Lorfing, we fight for accident victims across Texas, ensuring they receive the compensation they deserve for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Our law firm will handle everything—from dealing with insurers to building a strong case—so you can relax and focus on your much-needed recovery.
Contact us today at (325)-225-0670 for a free consultation, and let us help you get the justice you deserve. Let our experienced car accident lawyers help you.
Our Conclusion
With over 100 years of combined experience, we provide personalized legal representation to accident victims, ensuring they receive maximum compensation for their injuries.
We’re not just another law firm—we are West Texans fighting for West Texans. Our team understands the challenges working-class families face, and we’re here to level the playing field. Whether you’ve suffered chest injuries, broken bones, or internal trauma, we have the expertise and resources to fight for you.
