Posted on Wednesday, September 20th, 2017 at 6:01 am
Chest pain after a car accident could be caused by the stress of a collision; however, chest pain can also be a symptom of a severe injury. In some cases, pain can be an indication of a life-threatening condition. You should never ignore any type of pain after a car accident, especially chest pain. It is always in your best interest to seek medical attention as soon as possible after a car accident.
Injuries That Can Cause Chest Pain After a Traffic Accident
Because of the force of the impact from a collision, it is not unusual for car accident victims to experience soreness throughout the upper torso. Slamming into the steering wheel or being restrained by a seat belt can result in minor aches and soreness in your chest.
However, chest pain may also be an indication of a more serious injury. Even a minor blow to the chest can cause internal damage that you may not realize at the time of the collision. Some injuries that may result in chest pains after a car accident include:
- Kidney damage
- Injuries to one or both lungs
- Damage to your liver or spleen
- Injuries to your heart, esophagus, or large blood vessels because of damage to the sternum
- Tracheal injuries
- Broken or cracked ribs
- Chest wall pain that impairs movement of the shoulders or arms
To diagnose the cause of chest pain correctly, your physician may order one or more diagnostic tests, including X-rays, CT scans, or MRIs. Depending on the cause of the chest pain, you may require surgery or other in-hospital treatment or the doctor may prescribe rest and pain medications until you heal and the pain subsides. However, the only way to know for sure if our chest pain is being caused by soreness from the collision or another injury is to seek medical attention after your car accident.
Paying for Medical Bills After a Car Crash
The injuries that can cause chest pain may require expensive medical treatments. Who pays for these treatments?
If the other driver caused the collision, his insurance should pay for your medical expenses. Unfortunately, the insurance company will not pay the costs until you settle the case. In the interim, your health insurance company may pay a portion of the bills. Any medical bills that are not paid by health insurance are your legal responsibility.
Some healthcare providers will accept a letter from a personal injury attorney stating that you are pursuing a claim and will pay the bills from proceeds recovered for the claim. However, if you do not receive compensation from the other driver, you are ultimately responsible for the medical costs. Our Sacramento car accident attorneys can help you seek full compensation for your medical bills from the at-fault driver.
Other Costs and Damages of a Car Accident
Other costs and damages that you may be entitled to receive compensation for in a car accident case include:
- Property damage
- Loss of income
- Loss of earning capacity
- Physical pain
- Emotional stress and mental anguish
- Permanent disability
- Disfigurement and scarring
Depending on the facts of your case, you may also be entitled to additional compensation.
Learn More About Your Claim During a Free Consultation
To discuss your claim, call our office to schedule a free consultation with a Sacramento car accident lawyer. Call the Tiemann Law Firm at (916) 999-9000 or visit our website. Our law firm serves clients in Sacramento, Folsom, Roseville, El Dorado Hills and other communities in the greater Sacramento area.
