According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 80% of severe car accident injuries either affect the head or the chest. These injuries can cause lifelong pain, discomfort, or even disability. They can also affect one’s ability to care for a family, hold a job, and/or lead a normal life.

What Causes Chest Injuries in a Seattle Car Accident?

Common causes of chest injuries in a car accident include:

  • Steering wheel impact. Up to 7% of all car accidents result in a fractured breastbone. This is caused by the bone hitting the steering wheel during the collision. It typically takes over ten weeks to recover from a fractured breastbone. 
  • Seat belts. Seat belts are effective in preventing serious injury or death. Unfortunately, in a serious collision, they can also cause bruising, muscle strain, or even fractured ribs. 
  • Airbags. Airbags deploy with force after a car accident, which can cause fractured ribs, damage to soft tissue in the chest, and/or internal injury.

Signs that Chest Pain Can Be Serious

Chest pain following a car accident isn’t always serious. However, it can be. That’s why a Seattle car accident lawyer will always recommend seeking medical help right after a car accident. 

Furthermore, a person who has been injured in a car accident won’t always feel chest pain right away. It can take weeks or even months for symptoms to arise. Following are some particularly serious symptoms you’ll want to watch out for if you have been in a car collision:

  • Trouble breathing
  • Pain when taking a deep breath, coughing, sneezing, and/or clearing your throat
  • Swelling
  • Bluish skin (this is a sign of lung damage)

Compensation for Chest Pain and Injuries

If you have a chest injury and/or chest pain as a result of a car accident, you have the right to claim compensation from the party responsible for the accident. The compensation can cover the cost of medical bills and even lost wages while you recover from the incident.

The first step in claiming compensation is to find a good car accident lawyer in Seattle who can review your case and determine who is at fault. In most instances, the other driver’s insurance company is responsible to pay for medical care and other bills. However, a Seattle seat belt injury lawyer may also assess your vehicle to see if a defective seat belt and/or airbag caused some of your injuries.

A Seattle car accident attorney will handle any communications with insurance agencies while you focus on rest and recovery. This prevents an insurance agency from pushing you into a bad settlement deal that does not provide adequate compensation. It also saves you the hassle of dealing with legal work during your recovery period.

A Seattle car accident attorney will also collect evidence on your behalf. Statements from eyewitnesses and first responders can help you prove the other party was at fault. Medical statements can show that your injuries were caused by the accident. These forms of evidence can help you obtain a favorable settlement or be used to prove your case in court. 

As your case progresses, your attorney will offer advice on either seeking a settlement or taking the case to court. A settlement resolves matters quickly and keeps legal expenses to a minimum. However, the other party may be unwilling to offer a fair deal. In such instances, a good car accident lawyer in Seattle will vigorously represent you in court to help you claim the compensation that is rightfully yours.

Craig Swapp & Associates offers expert legal representation to anyone who has sustained a chest injury as a result of a car accident. Our team has a winning track record and years of experience helping drivers of all ages and walks of life. Get in touch with us to learn more about our services, or schedule an appointment with one of our car accident lawyers. 

Written By: Ryan Swapp     Legal Review By: Craig Swapp