What to Do if You Have Chest Pain After an Accident
Your chest hurts after a car accident. Is it just adrenaline, or should you see a doctor?
Car accidents have a way of ruining your day. Not only are they inconvenient, but they also cause vehicle damage and injuries.
After a crash, you may just want to go on with your day. However, you are not exactly feeling right. Your chest hurts. Could it just be the adrenaline from the accident, or could you be seriously injured?
Chest pain should always be taken seriously, especially after a car accident. It is possible that nothing is wrong, but it is also possible that you may have broken ribs, a punctured lung, or internal bleeding. These are all serious injuries that will only get worse without prompt treatment.
Should I See a Doctor?
You should always seek medical attention after a car accident. You could be seriously injured and not even know it. Some injuries are masked by the adrenaline rush of the crash and may not appear until weeks later.
If you wait weeks later to see a doctor, you are hurting your case. If you are trying to seek compensation for medical expenses, the insurance company will try to deny your claim by alleging that if you were seriously injured, you would have sought medical help right away.
Therefore, if you have chest pain after a car accident, you should definitely seek medical help right away. See a doctor or visit your local hospital emergency room. Tell the doctor you were in a car accident and if you recall hitting anything. The doctor can use this information to aid in diagnosis and treatment.
A doctor can examine you and order X-rays, CT scans, and other medical tests if necessary. Diagnostic tests include X-rays and CT scans. A doctor can diagnose the extent of your injury and treat you properly. Treatment may include rest and medication, although surgery may be needed for more serious injuries.
Signs of Chest Injuries
A chest injury may not appear right away, so here are some signs to look for:
- Chest pain. Any tenderness or pain in your chest could signal an injury. Even mild pain could point to organ damage or other severe injuries.
- Abdominal pain. If you feel abdominal pain after a chest injury, then you may have injured another organ as well, such as your spleen or kidneys.
- Breathing difficulties. If you are having trouble breathing after an accident, or if it hurts to breathe, then your lungs or surrounding blood vessels may be damaged.
Contact Our Kansas Car Accident Attorneys Today
After any type of car accident, it’s important to seek medical attention. Even if you feel fine or don’t think the pain is that bad, you could have chest injuries or other internal injuries that require immediate care.
Count on the Kansas car accident lawyers at Neustrom & Associates to help you after a crash. We’ll guide you through the process and make sure you get appropriate medical care. Schedule a free consultation today by filling out the online form or calling our office at (785) 825-1505.