Los Angeles is a busy and densely populated city with a high volume of traffic, which unfortunately means that car accidents are a common occurrence. Chest injuries are common in car accidents. The chest is a vulnerable part of the body that can be easily injured in a car accident, particularly in front-end collisions or side impacts.
The severity of chest injuries can vary widely depending on the speed and force of the impact, as well as other factors such as the position of the person in the vehicle, the use of seat belts and airbags, and the overall health and physical condition of the person.
If you have sustained chest injuries in a car accident, it is important to get medical help as soon as possible. You should also consider consulting with a personal injury lawyer who can help you understand your legal rights and options for seeking compensation for your injuries and related losses.
Chest Injuries in Car Accidents
Chest injuries are relatively common in car accidents, particularly in front-end collisions and side-impact crashes. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), chest injuries are the second most common type of injury sustained in motor vehicle accidents, after head injuries.
Studies have shown that approximately 20-25% of all car accident injuries involve the chest. Rib fractures are the most common type of chest injury, accounting for up to 60% of all chest injuries in car accidents. Sternum fractures are less common but still occur in approximately 5-7% of cases.
Internal chest injuries, such as lung contusions or bleeding, are less common but can be more serious and potentially life-threatening. These injuries can occur in up to 10-15% of chest injury cases.
It’s important to note that the severity of chest injuries can vary widely depending on the speed and force of the impact, as well as other factors such as the position of the person in the vehicle, the use of seat belts and airbags, and the overall health and physical condition of the person. If you have been in a car accident and have sustained chest injuries, it’s important to seek medical attention and legal advice right away.
We at the Pacific Attorney Group have a dedicated team of attorneys who look after chest injuries in car accident cases. We will look after all your needs and bring you the verdict you need.
Causes of Car Accident Chest Injuries
Car accident chest injuries can be caused by a variety of factors related to the force and impact of the collision. Some common causes of car accident chest injuries include:
- Direct Impact: The most common cause of chest injuries in car accidents is a direct impact with a hard surface, such as the steering wheel, dashboard, or door.
- Seatbelt Injuries: While seatbelts are designed to protect passengers, they can also cause chest injuries if they are not worn properly or if the impact is severe. Seatbelt injuries may include bruising or more serious injuries like sternum fractures.
- Airbag Injuries: Airbags can also cause chest injuries if they deploy with too much force or if the occupant is too close to the airbag when it deploys. In some cases, airbag injuries can result in broken ribs, lung contusions or other internal injuries.
- Rollover Accidents: Rollover accidents can cause chest injuries if the occupants are jostled around and hit various hard surfaces, such as the roof, door or dashboard.
- Secondary Impact: Even if the initial impact does not directly cause chest injuries, a secondary impact, such as hitting the head against the steering wheel or dashboard, can cause chest injuries.
Risk Factors in a Car Accident Chest Injury
There are several risk factors that can increase the likelihood of sustaining a chest injury in a car accident. Some common risk factors include:
- Lack of Seatbelt Use: Not wearing a seatbelt significantly increases the risk of chest injuries in car accidents. Seatbelts are designed to distribute the force of an impact across the strongest parts of the body, which can reduce the likelihood of chest injuries.
- Speed and Force of Impact: The speed and force of the impact in a car accident can significantly increase the risk of chest injuries. Higher-speed crashes and more severe impacts are more likely to cause chest injuries.
- Type of Collision: Certain types of car accidents, such as front-end and side-impact collisions, are more likely to result in chest injuries than others.
- Age and Physical Condition: Older adults and those with pre-existing medical conditions, such as osteoporosis or heart disease, may be more susceptible to chest injuries in car accidents.
- Occupant Position: The position of the occupant in the vehicle can also affect the risk of chest injuries. For example, a driver or passenger who is slouching or leaning forward at the time of impact may be at increased risk of chest injuries.
- Airbag Deployment: While airbags are designed to protect occupants in the event of a crash, they can also cause chest injuries if they deploy with too much force or if the occupant is too close to the airbag when it deploys.
It’s important to note that even if you do not have any of these risk factors, you can still sustain a chest injury in a car accident. If you have been in a car accident and have sustained chest injuries, it’s important to seek medical attention right away, and do not forget to consult a personal injury lawyer who can help you understand your legal rights and options for seeking compensation.
Symptoms of a Chest Injury after a Car Accident You Should Look Out For
Symptoms of a chest injury may vary depending on the type and severity of the injury. Some common symptoms of a chest injury include:
- Pain: Chest pain is the most common symptom of a chest injury. The pain may be sharp, dull, or throbbing and may worsen with movement or deep breathing.
- Difficulty Breathing: Chest injuries can make it difficult to breathe, and you may experience shortness of breath, wheezing, or chest tightness.
- Bruising: Chest injuries may cause bruising, swelling, or tenderness in the chest area.
- Coughing: If you have sustained a chest injury, you may experience coughing, which may be dry or accompanied by blood.
- Nausea: Chest injuries may cause nausea or vomiting, especially if the injury is severe.
- Dizziness or Lightheadedness: In some cases, chest injuries may cause dizziness or lightheadedness.
- Fractures: If the chest injury is severe, you may have broken ribs or a fractured sternum. You may feel a crunching sensation when you move your chest or breathe.
Types of Chest Injuries Commonly Caused by Los Angeles Car Accidents
Car accidents can cause a variety of chest injuries due to the force and impact involved in the collision. These injuries can range from minor bruises and contusions to severe fractures and internal injuries.
Some of the most common chest injuries that can occur after a car accident include:
- Rib Fractures: The impact of a car accident can cause rib fractures, which can cause severe pain and discomfort. These fractures can also lead to punctured lungs, which can be life-threatening.
- Sternum Fractures: The sternum is the breastbone, and it can also be fractured during a car accident. This injury can cause severe pain and discomfort, and it may also impact the organs surrounding the sternum.
- Internal Injuries: Car accidents can also cause internal injuries to the chest, such as lung contusions or bleeding, which can lead to breathing difficulties and other serious medical conditions.
- Bruising: This is a common chest injury and occurs when the chest hits against a hard surface, like the steering wheel, dashboard, or seatbelt. The bruising may be external or internal.
How to Get Compensation for Car Accident Chest Injuries in Los Angeles?
If you have sustained chest injuries in a car accident in Los Angeles, you may be entitled to several types of damages, including:
- Medical Expenses: This includes the cost of medical treatment for your chest injuries, such as hospitalization, surgery, medication, and rehabilitation.
- Lost Wages: If your chest injuries prevent you from working, you may be able to recover lost wages and other income you would have earned if not for the accident.
- Pain and Suffering: Chest injuries can cause significant pain and discomfort, both physical and emotional. You may be able to recover damages for the pain and suffering you have experienced as a result of your injuries.
- Property Damage: If your car or other property was damaged in the accident, you may be entitled to compensation for repair or replacement.
- Loss of Earning Capacity: If your chest injuries prevent you from returning to your previous job or earning the same level of income, you may be able to recover damages for the loss of earning capacity.
- Wrongful Death: If a loved one of yours has passed away due to chest injuries sustained in a car accident, you can be able to recover damages for wrongful death.
The specific damages available in your case will depend on the circumstances of the accident and the severity of your chest injuries.
To be eligible for compensation, you will need to establish that another party is responsible for the accident and that their wrongdoing caused your injuries. This will involve collecting evidence such as police reports, statements, and medical records, as well as working with a personal injury lawyer who can help you build a strong case.
In California, you have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury claim for car accident injuries. However, it’s important to seek legal advice as soon as possible to ensure that you do not miss any important deadlines and to give your lawyer enough time to build a strong case.
Seek the help of the best lawyers to build a strong case and not miss out on any deadlines.
How Can the Pacific Attorney Group Help with Chest Injuries in Car Accidents?
The Pacific Attorney Group is a personal injury law firm that has experience helping clients who have sustained chest injuries in car accidents in Los Angeles. Here are some of the ways they can help:
- Legal Advice and Representation: The Pacific Attorney Group will provide you with legal advice and representation. We will help you understand your legal rights and options for seeking compensation, and we will represent you in negotiations with insurance companies or in court.
- Medical Referrals: If you want, we will refer you to medical professionals who can provide treatment and documentation of your chest injuries. This will be important for building a strong case for compensation.
- Evidence Gathering: Our team will gather evidence related to your car accident and chest injuries, such as police records, witness statements, and medical records. This evidence can be used to establish liability and damages in your case.
- Negotiation with Insurance Companies: The Pacific Attorney Group will negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf to seek a fair settlement for your chest injuries and other damages. We will also advise you on whether a settlement offer is fair and reasonable based on the circumstances of your case.
If you have sustained chest injuries in a car accident in Los Angeles, the Pacific Attorney Group is there to provide the legal expertise and support you need to seek compensation for your injuries and other damages.
Reach out to our firm for legal advice regarding chest injuries, and you will not regret your decision.