Chest Pain Caused by Truck Accidents
Chest pain resulting from a truck accident may be caused by collision stress, but it can also indicate the presence of a severe injury. Pain caused by a vehicle accident should never be ignored, particularly when it’s in the chest.
Chest Pain Symptoms
Pain throughout the upper torso is a common consequence of vehicle collisions. Being restrained by a seat belt or slamming into the steering wheel can lead to minor chest aches and pains. However, chest pain is sometimes evidence of more severe injuries.
Some of the most common vehicle collision chest injuries include:
- Cracked or broken ribs. These injuries typically occur when the chest is restricted by a seat belt or when it strikes the steering wheel. Rib damage may cause sharp, shooting chest pain that worsens when the collision victim inhales deeply or coughs.
- Muscle strain. Maintaining a tight grip on the steering wheel during a collision can damage the muscles in the driver’s neck, shoulders, and arms. Muscle strain typically results in dull, aching chest pain.
- Bruised sternum. When a driver fails to wear his seat belt, the sternum may be bruised when his chest and thorax impact the steering wheel. Common symptoms of a bruised sternum include swelling, chest pain, sharp pain when laughing or coughing, and tenderness at the front of the chest.
Obtaining Medical Care
If you experience chest pain after a vehicle accident, seek medical care as soon as possible. To identify the source of your pain, your physician may order diagnostic tests such as x-rays, CT scans, or MRIs. Depending on the results of these tests, you may need surgery, rest, or pain medication to help you recover from your injuries.
You need an experienced personal injury attorney to help you recover compensation for these health care costs, your loss of income, emotional pain, and other damages. To learn more, contact the law offices of Steve M. Lee, P.C., by using the form on this page.