After a car accident in California, you might not know if you have significant injuries that could lead to a lengthy recovery, surgery, or death. While chest pain is a common symptom after an accident, there’s no way to know the severity of your injuries until a doctor examines you. There are a few signs that could be present right away that could indicate medical attention.
Hitting objects
A common scenario in motor vehicle accidents is hitting objects that are in the car due to the sudden decrease in speed. These objects include the steering wheel if you’re the driver, the windshield, or the dashboard. The impact of hitting these objects could result in bruising on the chest, which can cause mild to moderate pain, as well as broken ribs or internal damage to the heart or lungs. Signs that there could be a serious injury include shortness of breath and pain while inhaling.
Fractures
A fractured rib is an injury that could result if there’s damage to your chest during a car accident. This usually results from impact at the center of the chest. Bruising is one of the first signs you could notice, as well as sharp pains and swelling.
Heart attack
You might have a heart attack after a car accident. This could occur due to the stress of being in an accident or a blunt-force chest injury. Some of the signs that could indicate that you’re having a heart attack include fatigue, pain that shoots down the left arm, and dizziness.
If you’re in an accident, note the types of pain you experience to get the best treatment possible for any severe chest injuries. It is always advisable to seek medical treatment as soon as possible after a vehicle crash.
