Chest injuries and trauma to the upper body are common in car accidents due to the impact of the torso of a vehicle occupant against the steering column, seat belt or airbag. These injuries are especially dangerous because they can have hidden symptoms that lead to harmful delays in medical treatment.
If you suffered any kind of chest injury in a recent New York car accident, speaking with a car accident lawyer can give you key information about your legal options.
Common Types of Car Accident Chest Injuries
Blunt-force trauma to the chest in an automobile accident can inflict impact-related injuries, while sharp objects penetrating the chest can cause life-threatening puncture wounds. Common types of chest injuries suffered in auto accidents include:
- Bruised or broken ribs
- Sternum (breastbone) injuries
- Collarbone injuries
- Lung injuries
- Punctured lung (pneumothorax)
- Pulmonary contusion (lung bruising)
- Heart injuries and cardiac arrest
- Internal bleeding
- Organ injuries or damage
- Soft-tissue injuries
- Seat belt syndrome
- Airbag injuries
Chest injuries can have severe internal complications, as the upper body houses critical organs. For this reason, it’s highly important for any crash victim who suffered a blow or impact to the chest to seek medical attention without delay.
Signs of a Chest Injury After a Car Crash
Not all car accident chest injuries are immediately apparent. Some are delayed, with signs and symptoms that are not noticed by the victim right away. Don’t wait to seek medical care after your automobile accident.
Chest injuries can cause pain in the area, trouble breathing or shortness of breath, visible bruising, tenderness, coughing, or an irregular heartbeat after a car crash. A lack of oxygen from respiratory problems could also cause dizziness or lightheadedness.
Compensation for Chest Injuries After a New York Car Accident
New York is a no-fault state. Under this rule, someone injured in a car accident generally seeks financial compensation from his or her own car insurance company. Personal injury protection (PIP) insurance can cover a claimant’s medical bills and lost wages without requiring proof that someone else is at fault.
If a chest injury is severe, however, the victim is granted the right to sue the at-fault driver outside of the no-fault system. A negligent driver may be held accountable, for example, if he or she caused the crash and inflicted a major chest injury. Bringing a claim against a liable party could lead to greater compensation than PIP alone, including pain and suffering damages.
How Can a Personal Injury Lawyer Help?
Navigating a New York car accident claim can be difficult, especially if you or a loved one suffered a serious chest injury that allows you to sue an at-fault driver outside of your own car insurance policy. In this case, you or your lawyer will need to prove fault using compelling evidence.
It is important to protect your legal rights as a car accident victim by contacting an attorney for legal advocacy. An experienced personal injury lawyer will know how to navigate New York’s unique car insurance rules. You can count on your attorney to take all the necessary steps to initiate a legal claim on your behalf.
If your chest injury or internal trauma will impact you for the rest of your life, it is even more important to consult with an injury lawyer, as you need to understand the true value of your catastrophic injury claim. Contact Abaev Law Firm, PLLC at (212) 763-7738 for a free car accident case review in New York to learn more.