
After a car accident, the physical and emotional aftermath can feel overwhelming.
Chest pain, in particular, is alarming and can indicate serious injuries such as broken ribs, internal bleeding, or even damage to vital organs. You’re likely asking yourself, Why does my chest hurt after a car accident?
This blog is here to guide you through the steps you should take and how Weinberg Law Offices can help you recover physically, emotionally, and financially.
Chest Pain After a Car Accident Shouldn’t Be Ignored
Experiencing pain in your chest after a car accident is a sign that something isn’t right. While it could be something as minor as muscle strain, it might also signal more severe injuries, such as:
- Fractured or bruised ribs from the force of the collision or seatbelt impact;
- Cardiac contusion, also called heart bruising, which is caused by blunt trauma;
- Internal injuries like organ damage or internal bleeding; and
- Whiplash-related chest pain that occurs when the neck’s violent movement affects surrounding muscles.
Without immediate medical attention, these injuries could worsen over time. Ignoring chest pain can lead to complications that jeopardize your health and your legal rights. Taking action quickly protects your well-being and properly documents the timing and extent of your injury for any legal claims you pursue.
Steps to Take After Experiencing Chest Pain
If you are experiencing chest pain following an accident, don’t panic—but do take swift action. These steps will help protect your health and your legal right to compensation.
1. Seek Immediate Medical Attention
Your health comes first. Even if the chest pain seems mild at first, let a medical professional assess your condition. Some serious injuries, like internal bleeding or organ damage, may not present immediate symptoms but can become life-threatening without prompt treatment.
In California, medical records are critical evidence in personal injury claims. Visiting a doctor ensures that your injuries are documented, which strengthens your case if you pursue compensation. Delaying treatment could harm your health and make it harder to prove the connection between the accident and your injury.
2. Document the Incident and Your Symptoms
Once you’ve sought medical care, begin documenting everything related to the accident and your injuries. These details will help build a solid personal injury claim:
- Take pictures of the accident scene, your injuries, and the damage to your vehicle;
- Keep a journal of your chest pain and how it impacts your daily life, including difficulty breathing, sleeping, or working; and
- Retain copies of your medical records, prescriptions, and treatment plans.
This documentation will support your claim and ensure you receive fair compensation for your injuries. Consistent and detailed records can make a significant difference when negotiating with insurance companies.
3. Contact the Police and Obtain a Crash Report
Under California law, you must report a car accident that results in injuries or significant property damage. The police report can serve as crucial evidence in your personal injury case. Officers will document the facts of the accident, which can help establish fault and support your claim for compensation.
4. Consult an Experienced Personal Injury Attorney
Navigating the legal process after a car accident can be complex. Chest pain after a car accident often leads to medical expenses, lost wages, and emotional suffering. At Weinberg Law Offices, we ensure you’re not left to face these challenges alone. The California Code of Civil Procedure § 335.1 gives you two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury claim.
With legal representation, you can focus on healing while we handle the legal complexities. Don’t let the stress of paperwork, deadlines, and insurance adjusters overwhelm you.
FAQs About Pain In Your Chest After a Car Accident
If you’ve experienced chest pain after a car accident, you likely have questions. Below, we address some of the most common concerns.
Why Does My Chest Hurt After a Car Accident?
Chest pain can result from the collision’s impact, the force of your seatbelt, or the deployment of airbags. Injuries may range from soft tissue damage to life-threatening internal trauma. A medical professional can determine the underlying cause and recommend the appropriate treatment. Early diagnosis is essential for both your health and your personal injury claim.
What Are Your Legal Rights?
In California, victims of car accidents have the right to pursue compensation for:
- Past, present, and future medical expenses;
- Pain and suffering;
- Lost wages and lost earning capacity; and
- Property damage.
California operates under a comparative fault system, meaning you can recover damages even if you were partially at fault for the accident. For example, if you are found 20% at fault, you can still recover 80% of your damages.
The Cost of Ignoring Chest Pain
Failing to promptly address pain in your chest after a car accident can lead to worsened health outcomes, higher medical bills, and complications in pursuing a legal claim.
Insurance companies often downplay injuries to reduce payouts. If you delay seeking medical care, you risk the insurer blaming you for exacerbating your condition. Your legal team can help weaken this argument, but failing to get medical help can result in losing out on much-needed compensation.
Furthermore, the financial burden of untreated injuries can be significant. Chest pain may result in ongoing medical treatments, lost income, and emotional distress—all of which deserve compensation. By addressing the issue immediately, you protect your health and secure the resources you need to move forward.
For a free legal consultation, call (818) 697-1079 or complete the case evaluation form below
Partner with Weinberg Law Offices
At Weinberg Law Offices, we’ve helped countless car accident victims in California get the justice they deserve. Here’s how we work with you:
- Free consultation. Discuss your case with our experienced car accident lawyers to understand your options.
- Thorough investigation. We gather evidence, interview witnesses, and review medical reports to build a strong case.
- Aggressive representation. We negotiate with insurance companies to ensure you receive a fair settlement. If they don’t cooperate, we’re ready to litigate.
If you’re dealing with chest pain after a car accident, don’t wait to get help. Weinberg Law Offices is here to guide you every step of the way. Call us now for a free consultation and let us fight for the compensation you deserve.
Don’t let pain and uncertainty take over—take the first step toward recovery and justice today.
Disclaimer: This content should not be construed as legal advice.