Bruised or broken ribs after a crash are common, but are they something to worry about? Not every fracture is serious, but sometimes broken ribs can be severe or even life-threatening, such as if they puncture your lungs.
At Anderson & Cummings, we explain how you could fracture one or more ribs in a crash, the symptoms to look for and how these injuries are treated. We also talk about the compensation you may be able to recover for your medical costs and other damage if your broken ribs are the result of another driver’s negligence.
Need legal help after a collision? Our experienced car accident lawyers in Fort Worth have decades of experience, and we are prepared to fight for the maximum amount of compensation for your damages.
Not sure if you have a Texas car crash case? Take advantage of our completely free consultation to learn if you may have legal options for recovering your medical costs and other losses.
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How Can You Break Your Ribs in a Car Crash?
In the chaos of a car crash, your body can be subjected to immense force, leading to various injuries, including broken ribs. The impact from a collision can cause the chest to forcefully strike against the steering wheel, dashboard, or even the seatbelt, resulting in fractures to the ribs. The severity of the break can vary, from a hairline fracture to a more serious break that punctures the lung.
Should I Seek Medical Attention if I Think I Broke My Ribs?
If you suspect that you may have broken ribs after a car crash, you should seek medical attention immediately. Even if the pain seems manageable or you do not notice any outward signs of injury, it is vital to have a medical professional assess your condition. Delaying medical treatment could lead to complications and prolong your recovery time. If a fractured rib punctures your lungs, your situation could become life-threatening without treatment.
Getting emergency treatment after being involved in a car crash helps to rule out any serious injuries. If your car crash was the result of another party’s negligence, your hospital medical records can also help to link your injuries to the crash that caused them.
Can I Seek Compensation for the Costs of Treating My Broken Ribs?
If another driver’s negligent or careless actions caused the crash and your injuries, you may be eligible to seek compensation for your damages. However, the burden of proving the other driver was negligent falls on you, the injured victim. This is something you should discuss with an experienced Fort Worth attorney. He or she can help you navigate the legal process and pursue the compensation you deserve.
If you have a valid case, an attorney can help you to seek compensation for damages that may include:
- Medical costs, including related hospital stays, diagnostics, surgery, physical therapy, etc.
- Property damage
- Lost wages
- Loss of enjoyment
- Loss of companionship
- Disfigurement and scarring
- And more
Are Broken Ribs After a Car Crash Life Threatening?
While broken ribs themselves may not be life-threatening, they can lead to complications that pose serious risks to your health. For example, a broken rib can puncture a lung or damage other internal organs, leading to potentially life-threatening conditions such as pneumothorax (collapsed lung) or hemothorax (blood entering the space between your lungs and chest wall – medically called the pleural space). Prompt medical attention is essential to prevent these and other complications.
What Are Some Common Symptoms of a Broken Rib?
The symptoms of a broken rib can vary depending on the severity of the injury, but common signs include:
- Sharp, intense pain in your chest when you breathe, laugh, cough or move.
- Tenderness and swelling around your chest area.
- Difficulty taking deep breaths or feeling like you are not getting enough air.
- Visible deformity or bruising over the ribs.
- A crackling or grating sound when you move or touch the injured area.
If you experience any of these symptoms after a car crash, it is essential to seek medical attention promptly.
How Are Broken Ribs Treated?
Treatment for broken ribs typically focuses on managing pain and supporting the healing process. Other types of treatment may vary, depending on the severity and location of the fracture.
In many cases, rest, pain medication, and avoiding activities that exacerbate the pain are sufficient for recovery. However, more severe fractures may require immobilization with a brace or wrapping, and in rare cases, surgery may be necessary to realign the broken bones. To determine whether you have a broken rib and if so, what treatment may be required, you need to be properly diagnosed.
Injured in a Fort Worth Car Crash? Call Our Trusted Law Firm Today
Contact our law offices in Fort Worth to find out about your potential legal options. Having an attorney manage your case from day one helps to ensure your legal rights and best interests are protected from day one.
Anderson & Cummings has a history of proven results, recovering millions in compensation for our clients. Crash victims with legal representation often recover far more compensation than those who do not.
Contact our law offices any time, night or day. We have staff available to take your call. There are no upfront costs or fees if we represent you, and nothing to pay throughout the legal process. We only get paid if you do.
Experienced Lawyers. Proven Results. (817) 920-9000