Key Takeaways
- Chest pain after a crash may indicate serious internal injuries requiring immediate evaluation.
- New York no-fault coverage pays up to $50,000 for medical expenses and lost wages.
- Lawsuits require meeting the “serious injury” threshold under New York law.
- Delayed symptoms can appear days later, making early medical documentation critical.
- Compensation may include medical costs, lost income, and pain and suffering.
Chest pain following a collision should never be overlooked. What may seem like minor discomfort in the hours after a crash can signal serious underlying conditions that require immediate attention. Auto accidents across New York result in a wide range of injuries, and chest pain after a car accident trauma is among the most commonly underestimated.
The car accident lawyers at the Law Office of Cohen & Jaffe – Long Island Personal Injury Lawyers believe that informed victims are better equipped to protect their health and their legal rights. Understanding what chest pain may indicate after a crash is the first step toward making sound decisions for your recovery.
Contact a Long Island Car Accident Lawyer Near You
Factors That Influence the Risk of Suffering a Chest Injury in a Car Accident
Several factors affect the likelihood and severity of chest injuries during a car accident, including:
- Speed of impact plays a major role, as greater force increases the risk of rib fractures, sternum damage, and internal trauma.
- Vehicle type and safety features can influence how the body absorbs impact, though even standard protective equipment may fail to prevent injury under extreme forces.
- Seatbelt fit and positioning directly affect outcomes. Proper wear saves lives, but chest pressure from the belt can still cause bruising, broken bones, or organ strain.
- Airbag deployment adds a secondary source of force that can produce significant chest wall trauma, particularly when a driver is seated close to the steering wheel.
- Body positioning at the time of the crash also matters. Unevenly turned or leaning drivers are more susceptible to direct contact with interior surfaces.
- Age and pre-existing health conditions can amplify injury severity, as older adults and those with underlying conditions face a higher risk of complications.
Recognizing these variables is essential when building a case around chest pain after a car accident, as each one can influence both the medical outcome and the legal argument that follows.
Minor Causes of Chest Pain After a Car Crash
There are, of course, some typical and minor causes of chest pain and chest injuries after a wreck. These may include:
- Bruising
- General soreness from jolting inside the vehicle
- Inhalation of cornstarch from an airbag deployment
Of course, even these conditions can turn out to be more serious. Consider the case of a man who suffered a chest wall burn from an airbag deployment, only to discover the pain was actually due to a more serious underlying sternum fracture.
In severe cases, your chest pain could mean:
- Fractured ribs
- Punctured lungs or other lung injuries
- Heart attack
Injuries to your:
- Kidneys
- Heart (myocardial bruising)
- Liver
- Trachea (throat)
- Spleen
- Sternum
- Chest wall and cartilage
What Are the Symptoms of Chest Pain?
Depending on what triggers the symptom, there can be different sensations associated with chest pains. According to Mayo Clinic, heart-related chest pain may cause the following symptoms:
- Pressure, burning, fullness, or tightness in your chest
- Pain that lasts more than a few minutes
- Pain that goes away and comes back
- Activity makes the pain worse
- Cold sweats, dizziness, weakness, shortness of breath, or nausea/vomiting
Chest pain that is less likely to be connected to a heart problem includes:
- Pain that gets worse or better based on your body position
- Tenderness when you push on your chest
- Trouble swallowing
- Pain that is worse when you cough or breathe in deeply
Don’t ignore the symptoms of chest pain. If you think you could be having heart issues, it is important to seek medical attention immediately.
Seat Belts Causing Chest Pain
In many cases after an auto accident, the seatbelt can cause a chest injury. While seatbelts are lifesaving in many accidents, the force against your chest can leave bruising or abrasions. In some instances, seatbelts have caused fractures to the sternum or ribs. There have also been cases where seatbelts have caused injuries to internal organs.
If you believe your chest pain is caused by a seatbelt, it is still important to have a medical professional examine you.
Airbags Causing Chest Pain
Airbags are also lifesaving tools in cars that could cause injuries. Per the Journal of Medical Case Reports, they have been known to cause significant chest wall injuries, including broken ribs. In addition, because of the force behind airbags, they could lead to bruising and rib or sternum fractures.
While airbags have gotten safer through the years, they can still cause significant injury. Having your medical provider check you out after an airbag is deployed can rule out any significant injuries that need to be treated.
What to Do If You Have Chest Pain After a Car Accident
If you feel tightness, soreness, or pain in your chest, or you have difficulty catching your breath or pain on inhaling or exhaling, car accident victims should seek emergency medical attention immediately. A severe chest injury can result from such accidents, and it is crucial to address these injuries promptly.
If it has been a day or two since the crash, and you are still experiencing these symptoms, you need to tell your doctor so that you can be thoroughly evaluated for more serious underlying problems.
Remember that many severe injuries may take time to fully show up. Do not delay getting medical care. In addition, we recommend you:
- Complete medical treatment: If your medical provider has recommended you complete ongoing medical treatment for your chest pain, follow their instructions.
- Document your injury: If your chest pain is ongoing after an accident, keep documentation of the pain you are going through. Each day, write down the severity of chest pain you had and how long it lasted.
- Talk to an auto accident attorney: An attorney who has handled similar cases will know the next course of action to take. If you have an ongoing chest pain injury after an auto accident, you could be entitled to receive compensation. Our attorneys have handled these types of cases before and will help you file a claim or lawsuit.
Can I Sue for Chest Pain after a Car Accident?
Yes, you may be able to file a lawsuit if your chest pain after a car accident meets New York’s “serious injury” threshold or results from another party’s negligence. In Long Island, many crash victims initially dismiss chest discomfort as minor bruising, only to discover later that the pain stems from a more serious injury—such as fractured ribs, lung contusions, or internal bleeding. These injuries can lead to lasting complications, including breathing difficulties and chronic pain.
Under New York’s personal injury law, the ability to sue depends on the nature and extent of the harm. If the injury causes significant limitation of bodily function, permanent damage, or substantial medical costs beyond what no-fault insurance covers, a personal injury claim may be appropriate. Common legal grounds for pursuing a lawsuit include:
- Sustaining a fractured sternum or ribs from seat belt restraint or airbag deployment
- Internal organ damage, such as heart or lung trauma, verified by diagnostic imaging
- Extended inability to work due to physical limitations or prescribed medical restrictions
In these situations, the injured person may seek compensation for medical expenses, lost income, and pain and suffering through a third-party liability claim. It’s crucial to consult a Long Island car accident lawyer before dealing with insurers or signing settlement forms, as early statements can affect your right to pursue further recovery.
No-Fault Benefits in New York
New York’s No-Fault law guarantees payment for basic medical and financial losses after a car accident, regardless of who caused the crash. This coverage—called Personal Injury Protection (PIP)—pays up to $50,000 per person for reasonable and necessary medical expenses, 80% of lost wages (up to $2,000 per month for three years), and related costs like household help or transportation to medical care. According to the New York State Department of Financial Services (DFS), PIP benefits apply to drivers, passengers, and pedestrians injured by a motor vehicle registered in New York.
PIP does not pay for vehicle repairs or property damage. When injuries—such as severe chest trauma—exceed these limits or meet the legal definition of a “serious injury” under New York Vehicle and Traffic Law (VTL) § 5102(d), the injured person may pursue a personal injury lawsuit for additional compensation.
Damages You May Recover After Suffering Chest Pain in an Auto Accident
If you have chest pain from a car accident, you may be able to recover compensation through a personal injury claim. A serious injury like chest pain requires immediate medical attention and could entitle you to seek compensation for the injury.
Although each case comes with its own facts and circumstances, common damages victims pursue include:
- Medical bills for past and ongoing care
- Lost income
- Reduced earning potential
- Pain and suffering
- Property loss
When your attorney evaluates your damages, they may find that you are entitled to collect forms of compensation that we haven’t mentioned here.
Legal and Medical Considerations in NY
New York law places strong importance on early medical evaluation after a car accident. A prompt diagnosis helps identify conditions such as rib fractures, lung injuries, or cardiac bruising before complications develop. Delayed symptoms frequently occur, especially with internal bleeding or soft tissue damage, and many individuals notice increased discomfort a day or two after the crash, which may signal the need for further testing.
Medical records also play a major role in any injury claim. Clear documentation connects chest pain directly to the crash, which strengthens a case when pursuing compensation. Under New York’s no-fault system, injured individuals can access coverage for medical expenses and lost wages. According to New York Insurance Law § 5102, basic economic loss includes necessary medical care and related services up to statutory limits. Early treatment creates a record that supports access to these benefits and prevents disputes over whether injuries resulted from the collision.
Legal eligibility for additional compensation depends on whether injuries meet the serious injury threshold. Conditions such as fractured ribs, organ damage, or long-term physical limitations may qualify. When another driver’s negligence caused the crash, a personal injury claim may provide recovery for damages beyond no-fault coverage. Acting quickly allows for stronger evidence collection and clearer medical timelines.
Contact a Long Island Car Accident Lawyer Today
At the Law Office of Cohen & Jaffe – Long Island Personal Injury Lawyers, we understand what is at stake for victims dealing with chest pain after a car accident trauma. They want their medical bills covered, their lost income replaced, and a fair resolution that reflects the full extent of their injuries. Our team knows how to pursue that outcome and will not allow bad faith tactics to stand in the way of the compensation our clients deserve.
If you have been injured and need help collecting the compensation you deserve, call the Long Island car accident lawyers today to schedule a free private consultation to discuss your options. We never charge for consultations, and we only get paid if you do. There is no risk and absolutely no obligation. Give us a call today at 516-358-6900 for a free consultation.
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