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Rib & Chest Pain After An Airbag Deployment

Many people experience rib and chest pain after an airbag deployment in car accident. While you may think that rib and chest pain is “natural” following a car accident- after all, your seatbelt is keeping you secure, and that pressure needs to go somewhere- rib and chest pain in car accident can often be more serious than people think.  

The injury attorneys at Phoenix Accident and Injury Law Firm near you have significant experience in helping clients who have experienced rib and chest pain in car accident. Our offices are conveniently located in nearby ChandlerPeoria, and North Phoenix, and we can meet in-person or over the phone or video call. You can contact us for a free consultation, or read on to find out more.

By the way, we will also help with other problems that have cost you sleep, like getting a rental car very soon and finding a nearby doctor who can help you. Even the best legal team isn’t good enough if your quality of life isn’t sustainable while justice and compensation are on the way. The whole point of legal action is to regain quality of life, so we help you long-term as attorneys and short-term as your go-to people.

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Why Do People Experience Rib and Chest Pain After Airbag Deployments? 

Many people report rib and chest pain after being involved in a car accident. This can be from something as minor as the seatbelt restraining you or the airbag opening. Or, it can come from slamming into the door, dashboard, or steering wheel during impact.  

What Are the Common Types of Rib and Chest Pain in Car Accident? 

Your rib and chest pain from a car accident can be one or more of quite a few things. The types of chest pain range from minor to major.  

  • Muscle Strain: This occurs because during impact your muscles can stretch too far, or even tear. This is not as serious as other chest pains; however, it can cause severe pain.  
  • Bruised Ribs: While many types of bruises are associated with car accidents, the ribs and sternum are some of the most commonly bruised body parts. They can be bruised as a result of hitting the steering wheel, being restricted by the seatbelt, or the airbags opening. This may cause chest pain, tightness, or discomfort.  
  • Fractured Ribs: While the skin over your ribs may be bruised, often, ribs are often fractured. This can occur when you hit the steering wheel or dashboard, or when the airbag opens. Fractured ribs can cause sharp and excruciating pain in your chest.  
  • Internal Organ Injuries: When damaged, essential organs like the liver, kidneys, spleen, heart, or lungs, can cause chest pain. Each of these have extreme and life-threatening complications.  
  • Heart Attack: Any stressful situation or traumatic event, like a car accident, can trigger a heart attack in an otherwise healthy person. This may happen immediately after, during, or soon after the crash. Often, people mistake a heart attack for chest pain.  

What Are the Symptoms of  Rib and Chest Pain After an Airbag Deployment?

In addition to actually having rib and chest pain in car accident, you may experience other symptoms that could indicate a more serious problem with your chest or ribs. They include:  

  • Shortness of Breath/ Trouble Breathing 
  • Difficulty Swallowing 
  • Wheezing When You Breathe  
  • Tenderness Around the Affected Area 
  • Numbness or Tingling in Arms 
  • Pain that Worsens with Movement 
  • Upper Back Pain
  • Asymmetrical Chest Expansion 
  • Bruised Area that Gets Bigger as Time Passes (Hematoma) 

What to Do if You Have Rib and Chest Pain After an Airbag Deployment? 

Apart from seeing a doctor, the best thing to do for chest and rib injuries is rest. Even gentle stretching may damage your ribs and chest further. Come up with a personalized treatment plan with your doctor, depending on the type of injury you have.  

How Long Does Rib and Chest Pain Last?

Women with chest pain on ground with medic helping

The recovery period of rib and chest pain caused by a car accident will vary based on the type and severity of your injury. Generally, the pain will be the worst in the first 24- 48 hours after the initial accident, and hopefully start to lessen after approximately 72 hours. However, this will vary based on the type of injury. It is best to see your doctor, and they will give you a more accurate idea of recovery expectations. While abrasions and soft tissue injuries heal quickly, broken bones and sprains will take longer to heal.  

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Get Help Now

At Phoenix Accident and Injury Law Firm near you, we have more than 15 years of experience helping clients obtain compensation for their personal injuries, including their rib and chest pain after an airbag deployment. When you’re ready to talk, please contact our office to arrange a free initial consultation by phone or at our Chandler office, conveniently located in your area.

If you need medical treatment for rib and chest pain from a car accident, contact Phoenix Accident and Injury Law Firm near you in nearby Chandler, AZ to speak with an experienced personal injury attorney. We provide personal injury legal services to clients in your area including ChandlerGilbertMesaScottsdale, Tempe, and Peoria.

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Brenden Lewis
a month ago

So I suffered a tragic motorcycle accident leaving me injured and quite unhappy…… also the bike was totaled. This all star law team secured a large settlement for all my suffering. This process was very well advised by an aggressive and determined lawyer. All I can say is now I’m left a very happy man. Thank you karissa for working quick to bring my tragic story to a much warmer end. Just call them! You won’t regret it!

Shayianna Guyton
a month ago

They literally conversed with me every step of the way throughout my journey. Thank you guys

I was very pleased with my experience. They kept me informed the whole way through the process and checked on me through my treatment. Definitely would recommend

My dad was in a car accident and during those difficult moments, Phoenix Accident and Injury Law firm has been there for us. They care for their clients, will walk you through everything you need to know step by step, they follow up, very easy to reach and fast to respond. And one thing is for sure! they will fight for you! we felt safe with them! Me and the entire family thank them all so much for all their help! These people that works here are amazing!

Jenifer henke
a year ago

I was in an accident that resulted in getting whiplash and a concussion. I contacted Phoenix Accident and Injury Law Firm that day. Everyone was helpful (Rhea, Karissa, and Jeff) from the very beginning to the very end. They sent me to a physical therapy location that was pretty far away but the doctor and physical therapist were very kind so I did make the trek. They handled all aspects of my case in a timely manner and answered all my questions. They got the max amount possible, and from that, paid the medical bills and took their fair cut. I would not hesitate to recommend them to family or friends.

I would give ten stars if I could. This law firm is about as professional and friendly as it gets!! They stayed in constant contact with me and answered every question I had. I got a settlement that was higher than I expected and will definitely use this law firm again. I highly recommend hiring them to handle your legal issues!!

Fernando Lopez
a year ago

My experience with this team was superb, as they were ongoing with the case and making sure that the client gets what they deserve. I recommend anyone looking for a accident law group that this is the team you want to be representing you!!

Kimberly Legaspi
2 years ago

What can I say about the Thompson Law Firm? They are AMAZING!! It’s never fun when you need an accident lawyer because you are pretty much in a bad place. Shane and the staff have been wonderful, kept me informed at every step of this process. I would recommend Thompson Law Firm to anyone, in fact, I have referred several friends already!! Thank you Thompson Law Firm for everything you did for me!!!

Amanda Olney
2 years ago

These guys were absolutely amazing. They were very clear with me about what I needed to do on my end and I saw fast results. I just recommended them to a friend a week ago and he also dealt with my mother's case. I wouldn't see anyone else.

Malik
2 years ago

Karissa and Shane were amazing! They were there for any questions I had and checked up on me regularly. Highly recommend these guys!!

Karissa Murphy
2 years ago

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