Chest Pain After a Car Accident? Learn More Here

Experiencing chest pain after a car accident can be worrying. Many people expect soreness after a crash, but pain centered in the chest often feels more serious.

This pain may appear immediately or develop over time. It is important to understand what may be causing it, how long it may last, and what the law in California says about seeking compensation for accident-related injuries.

Chest pain can come from several types of trauma, and some injuries are milder than others. Because injuries in the chest area involve key organs and structures, medical care should be sought as soon as possible to understand the source of the pain.

What Causes Chest Pain After a Car Accident?

When people research what causes chest pain after a car accident, they usually want to know whether the pain is tied to something serious.

The chest can be injured when the body moves forward during the crash and is then stopped by a seatbelt, airbag, or another surface. Even in lower-speed collisions, pressure to the chest area can lead to discomfort.

Before detailing the more common causes, remember that similar chest symptoms can come from several types of injuries, which is why medical evaluation is important. Pain alone is not enough to determine the type of injury present.

Common sources of chest pain include:

Rib fractures—ribs can break under pressure from restraints or impact,
Sternal fractures—the breastbone can crack when the chest hits a surface,
Chest wall bruising—muscles and tissues around the chest can be bruised,
Pulmonary contusion—the lung tissue can bruise from impact, and
Blunt cardiac injury—the heart muscle itself can be bruised in rare cases.

Each type of injury may cause pain while breathing, moving, or coughing. Once a doctor identifies the cause, the recommended treatment becomes clearer. Recovery time varies, and early diagnosis helps guide the process.

Delayed Chest Pain After a Car Accident

It is common for people to notice delayed chest pain after a car accident. Pain that appears hours or days later does not mean the injury is less significant.

Adrenaline released during the crash may hide symptoms. Swelling and inflammation also increase over time, making pain more noticeable the day after the collision.

Before exploring common reasons for delayed pain, it is helpful to know that internal injuries may evolve over time. Some symptoms take time to surface because tissues react slowly to trauma. In fact, several factors may contribute to delayed pain, such as:

Inflammation that increases as the body responds to injury,
Pulmonary contusions that worsen during the first 24–48 hours, and
Muscle strains that tighten overnight and become painful the next day.

Delayed pain should be evaluated by a doctor. Waiting too long to seek care could allow injuries to progress and may make recovery more difficult.

Many accident victims ask, How long does chest pain last after a car accident? Unfortunately, there is no single answer, as recovery depends on the type of injury and the person’s overall health. Some injuries heal quickly, while others may take several weeks.

Pain in the Chest After a Car Accident: When It May Be Serious

Anyone feeling pain in the chest after a car accident should be aware of certain warning signs. Not all chest pain is severe; however, some symptoms may indicate the need for immediate medical attention.

Because the chest protects vital organs, caution is always recommended. Even mild pain can point to an underlying injury that may benefit from treatment.

Signs that medical attention should be sought right away include:

Worsening pain, especially if it increases with movement or breathing;
Difficulty breathing, which may indicate lung involvement;
Dizziness or irregular heartbeat, which may require testing;
Visible bruising or swelling, which can show internal trauma; and
Pain with deep breaths or coughing, which can occur with rib injury.

If any of these issues appear, a doctor can run tests to determine whether a more serious injury is present. Early treatment often improves outcomes.

Legal Considerations for Chest Pain After a Car Accident

Chest pain caused by a collision can become part of a personal injury claim. California law sets deadlines for filing such claims. These deadlines, known as statutes of limitation, determine how long an injured person has to bring a lawsuit.

Key legal points include:

Two-year statute of limitations. Most personal injury lawsuits must be filed within two years of the injury date.
Discovery rule. If you did not know about the injury when the accident occurred, the two-year period may begin once the injury is discovered.
Government claims. If the other driver was a government employee or driving a government vehicle, you must usually file a claim within six months.

While these are the most relevant provisions, some other exceptions do exist. Missing the deadline to file your claim can prevent you from obtaining compensation. An attorney can help determine which timeline applies.

What to Do If You Have Chest Pain After a Crash

There are steps an injured person can take to protect their health and legal rights. Note that these steps are generally applicable to most cases; however, the specific circumstances of a claim will dictate the optimal plan.

Steps often recommended after a crash include:

Seeking prompt medical attention to diagnose the cause of the pain;
Documenting symptoms daily, including when the pain started;
Keeping medical records and bills, which may be used later; and
Speaking with a personal injury attorney, who can explain your rights.

Following these steps can help ensure that both your health and claim are handled correctly.

How Beliz Law Firm Can Help

Beliz Law Firm understands the worry that comes with chest pain after a car accident. Our goal is to explain the legal process in clear language and help you understand your options. We carefully review injuries, set realistic expectations, and guide clients through each step.

If you’re experiencing chest pain after a collision, consider reaching out for a free consultation. We are here to help you understand both your medical situation and your legal rights.

Michael A. Beliz, Esq., established The Beliz Law Firm in the spring of 2011. Michael has been a practicing attorney since 2006 and worked for two of the most prominent plaintiff’s personal injury law firms in Southern California. He has worked on and handled hundreds of cases as an attorney in all types of personal injury cases, including vehicle accidents, pedestrian accidents and dog bites, and successfully recovered millions of dollars for his clients.