Car accidents cause many types of injuries due to the combination of the crash force of the collision itself and blunt-force trauma as the vehicle’s structure collapses forcefully inward at the impact points. Less commonly considered injuries include lung injuries. Fractures, cuts, bruises, and other car accident injuries are immediately evident, but some types of injuries are internal and may have delayed symptoms, including lung damage after a car accident.
What Causes Lung Damage In Car Accidents?
The crash force of an accident propels a motorist forward at the speed the car was traveling before the collision, and then the seatbelt locks into place across the chest and snaps them back, placing the body under tremendous strain. According to crash force experts, a collision at only 55 miles per hour transforms a 130-pound person into a 7,150-pound force against the seatbelt. This may result in internal injuries in the thoracic region, including lung damage. Common causes of lung injuries in car accidents include the following:
- Blunt-force trauma to the chest from impact with the seatbelt, steering column, dashboard, or airbag
- Forceful airbag deployment
- Broken ribs and bone punctures to the lungs
- Impact with debris, sharp objects, or projectiles during the crash
- Inhalation injuries from smoke or airbag gases
Lung injuries are not always immediately apparent, but symptoms may appear during the hours or even days after the crash as inflammation and bleeding occur inside the chest cavity.
What Types of Lung Injuries Happen in Car Crashes?
The lungs are critical organs that take in oxygen and transfer it to the heart. Fortunately, lungs are also tough and resilient, but they can sustain serious injury in a crash with direct trauma to the chest. Common types of lung injuries from car accidents include the following:
- Pulmonary contusions, or bruises in the lungs from the bursting of tiny blood vessels inside lung tissue
- Pneumothorax, or a collapsed lung caused by the intrusion of air into the space between the lung and the chest wall
- Hemothorax, or blood accumulating in the chest cavity and putting pressure on the lungs
- Pulmonary lacerations, or cuts or tears in the lung tissue itself
- Multiple broken ribs that detach one side of the chest wall, causing a condition called “flail chest”
- Ruptured diaphragm, or injury to the chest muscle that controls breathing and separates the chest cavity from the abdomen
- Inflamed airways caused by smoke or gas inhalation
It’s crucial to seek medical attention after an accident with chest trauma, even if you feel your injuries are minor. Symptoms of lung injuries may develop slowly as blood, bruising, and inflammation develop.
Symptoms of a Lung Injury After a Car Accident
Sometimes the adrenaline rush of a car accident masks the symptoms of a lung injury. An injury victim may also mistakenly believe their shortness of breath is the normal reaction to the trauma of a car accident. However, it’s critical to seek medical attention immediately after experiencing any of the following symptoms:
- Chest pressure and shortness of breath
- Chest pain that worsens as you breathe, cough, or move
- Wheezing or whistling while you breathe
- Bluish lips or skin
- Rapid heart rate or pulse
- Weakness or fatigue
Many car accident lung injuries are treatable with prompt medical attention, but waiting to see a doctor after a crash increases the likelihood of serious complications. In addition, delaying medical care can make it harder to recover compensation for your financial losses in a car accident claim against the at-fault party. Contact us to see how a St. Louis injury lawyer can help.