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 Chandler, Peoria, 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?

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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