Lung Injuries After Bronx Car Accidents

According to Accident Analysis & Prevention, motor vehicle crashes are responsible for up to 70% of all cases of blunt chest trauma. Car crashes are also the most common cause of pulmonary contusions (PC). While many people may not realize how common lung injuries are for car accident victims, the patients who suffer these injuries know that they are very real. What can you do if you’ve suffered a lung injury as a result of a car accident? Can an auto accident lawyer in the Bronx help you?

How Do Car Accidents Cause Lung Injuries?

According to one study, lung injuries are most common in car accidents that involve frontal and side crashes. Rib fractures are often associated with these kinds of lung injuries, which gives you some idea of the mechanics behind the crashes. If a vehicle occupant suffers a sufficient blow to their rib area (the thorax), lung injuries are always possible. These kinds of injuries may occur due to frontal impacts that thrust drivers into their steering wheels or dashboards with enough force to break ribs and injure the underlying lungs.

Vehicle occupants may also be vulnerable to side impacts, and “T-bone” accidents may lead to more frequent lung injuries. Some studies also indicate that heavier passengers and higher BMIs may be more vulnerable to lung injuries.

What Should I Do After Suffering a Lung Injury?

Studies indicate that the symptoms associated with lung injuries may be delayed or non-existent in the immediate aftermath of a car accident. As a result, victims should immediately seek treatment after their crashes, regardless of whether they experience any symptoms. Even if there are no symptoms, the underlying lung injury could be serious enough to be fatal. Up to 24 hours may pass after the crash before victims feel the full extent of their symptoms.

What Are Some Examples of Lung Injuries Caused by Car Accidents?

Pulmonary contusions are bruises on the lungs. Although a bruise on your skin might not be serious, a pulmonary contusion is more serious because of its potential to cause fluid and blood buildup around your lungs. This fluid buildup can interfere with your breathing, and this issue could become fatal in certain circumstances.

Another example of a lung injury that may be caused by a car accident is pneumothorax, also known as a “collapsed lung.” Instead of fluid buildup, a collapsed lung leads to the accumulation of air in your chest cavity. This issue can be just as serious, and it requires immediate medical attention.

Can an Auto Accident Lawyer in the Bronx Help Me? 

An auto accident lawyer in the Bronx may be able to help if you’re recovering from a lung injury. Car crashes can easily cause pulmonary contusions, pneumothorax, and other related injuries. Effective healthcare is vital in the aftermath of these incidents. Learn more about auto accident claims by contacting Cohan Law, PLLC today.

Sources:

 sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0001457512001467

pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3256834/