Collapsed Lung From a Car Accident—Can You File a Claim?
Car accidents can lead to serious injuries. One of the more dangerous injuries that can happen is a collapsed lung, also known as a pneumothorax. This injury can be life-threatening if not treated quickly. If you or a loved one suffered a collapsed lung in a car accident, you may be wondering if you can file a claim to recover medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages.
In this article, we’ll explain what a collapsed lung is, how it happens in a car crash, the symptoms, treatment, and most importantly, your legal rights if someone else caused the accident.
What Is a Collapsed Lung?
A collapsed lung happens when air leaks into the space between your lung and chest wall. This extra air causes pressure that prevents the lung from expanding fully. This makes it hard to breathe and can be very painful.
A collapsed lung can range from minor to life-threatening. Small collapses may resolve on their own, but more severe cases require immediate medical attention. Along with being extremely painful, an untreated collapsed lung can lead to serious complications if not addressed quickly.
How Car Accidents Can Cause a Collapsed Lung
In a car accident, the force of impact can put a lot of pressure on your chest. If your chest hits the steering wheel, dashboard, or seatbelt, your ribs can break. When a broken rib punctures the lung or the chest wall, air can leak into the space around the lung, causing it to collapse.
Even if your ribs don’t break, the sudden force of a crash can still damage your lung or chest wall. Sometimes, a collapsed lung happens when the chest is crushed or compressed in a rollover accident or a side impact crash.
It is critical to see a doctor after any serious car accident—even if you don’t feel hurt right away. Some symptoms may take time to appear.
Symptoms of a Collapsed Lung
The signs of a collapsed lung can range from mild to severe, depending on how much air is trapped outside the lung. Common symptoms include:
- Sharp chest pain, especially when breathing
- Shortness of breath
- Fast heart rate
- Feeling lightheaded or dizzy
- Blue or pale skin due to a lack of oxygen
- Fatigue or trouble breathing when lying down
If you notice any of these symptoms after a car accident, seek medical help immediately. A collapsed lung needs to be treated right away to prevent serious complications.
Can You File a Claim for a Collapsed Lung After a Car Accident?
If someone else caused the crash that led to your injury, you may be able to file a personal injury claim. In Texas, drivers are required to carry auto insurance to cover injuries and property damage they cause. This means if you were hurt in a car accident that wasn’t your fault, their insurance may have to pay for your losses.
You can file a claim to recover costs like:
- Medical bills
- ER visits and hospitalization
- Surgery or other treatments
- Medications and therapy
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Long-term effects or disability
In some cases, if the insurance company won’t offer a fair settlement, you may need to file a lawsuit to get the compensation you deserve. A personal injury attorney can help you understand your rights and guide you through the legal process.
A Personal Injury Lawyer Can Help
A collapsed lung is a serious injury that can happen during a car accident. It requires quick medical care and may lead to long-term health problems. If someone else’s actions caused your accident, you may be able to file a personal injury claim to recover your losses.
Understanding your legal rights and getting the help of a skilled personal injury attorney can make a big difference in your recovery—both physically and financially. Don’t wait to get the help you need; reach out to The Law Firm of Alton C. Todd Personal Injury Lawyers today.
Contact the Texas Car Accident Lawyers of The Law Firm of Alton C. Todd Personal Injury Lawyers
Please contact an experienced car accident lawyer at The Law Firm of Alton C. Todd Personal Injury Lawyers to get a free initial consultation today. We have offices in Friendswood and Galveston, Texas:
The Law Firm of Alton C. Todd Personal Injury Lawyers – Galveston Office
2101 Mechanic St. Suite 253
Galveston, TX 77550
(409) 207-9299
The Law Firm of Alton C. Todd Personal Injury Lawyers – Friendswood Office
312 S. Friendswood Dr.
Friendswood, TX 77546
281-992-8633
