Rib Fractures from Car Crashes: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

Rib fractures are a common injury resulting from car crashes. The force and impact during a collision can cause significant trauma to the chest area, leading to broken ribs.

Causes of Rib Fractures in Car Crashes

Rib fractures occur when the bones in the ribcage break or crack due to excessive force. In car crashes, several factors can contribute to this type of injury:

1. Seatbelt Trauma: While seatbelts save lives, the force exerted by the belt during a sudden stop or collision can cause rib fractures.
2. Steering Wheel Impact: Drivers often suffer rib fractures from hitting the steering wheel, especially if they are not wearing a seatbelt.
3. Airbag Deployment: The rapid deployment of airbags can also cause rib fractures due to the forceful impact on the chest.
4. Blunt Force Trauma: Collisions can result in direct blows to the chest from various parts of the car or from being thrown against the interior.

Symptoms of Rib Fractures

Identifying rib fractures early is crucial for appropriate medical intervention. Common symptoms include:

• Sharp Chest Pain: Pain that worsens with breathing, coughing, or moving.
• Tenderness: The affected area may be tender to the touch.
• Bruising: Visible bruising on the chest or sides.
• Difficulty Breathing: Shallow breathing due to pain can lead to respiratory issues.
• Crepitus: A crackling or popping sound when touching the affected area, indicating bone fragments rubbing together

Diagnosing & Treating Rib Fractures

If a rib fracture is suspected, it’s essential to seek medical attention immediately, where an x-ray and treating physician can confirm. The treatment for rib fractures primarily focuses on pain management, as time is typically the only thing that heals fractured ribs. The recovery process for rib fractures can take several weeks to a few months, depending on the severity of the injury.

Were you or a loved one involved in a crash that resulted in fractured ribs? Our San Diego attorneys are ready to help. Contact Ray Padilla Law, APC today at (619) 431-1187 to speak with Attorney Ray Padilla directly.  Please call even if it’s simply to ask, “what should I do?”