Broken Ribs After A Car Accident

Navigating a broken rib: From symptoms to recovery

Car accidents can lead to a wide range of serious injuries, and one of the most painful injuries you can sustain in a crash is a broken rib. Whether it's a rear-end accident or an intersection crash, the force of impact can cause serious damage to the chest area, resulting in broken ribs. This injury can range from a single cracked rib to multiple fractures, each carrying its own level of severity. Broken ribs not only cause intense pain but can also lead to complications that affect a person’s overall well-being.

At Browne Law Group in Gilbert, Arizona, we understand the challenges and discomfort that come with suffering broken ribs from a car accident. While you focus on your recovery and healing, our car accident lawyers can handle your important legal case. We are dedicated to managing every aspect of your accident claim and fighting for the maximum compensation you deserve for your medical bills and other injury-related expenses. Here’s what you should know.

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How do car accidents cause broken ribs?

Broken ribs are a common injury caused by car accidents, as the ribs and chest are particularly vulnerable to trauma. The ribcage, which protects vital organs, can be easily fractured by the forceful impact and trauma of a crash. The chest's exposure during a collision makes it at risk of injuries, whether from direct impact, side collisions, or the violent motion of a rollover. Car accidents can lead to broken ribs in several ways, including:

Direct impact: The force of the steering wheel or dashboard during a collision can directly impact the chest area. The intense pressure pressed up against these areas can easily fracture ribs, especially if the impact is concentrated only around the chest.
Seatbelts: While seatbelts are for safety, they can cause rib fractures if they press too hard against the chest during a crash. The force of the seatbelt, especially if it’s not properly adjusted or if it restrains the body forcefully, can lead to rib fractures.
Airbag deployment: Airbags deploy with great force to protect drivers and passengers, but this sudden and powerful inflation can impact the chest and ribs. If the airbag deploys with excessive force or if you are too close to the airbag, it can result in broken ribs.
Blunt force trauma: During a severe crash, the entire body can experience significant blunt force trauma, a medical term for an injury to the body caused by a forceful impact that does not penetrate the skin. This force, which can be applied by other vehicles or objects, can cause the chest to be compressed or struck, leading to rib fractures.
Side-impacts: In a side-impact crash, the force of impact can put pressure on the chest, especially if the impact occurs on the side of the vehicle. The force from the side can compress the ribs against the interior of the vehicle, causing fractures.
Rollovers: In rollover accidents, the vehicle’s motion can throw drivers and passengers around inside. The body can slam against parts of the car’s interior, and this impact can result in broken ribs.
Secondary impact: After the initial accident, the vehicle may hit another object or another car, causing a secondary impact. This force can jolt the body, leading to further injuries. The additional impact can worsen existing rib injuries or cause new fractures due to sudden movement and pressure.

Symptoms and warning signs of broken ribs

When you’re involved in a car accident, it’s crucial to be aware of the warning signs and symptoms of a broken rib. Even if the injury doesn’t seem severe at first, the pain after a car accident can worsen over time.

Broken ribs can cause intense discomfort and lead to further health issues if left untreated, which is why seeking medical attention is so important. Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent complications like punctured lungs or internal bleeding, ensuring a smoother recovery. Keep an eye out for the following symptoms:

Sharp pain in the chest, especially when breathing, coughing, or moving.
Tenderness or swelling around the ribcage.
Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath.
Bruising on the chest or side.
Pain that worsens when pressure is applied to the chest.
A feeling of instability or grinding in the chest area.

Understanding the different severity levels of broken ribs

Broken ribs can range from minor to severe, each level of injury requiring different approaches to treatment and recovery. Understanding these severity levels is not only crucial for healing but also for ensuring proper medical documentation, which can be vital for both recovery and any potential legal action you take to recover your losses.

From stress fractures that may seem minor to multiple fractures that pose serious risks, each type of rib injury demands thorough medical evaluation and intervention. Common types of rib fractures that may result from a car accident include:

Stress fracture: A small crack in the rib caused by repetitive strain or pressure.
Simple fracture: A break in the rib where the bone stays in place and doesn’t move out of alignment.
Displaced fracture: A break in the rib where the bone pieces move out of their normal position.
Multiple fractures: When two or more ribs are broken.

Healing process for broken ribs

Healing from a broken rib after a car accident typically takes several weeks to a few months, depending on the severity of the injury and individual factors such as age, overall health, and whether any complications arise. Here is a general timeline.

First 24-48 Hours

The initial injury will likely cause sharp pain, especially when breathing deeply, coughing, or moving. Bruising and swelling may also occur. Pain management is key during this period. Your doctors may prescribe pain medication, advise rest, and use imaging tests like X-rays or CT scans to confirm the fracture and rule out other injuries.

First 1-2 Weeks

During this phase, pain may be intense, and you may find it difficult to perform daily activities. Breathing exercises might be recommended to prevent lung complications like pneumonia. You should avoid demanding activities, rest as much as possible, and schedule follow-up appointments to monitor your healing progress.

Weeks 2-6

Pain typically starts to decrease during this period. You may be slowly able to resume light activities, but lifting heavy objects or engaging in high-impact exercise is still often discouraged. The rib begins to heal more solidly as the broken bones mend and begin to grow back together. Breathing exercises and light physical therapy might be introduced to maintain lung function and mobility.

Weeks 6-12

The rib has typically healed significantly by this time, with most pain reduced. Many individuals can return to normal activities, although some discomfort may persist. Gradually, you can resume normal activities, including exercise and heavy lifting, if the pain does not reoccur. However, every case is different, and you should closely follow your doctor’s advice to facilitate your full recovery.

3-6 Months

By 3 to 6 months, the rib should be fully healed. Any lingering tenderness or discomfort should gradually fade. You should be able to return to all previous activities without restrictions fully. Any complications or persistent pain should be addressed with a medical professional who can properly diagnose what’s wrong and why you have not fully recovered by this time.

Broken ribs may result in complications

Broken ribs are more than just a painful injury; if not properly treated, they can lead to serious and potentially life-threatening complications. The ribs protect vital organs, and when fractured, they can cause extensive damage to the lungs, blood vessels, and other internal organs and bodily structures. From punctured lungs to organ damage, recognizing the possible complications can make a big difference in your recovery.

Punctured Lung (Pneumothorax): A sharp or displaced rib fracture can puncture the lung, leaking air into the chest cavity. This can cause difficulty breathing and, if severe, may be life-threatening.
Hemothorax: Hemothorax is a condition where a broken rib causes bleeding into the chest cavity, similar to how a punctured lung can lead to internal bleeding. This type of injury often requires immediate urgent medical care to avoid serious complications.
Flail Chest: If multiple ribs are broken in more than one place, a segment of the chest wall can become unstable, moving independently from the rest of the chest during breathing. This can severely impair breathing and require urgent medical attention.
Nerve or Blood Vessel Damage: A broken rib can damage nearby nerves or blood vessels, leading to numbness, tingling, or excessive bleeding.
Severed Aorta: In rare and severe cases, a broken rib can sever the aorta, the body's main artery. This life-threatening injury often requires immediate emergency surgery and is often fatal if not treated promptly.
Infection: If a rib fracture leads to an open wound, there is a risk of infection, which can complicate healing.
Pneumonia: The pain from broken ribs can make it difficult to take deep breaths, increasing the risk of lung infections like pneumonia due to shallow breathing and reduced lung function.
Organ Damage: Depending on the location of the rib fracture, it’s possible for a broken rib to injure vital organs such as the liver, spleen, or kidneys, particularly if the fracture occurs in the lower ribs.

Why you need an experienced Arizona car accident lawyer by your side

When you suffer a broken rib after a car accident, insurance companies will often try to minimize your claim and pay you as little as possible. Dealing with them can be stressful, especially if you’re already dealing with severe physical pain caused by your broken rib.

An experienced Arizona car accident lawyer from Browne Law Group can stand up to the insurance companies on your behalf. We can assess the full extent of your damages—both physical and emotional—and fight for a financial settlement that truly reflects your suffering and all your accident-related expenses. We are passionate about going above and beyond for our clients so they can focus on healing.

Attorney Byron Browne and his tough legal team understand the toll that a car accident can take on injury victims. He’s dedicated to helping clients recover the maximum compensation they deserve under Arizona law. If you’ve been injured in a car accident in Gilbert or anywhere in Maricopa County, let us take control of your claim right from the start. Talk with one of our experienced car accident lawyers as soon as possible. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation at our law firm.

“I was rear-ended by a drunk driver and suffered serious injuries. Byron and his team provided me with information to obtain proper medical treatment and at the same time secured me an awesome settlement.” - David, Tempe

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