What Are the Signs of Broken Ribs After a Texas Car Accident?

Understand your legal options after a crash-related rib injury

Get an experienced Wichita Falls, Texas, car accident lawyer on your side and maximize your opportunity for a successful case outcome

Texas has a lot of car accidents each year, and these crashes can lead to various injuries, including broken ribs. While the impact of a collision may seem obvious, the true extent of rib injuries isn't always immediately apparent. They can range from cracks to complete rib fractures and potentially affect the internal organs.

It's important to recognize the signs of broken ribs after a crash and get prompt medical attention. Don't worry about the cost of medical expenses. An experienced car accident lawyer at Hoover Rogers Law Wichita Falls, Texas, can help you pursue a claim and demand the compensation you deserve for your injuries.

What are the most common causes of broken ribs in car accidents?

Car accidents in Wichita Falls and throughout Texas can lead to broken ribs through various mechanisms. Front-end collisions often cause broken ribs when a driver or passenger's chest hits the steering wheel or dashboard. Even with airbag deployment, the force can be high enough to fracture ribs.

Side-impact crashes pose a particular risk for rib fractures since there is little protection between a vehicle occupant and the side of a vehicle. The lateral force directly affects the rib cage, which has less protective cushioning. The sudden sideways movement can cause ribs to break at their weakest points.

Rollover accidents can also result in broken ribs due to the multiple impacts while a vehicle turns over. In these cases, vehicle occupants may suffer rib fractures from contact with the vehicle's interior, the ground, or the crushing force of the roof if it collapses.

How do you identify immediate signs of broken ribs?

The rib cage comprises 12 pairs of ribs that protect vital organs in the chest and abdomen. After a traumatic impact, it may be challenging to assess the severity of the injury without a medical examination.

While the adrenaline and shock from a collision might initially mask some symptoms, several key indicators can help identify potential rib fractures. These include:

Sharp, localized pain: This pain often feels concentrated at the site of the fracture. The discomfort typically worsens with breathing, coughing, laughing, or any movement involving the torso.
Breathing difficulties: You may experience shortness of breath or difficulty taking deep breaths. Breathing might become shallow and rapid due to pain. Sometimes, you may feel like you can't fully expand your chest when inhaling.
Tenderness and swelling: The affected area of the rib cage may be tender to touch. Visible swelling or bruising might appear around the injury site. Even light pressure on the area can cause serious discomfort.
Crepitus sensation: When you move, you might feel or hear a grinding or popping sensation (crepitus) in your chest. This occurs when broken rib fragments rub against each other and is a symptom of a potential fracture.
Pain when moving: Changing positions, especially from sitting to standing or vice versa, can cause sharp pain. Twisting the torso or bending over may exacerbate the discomfort. Even simple actions like reaching for objects can trigger pain.
Referred pain: You might experience pain in your shoulder or back on the same side as the rib injury. This referred pain (the medical term for pain experienced in a different body part than the injured area) can sometimes be mistaken for separate injuries.

What delayed symptoms might indicate broken ribs?

In some cases, the full extent of rib injuries may not become apparent immediately after a Texas car accident. Several delayed symptoms can emerge in the hours or days following a crash, potentially indicating broken ribs. These include:

Worsening pain over time: Initial shock and adrenaline may mask the pain but often intensify as these effects wear off. The pain may become more severe or widespread as inflammation develops.
Delayed bruising: Bruises may appear on the chest or back, sometimes a day or two after a collision. The discoloration can be extensive and may spread beyond the immediate injury site. Plus, bruising can indicate internal bleeding associated with rib fractures.
Persistent cough: A dry, nagging cough might develop as the lungs become irritated. This cough can exacerbate rib pain and potentially indicate lung involvement.
Gradual breathing difficulties: Shortness of breath may worsen over time, especially with activity. Breathing might become increasingly painful or difficult.
Abdominal pain: Lower rib fractures can cause referred pain in the upper abdomen. This symptom may be mistaken for digestive issues but could indicate a rib injury.
Chest tightness or pressure: A feeling of constriction in the chest might develop or intensify over time. This sensation can be accompanied by difficulty taking full, deep breaths.

How are broken ribs diagnosed and treated?

Diagnosing broken ribs after a car accident typically involves a combination of clinical assessment and imaging studies. A doctor will first conduct a physical examination to carefully inspect the chest area for bruising, swelling, or deformity and areas of tenderness.

While X-rays are often the initial imaging test, they may not always clearly show rib fractures. For more detailed visualization, CT scans often detect fractures that X-rays might miss and assess potential damage to surrounding organs. In some cases, ultrasound or MRIs might be used, particularly for pregnant women.

Throughout the diagnostic process, doctors will also assess for associated injuries (especially to the lungs) by listening for abnormal breath sounds or checking for signs of pneumothorax, the medical term for a collapsed lung.

Common medical treatments for broken ribs?

Once broken ribs have been identified and diagnosed, treatment may include:

Over-the-counter pain relievers (e.g., ibuprofen, acetaminophen) or prescription pain medications for severe pain.
Ice packs to reduce swelling and discomfort.
Breathing exercises such as incentive spirometry or deep breathing to prevent lung complications.
Rest and gradually return to normal activities as pain allows.
Physical therapy to maintain mobility, prevent stiffness, and improve posture.
Medication for associated conditions, such as stool softeners and cough suppressants.
Surgical intervention, but often only in severe cases with flail chest or serious complications.

Don't wait to take legal action. Contact us for a free consultation

If you've suffered a rib injury in a car accident in Wichita Falls or another community in Texas, don't underestimate the potential long-term impacts on your health and finances. Broken or cracked ribs can lead to severe pain and complications that may affect your ability to work and enjoy life.

The Wichita Falls, TX, car accident lawyers at Hoover Rogers Law have extensive experience helping injured motorists get the compensation they deserve. We have a proven track record of success in handling these types of cases. Our case results include:

$1,000,000 settlement for a bus crash.
$798,000 settlement for a commercial truck wreck.
$400,000 trial verdict for a highway crash.

Don't let insurance companies minimize your compensation for a broken rib suffered in a crash. Contact us today for a free case evaluation. Our contingency fee structure means you pay nothing unless we win your case.

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