Can a Car Accident Cause a Heart Injury?

February 15, 2023

A car accident can cause many different types of injuries. Typical car accident injuries include bruises, broken bones, cuts and lacerations, and head injuries from hitting the dashboard, steering wheel, or seatback. However, the heart can also suffer injuries such as cardiac contusion, heart attack, atrial fibrillation, and Takotsubo cardiomyopathy. Preexisting heart conditions can be exacerbated by a car accident, and injured accident survivors should contact an experienced attorney.

What Are Common Types of Accident-Related Heart Injuries?

Cardiac contusion is another word for severe bruising of the heart caused by blunt force trauma. The impact of a car accident can be severe enough to fracture the sternum or break ribs. In such cases, the heart can also be bruised, and the injured person may experience symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, dizziness, chest pain, coughing up blood, and loss of consciousness.

Heart attacks happen when the blood supply to the heart is cut off, and this can occur from the stress of a car accident or a cardiac contusion. A heart attack may cause chest pain, shortness of breath, weakness in the arms or legs, rapid heart rate, dizziness, or nausea. In a heart attack, the injured part of the heart actually dies off due to lack of oxygen.

Atrial fibrillation refers to an irregular heartbeat that is a form of heart disease. When the heart beats too fast or too slowly, the flow of blood through the body is negatively impacted, making it difficult for it to supply vital organs with oxygen. The trauma of a car crash can cause or aggravate atrial fibrillation by throwing the heartbeat out of rhythm. Complications of atrial fibrillation include stroke, blood clots, and heart failure.

Takotsubo cardiomyopathy is a condition where the left ventricle of the heart becomes suddenly weaker and has trouble doing its job of pumping blood. After the stress of a car accident, someone with no history of heart trouble can find themselves experiencing chest pains, shortness of breath, and other symptoms similar to a heart attack that may require hospitalization.

Compensation for Heart Injuries After a Car Accident

The shock and trauma of a heart injury can be life-altering. If you suffered a heart injury after a car accident, you may be eligible for compensation. Protect your rights by contacting an experienced attorney immediately.

Wilmington Car Accident Lawyers at Jacobs & Crumplar, P.A. Fight for the Rights of Injured Accident Survivors

Our Wilmington car accident lawyers at Jacobs & Crumplar, P.A. have successfully represented thousands of injured clients. Call us at 302-656-5445 or complete our online form today to schedule a free consultation to discuss your car accident case. Located in Wilmington and Millsboro, Delaware, we serve clients in Dover, New Castle County, and Sussex County.