A serious crash can do far more damage than bruises or broken bones. Internal injuries, particularly to the lungs, can be devastating. Pulmonary embolism, punctured lungs, and other thoracic injuries are more common than many people realize after a high-impact collision. If you or someone you love is experiencing post-accident breathing problems, it is time to take action. A Denver injury lawyer from Frank Azar Car & Truck Accident Lawyers can help you understand your rights and pursue financial recovery for the harm you have suffered.
Pulmonary Embolism After a Car Accident
A pulmonary embolism (PE) is a blockage in one of the pulmonary arteries in the lungs, typically caused by a blood clot. In the context of a motor vehicle crash, trauma to the lower body, especially to the legs or pelvis, can trigger deep vein thrombosis (DVT), where clots form in the deep veins. If a clot breaks loose, it can travel to the lungs and block blood flow. This is a life-threatening emergency.
What makes PE especially dangerous after a car accident is its delayed presentation. The initial trauma sets the stage, but symptoms may not surface until days later. In some cases, they are dismissed as something more benign, like fatigue or anxiety.
Warning Signs and Symptoms of Pulmonary Embolism
Recognizing a pulmonary embolism early can be the difference between recovery and a life-threatening emergency. Unfortunately, many of the warning signs are subtle or mistaken for something else entirely in the days or weeks following a car accident.
Some of the most common symptoms include:
- Sharp chest pain, particularly when breathing deeply or coughing
- Sudden shortness of breath, even while at rest
- A rapid or irregular heartbeat, which may feel like fluttering or pounding
- Coughing up blood, though this may appear as tinged mucus or streaks
- Lightheadedness, dizziness, or fainting, caused by reduced oxygen flow
Other symptoms, like anxiety, excessive sweating, or unexplained fatigue, can also point to a PE, but are often dismissed as stress-related or part of post-accident recovery. In reality, these may be early signs of a blockage in the lung’s arteries, which restricts oxygen and strains the heart.
Because PE often mimics more common illnesses like pneumonia, bronchitis, or even a panic attack, medical providers do not always recognize it right away. That misdiagnosis is even more likely in patients with pre-existing conditions such as asthma, COPD, or a long-term smoking history. They may assume that any shortness of breath or discomfort is just a flare-up, when in fact it is a blood clot.
If you have been in a crash, regardless of how long ago, and you develop new or worsening respiratory symptoms, seek medical attention.
Collapsed Lung (Pneumothorax) and Punctured Lung Injuries
A collapsed lung, or pneumothorax, occurs when air escapes from a lung and fills the space between the lung and chest wall, making it difficult, or impossible, for the lung to expand. A punctured lung, on the other hand, refers to the tear or hole that allows this air to escape in the first place.
Both injuries are common after rib fractures or seat belt-related chest trauma, especially in high-speed collisions. Airbags, while life-saving, can also cause sudden blunt force to the chest, increasing the risk of thoracic damage. If left untreated, these conditions can lead to a total lung collapse, shock, or even death.
Prompt emergency care often includes inserting a chest tube to re-expand the lung and remove trapped air or fluid. In severe cases, surgery may be necessary.
Other Lung Injuries Caused by Vehicle Accidents
In addition to pulmonary embolisms and collapsed lungs, other serious injuries seen in crash victims include:
- Pulmonary contusions (bruised lung tissue)
- Hemothorax (blood pooling between the chest wall and lung)
- Diaphragm injuries, which can compromise lung expansion
These conditions often occur in conjunction with other internal injuries and may require intensive care.
Do Lungs Fully Heal After an Accident?
Every person is different, so the best thing you can do is speak to your doctor about what level of healing you can expect.
Generally speaking, however, lung tissue has a limited ability to heal itself. Minor injuries, such as a small pneumothorax or a mild pulmonary contusion, may heal in time.
More severe trauma, like a large PE, a hemothorax, or complications like acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), can cause lasting damage. In many cases, permanent scarring (fibrosis) can reduce the lungs’ ability to expand fully. This scarring may not just limit physical activity; it can diminish a person’s overall quality of life.
How Vehicle Accidents Lead to Serious Lung Injuries
The force of a collision can generate enough energy to fracture ribs, tear soft tissue, or send shards of bone into the chest cavity. Sudden compression from a seat belt or an inflating airbag may damage the lungs, diaphragm, or chest wall, especially in smaller or older adults.
Even without broken bones, blunt trauma to the chest is enough to cause a pulmonary contusion or diaphragm rupture. These are not always visible on an X-ray right away, which is why a high index of suspicion is necessary after a serious wreck. Medical professionals may rely on CT scans or repeated imaging to track the progression of internal injuries.
When Symptoms Appear Late
Delayed-onset symptoms are one of the most dangerous aspects of lung trauma after a car crash. A blood clot after a car accident can take several days to develop enough to cause a pulmonary embolism. Similarly, small air leaks may not cause a pneumothorax right away, but can worsen over time, especially if the injured person resumes regular activity too soon.
If you were in a vehicle accident and now have post-accident breathing problems, the safest thing you can do is seek a medical evaluation, even if it has been several days since the crash.
Get Legal Help for a Crash-Related Lung Injury
Pulmonary embolisms and other severe lung conditions can leave lasting effects. When another person’s careless driving puts your health at risk, you should not be stuck paying for hospital bills, rehabilitation, lost time from work, or permanent disability. You deserve someone who will fight for your recovery and hold the responsible parties accountable. That is precisely what we do at Frank Azar Car & Truck Accident Lawyers.
We offer free consultations in Denver and across Colorado. Let a Denver personal injury lawyer from our team walk you through your options and explain what kind of compensation may be available. We have multiple locations throughout the state for your convenience. Schedule your free case review today by calling or contacting us.
