Car accidents can wreak havoc on the human body, damaging the skeletal system, soft tissue, organs, and brain, among other things.

Even when someone survives the impact and trauma of the accident itself, there can be long-term conditions that need continued medical care and treatment. 

An aortic tear is among the most dangerous heart conditions a person can face. Is it possible to get an aortic tear from a car accident?

What Is an Aortic Tear?

Another term for aortic tear is “aortic dissection.” 

The large artery that connects to the heart’s lower left chamber is called the aorta. It rises from the chamber, bends, and turns back downward. That bend is what we need to pay attention to in order to understand aortic dissection. 

Because the bend is 40% weaker than the rest of the artery, it is more prone to being torn or ruptured during a traumatic event like a car accident. 

The serious implications of a tear in this weaker part of the aorta include an aortic dissection, which is when the artery’s middle layers are filled with rushing blood from the tear. This can cause the middle layers of the aorta to dissect (split apart). 

Are All Aortic Tears Fatal?

No, not all aortic tears are fatal. However, they are incredibly dangerous and do have a high fatality rate. 

Death occurs immediately in up to 40% of patients. Another 5 to 20% of people who have a thoracic aortic dissection die after surgery.

Medical professionals explain that there are risk factors that make a person more likely to experience an aortic dissection, including hypertension, pheochromocytoma, use of cocaine, weightlifting, a rapid deceleration event, trauma, genetic abnormalities, and coarctation of the aorta (narrowing of the aortic artery). 

Can You Experience an Aortic Tear From a Car Accident?

Car accidents cause the human body to go through a massive amount of trauma. High-speed accidents are even worse, resulting in fatalities and serious injuries. 

When a driver or passenger’s chest is compressed against the seatbelt or airbag during impact, this trauma can cause an aortic tear. 

Unfortunately, because of other injuries caused by the accident, aortic tears may not be observed right away. They may only be discovered when the patient is in the hospital undergoing imaging tests. 

Aortic Tears Require Immediate Treatment

Symptoms of an aortic dissection include chest pain, back pain, or abdominal pain. Typically, this pain is described as extreme and stabbing or sharp.

As your aorta is the source of internal bleeding, the tear causes a significant drop in blood supply to the rest of your internal organs, as well as a lack of oxygen. 

Aortic dissection in a car accident requires immediate treatment to prevent the victim’s death or long-term disability. 

Even with immediate medical attention, people who have suffered an aortic tear are likely to be considered the victims of a catastrophic injury. In Indiana, a catastrophic injury is typically defined as an injury that results in either permanent disabilities or life-threatening conditions. 

What Happens After an Aortic Dissection Car Accident Injury?

After a serious medical emergency like an aortic dissection, who is responsible for medical costs, lost wages, and pain and suffering of the survivor? If an aortic tear from a car accident leads to death, who is held responsible?

Victims of car accidents in Indianapolis need the support of a compassionate, knowledgeable, and experienced legal representative. 

Poynter & Bucheri–Indianapolis Car Accident Attorneys

Poynter & Bucheri provide Indiana’s residents with the legal guidance and support they need after a car accident. 

If you have experienced a catastrophic injury in Indiana, don’t wait to seek legal aid. The sooner your legal representative gets started, the sooner you can get the compensation you need to continue your recovery. 

If you or someone you love has experienced the catastrophic injury of an aortic tear due to a car accident, please reach out to our personal injury attorneys. We ensure that you are protected and compensated for what you have lost. 

Our fee is only 25% and we fight to win your case or you pay no attorney fees at all. Please don’t hesitate to give us a call at 1-800-265-9881 to have one of our Indianapolis personal injury attorneys give your case a free review.