A broken collarbone is one of the more common injuries to come out of a car accident, and the reason comes down to exactly where that bone sits in relation to your seat belt. If you or someone you know has been dealing with this injury after a crash, here is important information about how it happens, what recovery looks like and what your options are.
Why does a car crash break the clavicle so easily?
The clavicle, commonly called the collarbone, runs horizontally between your shoulder and the center of your chest, sitting directly beneath the diagonal shoulder strap of your seat belt. During a collision, your body continues moving forward until the belt locks and stops that movement, transmitting force directly across the clavicle.
It does not take a high-speed crash to cause a break. Airbag deployment, gripping the steering wheel at impact or your shoulder striking the door in a side-impact crash can all add to that force.
What are the symptoms and complications to watch for?
The most immediate signs of a clavicle fracture are pain at the collarbone, swelling and difficulty lifting or moving your arm. You may also notice a visible deformity or a bump where the break occurred. What is not always obvious right away is whether the fracture has affected nearby structures.
The clavicle sits close to nerves and blood vessels that supply the arm and shoulder. A displaced fracture, one where the bone has shifted out of position, can put pressure on or damage these structures, leading to numbness, tingling or weakness in the arm.
Clavicle fractures are among the injuries clinicians look for when a seat belt has made contact with the neck or upper chest area. Seeing a doctor promptly after a crash can help identify these complications before they worsen.
How long does recovery take?
Most clavicle fractures are treated conservatively with a sling, rest and physical therapy. Recovery typically takes 6 to 12 weeks for the bone to heal, though full strength and range of motion can take several months.
Severely displaced fractures may require surgical fixation with plates and screws, which can speed up the return to activity but adds its own recovery period and sometimes a second procedure to remove the hardware. Either path can mean weeks away from work and ongoing physical therapy, all of which factor into the full cost of the injury.
What should you do if you broke your collarbone in a crash?
Getting medical attention right away is important for both your health and documenting your injury. A clavicle fracture that goes undiagnosed or untreated can lead to complications that are harder to address later.
If the accident was caused by another driver’s negligence, your medical records, treatment plans and any documentation of missed work can become the foundation of a personal injury claim. A personal injury attorney can review your case and help you pursue the compensation you deserve.