You were traveling along Rte. 30 on your way to Dutch Wonderland when the unthinkable happened—you were involved in a serious auto accident. A large truck struck you from behind, causing your airbags to deploy and all those in your vehicle to be thrust forward. Fortunately, every passenger was wearing their seat belt, and no major injuries occurred. However, you think you have a broken collarbone because of the seat belt.
Causes of a Broken Collarbone
Also known as the clavicle, the collarbone sits just under the skin at the top of the torso, and the shoulder strap of the seat belt rests against it. When the belt constricts during an accident, the pressure can be forceful enough to cause the collarbone to break.
Symptoms of a Broken Collarbone
Your clavicle could be fractured if you are experiencing stiffness, tenderness, swelling, or bruising in the area, along with pain that increases with shoulder movement. Symptoms of a broken collarbone also include a bulge on or near the shoulder, and a grinding or crackling sound when you move your shoulder.
Treatment of a Broken Collarbone
Fractured clavicles are often healed with the help of medication, physical therapy, and restricted movement. However, in complicated cases surgery could be required.
If you’ve suffered a broken collarbone because of an auto accident in Lancaster, you may be eligible to receive financial compensation. Contact the attorneys of Schmidt Kramer to find out if we can help you.
If you know someone who has a fractured collarbone, we encourage you to share this information with him or her.