Collarbone Injury in Sacramento Car Accident

Collarbone Injury in Vehicular Accident on Madison Avenue

Collarbone Injury in Vehicular Accident on Madison Avenue

I’m Ed Smith, a Sacramento car accident lawyer. A two-vehicle crash occurred recently on Madison Avenue, that resulted in a collarbone injury to one of the individuals. Tow trucks were called to the scene to remove the vehicles, and emergency responders arrived to attend to those who were injured, according to a report by the California Highway Patrol (CHP). It is not yet known whether alcohol or drugs were considered to be factors in the crash.

Details of the Accident

The crash occurred shortly after noon at the intersection of Madison Avenue and Airbase Drive near Sacramento McClellan Airport. It involved a 2017 Jeep Cherokee and a late 90s Volkswagen Jetta. According to the CHP, one individual involved in the accident suffered a collarbone injury, a common fracture that can be caused by the shoulder harness of the seat belt.

Collarbone Injury

Clavicular fractures can be serious injuries, depending on where the clavicle breaks. The clavicle is a long bone that extends from the shoulder to the rib cage. It is unprotected by layers of muscle as many bones are and therefore is capable of breaking easily. Car accidents are a primary reason why clavicles fracture. Others include falling on the shoulder or an outstretched hand. Generally, it takes an adult six to 12 weeks for the clavicle to heal with a simple fracture. Doctors will usually put the arm in a sling for this period after doing radiographic tests.

Not All Clavicle Fractures Are Simple

On some occasions, the clavicle will break into several pieces (comminuted fracture), or the pieces will be out of alignment (displaced fracture). The clavicle will not heal correctly unless the fragments are placed properly. This requires the use of screws and plates to hold the bony fragments together as it heals. This is done with a surgical procedure called an open reduction with internal fixation. The surgeon will reposition the pieces (reduce them) so they assume their natural position and then fix them in place by using the hardware. Sometimes the broken bone will protrude through the skin (compound fracture) and must be repositioned surgically.

Complications Associated With Clavicular Surgery

As with all surgery, complications exist. Here are some common ones when surgery to repair a broken clavicle is done:

  • Infection during or post surgery
  • Breakage of plates and screws
  • Damaged nerves
  • Problems such as nicking an artery or vein
  • Risks associated with anesthesia
  • Lung injuries
  • A permanent lump under the skin where the bone healed

Damages Due to a Clavicle Fracture

Aside from the pain, most people with clavicle fractures will require multiple doctor appointments, possible surgery, arm immobilization and time off work. This causes financial damages. If the other party was at fault, your car accident attorney will make sure that medical expenses and lost wages will be recovered. While no one can give the individual back the time he or she lost, being able to pay the bills helps.

Sacramento Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyer

I’m Ed Smith, a Sacramento car accident lawyer. If you have suffered a broken collarbone in an accident, you will need legal assistance in collecting damages. Call me at (916) 921-6400 or (800) 404-5400 for friendly and free advice. You can reach me online too.

I’ve helped numerous Sacramento residents over the years with all types of accidents. I’ve also filed wrongful death lawsuits when their family member died due to someone else’s negligence.

When you are ready to retain a lawyer, you should learn more about them and their practice. You can accomplish this by clicking on the following pages with reviews by former clients and some of my peers:

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