Car collisions are a common sight on California freeways and boulevards. Fender-benders are frustrating for those involved and those stuck in backed-up traffic. But some accidents also take an intense physical toll.
Drivers and passengers can suffer all sorts of harm to their bodies, including a fracture to a very important bone that allows movement throughout the entire torso. The collarbone.
A collarbone injury might leave you unable to get around for weeks and you may have to miss valuable shifts at work as you wait to heal. A collarbone car accident injury may be debilitating and it’s important that victims get the most out of an accident claim so they have the best chance to fully heal.
Collarbone Injury Accident Dangers on California Freeways
The collarbone or clavicle is a pair of bones on the interior of your shoulders. They reach across the upper chest to secure the breastbone (sternum) to the shoulders.
Clavicle injuries are one of the most common outcomes for victims in car accidents. Victims might strike a steering wheel or a car dash and suffer a collarbone fracture.
Motorcyclists and cyclists thrown from their bikes are very susceptible to this type of bone damage. It often occurs when the arms are flailed out in front of the victim to cushion a fall. The collarbone absorbs too much force and shatters.
An unprotected pedestrian absorbs an extreme amount of force when struck by a motor vehicle. Those on foot can easily suffer a shoulder injury in an impact with the ground or the pavement.
People who take a slip and fall on a puddle on a store aisle or at work are at risk. Those who take a trip and fall on a pothole in the parking lot often suffer clavicle breaks. As with the cyclist in a fall, fractures commonly occur when people put their hands out to catch themselves.
Getting the Most Out of Your Collarbone Injury Claim After an Accident
Immediately after an accident, it’s wise to collect as much evidence as possible, because that evidence will quickly disappear once you leave the scene.
A collarbone injury may leave you unable to walk around and you may be rushed to the emergency room. If you can’t stay on the scene, ask someone with you or a helpful witness to gather a few details from the accident.
If you are okay to get up, try to gather as much evidence for your injury claim as possible.
- Call 911. Make sure all injured victims are attended to by EMS crews. After a car accident, alert investigating officers to everything you remember of what led to the accident. These details will go into a collision report. In a slip-and-fall accident at a business or residential complex, alert a manager or property manager as to what happened so they can write up an incident report.
- Collect and Save Evidence – Takes pictures, secure witness contact information, and note any surveillance cameras around. If you’ve suffered a collarbone injury at a business or on someone else’s property, get photos of the obstacle that sent you to the ground, like a spill on the floor or a faulty handrail on a set of stairs. Your California personal injury lawyer will collect evidence for your case.
- Save Documents – Retain every medical bill you get. Keep pay stubs to show how many paychecks you’ve lost while you’ve been down with your clavicle injury. Your personal injury lawyer will work to get police accident reports and store incident reports.
- Avoid Making Statements – Don’t say that you’re “okay” or “my bad” on the scene of your accident. These statements can be used against you later. Also decline to give recorded statements when insurance representatives contact you by phone. They are hoping you’ll say something they can twist to hurt your claim. Let your California Traumatic Injury Lawyer handle all communication with insurance companies and opposing lawyers for you.
- See Your Physician – You’ll want to show insurance adjusters that you are making every effort to recover from your injury. Follow your doctor’s orders. Take medication, go to physical therapy and see any recommended specialists. Save your billing paperwork.
- Talk to a Skilled California Collarbone Injury Lawyer – Discuss your case with a skilled California personal injury attorney as soon as possible. The sooner you turn over your claim, the easier it will be for your lawyer to construct a strong case for you. Your lawyer organizes your evidence to present it in the most effective way possible. Your attorney works to maximize your collarbone injury claim to ensure you receive the support you need for your physical and financial burdens.
Compensation You Can Expect After a Collarbone Injury
A clavicle injury may take an adult up to four months to recover from. Non-surgical treatment for a broken collarbone could cost around $500, but the cost of X-rays and doctor fees would increase those charges.
A fractured clavicle bone that has broken the skin or has been severely displaced will require surgical repair. A bone that’s not aligned and healing right might also need screws or metal plates installed. A clavicle injury requiring surgery will cost families $15,000 or more.
Every cost a patient absorbs should be reimbursed by an at-fault party’s insurance provider. A careless driver or a negligent store owner who leaves a hazard unrepaired should bear this burden.
A claim for damages filed against these parties would ask for all medical expenses to be fully covered along with some of these considerations:
- Future medical costs associated with a permanent physical disability or long-term injury.
- Compensation for the physical pain endured.
- Compensation for the emotional anguish you’ve suffered. This can include the anxiety, depression, and PTSD symptoms experienced in recovery.
- Earnings you’ve lost from missing work. The loss of the ability to support your family if you are out of work for months or years.
- Damage or destruction of property.
Contact a Collarbone Injury Accident Lawyer Serving California Victims
If you’re committed to getting the most out of your collarbone injury claim, it’s critical that you speak to a qualified California personal injury lawyer about your next steps.
There’s an easy, no-risk way to get your questions answered by a real California attorney. Contact Martin Gasparian to schedule a no-obligation consultation.
Mr. Gasparian, the founder of Maison Law, offers a free case evaluation for all victims suffering from broken collarbones. If you feel Maison Law can help you earn the maximum compensation available for your injury, you won’t need any money upfront. Mr. Gasparian doesn’t get paid unless he wins your case.
