Collarbone Injuries in Texas Car Accidents

A Houston lawyer can fight for the compensation you deserve

In a car accident, injuries to the collarbone are common. While this type of injury may sound relatively minor, it can disrupt lives, leading to significant pain, medical expenses, and time away from work. But because it may not seem “serious enough,” many people may not understand their legal options after suffering a collarbone injury in a car wreck.

At Smith & Hassler, our experienced Houston car accident lawyers can help crash victims understand their rights and guide them through the claims process. Here’s what you should know.

What is the collarbone?

The collarbone, also known as the clavicle, is a long, slender bone that runs horizontally between the breastbone (sternum) and the shoulder blade (scapula) on each side of the upper chest. It serves as a key structural support, helping to stabilize the shoulder and allowing for a wide range of arm movement. Because of its exposed position just beneath the skin, the collarbone is especially vulnerable to fractures during a car crash.

How do collarbone injuries happen in car wrecks?

Collarbone injuries typically occur due to the forceful impact and sudden movements involved in an auto accident. Common causes include:

Seatbelt pressure – The shoulder strap can press hard against the collarbone during a sudden stop or collision, causing it to fracture.
Airbag deployment – Airbags inflate with great force, and the impact against the upper chest and shoulder area can result in a broken clavicle.
Direct impact – Being thrown into the steering wheel, dashboard, door, or window can cause blunt force trauma to the collarbone.
Side-impact collisions – These crashes often force the shoulder and upper body to absorb the impact, increasing the risk of clavicle injuries.
Vehicle Rollovers – Violent vehicle motion during a rollover can twist or compress the upper body, leading to fractures in the collarbone or shoulder area.

These types of injuries are particularly common in high-speed crashes or when drivers and passengers are not properly restrained.

What are the symptoms of a collarbone injury?

A collarbone injury, such as a fracture or break, can cause several noticeable symptoms. Common signs include:

Sharp pain in the shoulder or upper chest, especially when moving the arm
Swelling and bruising around the collarbone area
A visible bump or deformity over the fracture site
Difficulty lifting or moving the arm on the affected side
Grinding or popping sensation when attempting shoulder movement
Drooping shoulder or arm that appears to hang lower than usual
Tenderness to the touch along the clavicle

If you experience any of these symptoms after a car accident or other trauma, it’s important to seek medical attention promptly to prevent complications and ensure proper healing. Getting medical attention will also help document your injury.

What is the treatment for a broken collarbone?

Treatment for a broken collarbone depends on the severity and location of the fracture. Common approaches include:

Immobilization – Most collarbone fractures are treated with a sling or figure-eight strap to keep the shoulder in place while the bone heals. This is typically used for simple, non-displaced fractures.
Pain management – Over-the-counter or prescription medications may be used to manage pain and reduce inflammation during the healing process.
Physical therapy – Once the bone begins to heal, gentle exercises and physical therapy help restore range of motion, strengthen the shoulder, and prevent stiffness.
Surgery – In more severe cases, such as when the bone is significantly displaced or broken into several pieces, surgical intervention may be necessary. This typically involves using metal plates, screws, or rods to realign and stabilize the bone.
Follow-up care – Regular imaging and checkups may be needed to ensure proper healing and to address any complications, such as delayed union or nerve irritation.

Many collarbone fractures heal within 6 to 12 weeks, but recovery time can vary based on the complexity of the injury and other factors. A doctor will create a treatment plan.

How does a collarbone injury impact daily life after a car accident?

A collarbone injury can significantly affect a person’s daily routine and quality of life, especially in the weeks and months following a car accident. Common challenges include:

Limited arm movement – Activities like dressing, bathing, cooking, or even lifting small objects can become difficult or impossible, especially on the injured side.
Inability to work – Many people need to take time off from work, particularly if their job involves physical labor, lifting, or repetitive arm movements.
Sleep disruption – Lying down can be uncomfortable due to pressure on the collarbone, often making it hard to find a pain-free sleeping position.
Emotional strain – Dealing with pain, loss of independence, and financial stress from missed work can lead to anxiety, frustration, or even depression.
Extended recovery time – Healing can take several weeks or even months, during which the person may need help with daily tasks and regular medical appointments.

For many car accident victims, the physical and emotional toll of a collarbone injury goes far beyond the initial trauma, affecting their ability to live and work normally for an extended period.

Can I recover financial compensation for a broken collarbone in a car accident?

Yes, if your collarbone injury was caused by a car wreck that resulted from someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to recover financial compensation. In Texas, crash victims can file a personal injury claim to seek compensation for:

Medical expenses – This includes the cost of emergency care, X-rays, surgery, physical therapy, follow-up visits, and prescription medications.
Lost wages – If your injury prevents you from working, you can recover compensation for the income you’ve lost during your recovery period.
Future lost earnings – If your injury leads to long-term physical limitations or a reduced ability to work, you may be compensated for loss of earning capacity.
Pain and suffering – This includes compensation for the physical pain, emotional distress, and reduced quality of life caused by the injury.

To maximize your compensation, it’s important to work with an experienced Houston car accident lawyer who can guide you through the claims process and demand fair compensation.

How do insurance companies challenge collarbone injuries?

Insurance companies often look for ways to minimize payouts, even when a collarbone injury is clearly linked to a car accident. Common tactics they use to challenge or reduce compensation include:

Questioning the severity of the injury – Insurers may argue that the fracture is minor or doesn’t warrant the level of treatment or time off work being claimed.
Blaming a pre-existing condition – If you’ve had previous shoulder or collarbone issues, the insurance company may try to say the accident didn’t actually cause the injury.
Disputing the need for surgery or extended treatment – They may claim that non-surgical treatment would have been sufficient or that your recovery period is longer than medically necessary.
Downplaying pain and suffering – Because pain and emotional distress are subjective, insurers often push back on these claims, offering low compensation or denying them altogether.
Alleging shared fault – In Texas, which follows a modified comparative negligence rule, insurers may argue that you were partially at fault for the accident to reduce the compensation they owe.

How can a car accident attorney help with a collarbone injury claim?

A car accident attorney is critical in helping you recover fair compensation after a collarbone injury. An experienced lawyer can:

Investigate the accident – An attorney will gather evidence such as police reports, witness statements, and surveillance footage to prove how the accident happened and who was at fault.
Document your injuries – Your lawyer will work with medical professionals to obtain detailed records, diagnostic imaging, and expert opinions that clearly show the severity of your collarbone injury and its impact on your life.
Calculate your damages – An attorney will ensure that all past and future losses are included in your claim, from medical expenses and lost income to pain, suffering, and reduced earning capacity.
Negotiate with insurance companies – Insurance adjusters are trained to minimize payouts. A skilled attorney knows their tactics and will negotiate aggressively to secure a fair settlement that reflects the true value of your claim.
Take your case to court if needed – If the insurance company refuses to offer a reasonable settlement, your lawyer can file a lawsuit and present your case before a judge or jury to pursue maximum compensation.
Protect your rights – Texas personal injury laws can be complex, especially when questions of shared fault or multiple liable parties arise. A car accident attorney will ensure that deadlines are met, legal requirements are followed, and your rights are fully protected throughout the process.

By handling the legal complexities and advocating on your behalf, a car accident lawyer allows you to focus on your recovery while working to secure the financial support you need.

An experienced Houston car accident lawyer can fight for your rights

A broken clavicle can lead to weeks or even months of pain, limited mobility, lost income, and costly medical treatment. If you suffered a collarbone injury in a car accident caused by someone else’s negligence, you deserve financial compensation.

The attorneys at Smith & Hassler are here to help. Our legal team understands how disruptive these injuries can be and will fight to make sure you’re fully compensated for everything you’ve lost.

We’ve been fighting for the injured in Houston and throughout Texas for over 30 years. We know what it takes to stand up to insurance companies and win. Let us review your case, explain your rights, and handle the legal process while you focus on healing. There’s no cost to talk with us, and you don’t pay unless we win. Contact us today for a free consultation.

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