What Vancouver Car Accident Victims Should Know About Healing, Treatment, and Compensation
A broken clavicle (or fractured collarbone) may sound like a simple injury, but for many car accident victims, it can mark the start of a potentially long and painful road to recovery. Some broken clavicle victims may have trouble lifting their arm, sleeping, or returning to work. The physical pain is often only part of the burden. Lost income, medical bills, and the emotional toll of dealing with insurance companies can make things feel even worse.
At The Scott Law Firm, PLLC, we’ve worked with crash victims throughout Vancouver and Southwest Washington who were struggling to heal and move forward after suffering serious injuries like a broken clavicle. If someone else’s negligence caused your crash, you shouldn’t have to carry the weight of recovery alone. Attorney Colin Scott is here to stand by your side and fight for the compensation you may deserve.
What Is a Broken Clavicle?
Your clavicle, which is commonly referred to as the collarbone, is the long, thin bone that runs between your shoulder blade and breastbone. In a car accident, the force of impact can cause this bone to snap or crack. This can happen during a crash in a variety of different ways, such as:
- You are struck from the side, and your shoulder absorbs the impact
- You brace for a crash with your arms, and the seatbelt transfers the force to your upper chest
- Your body is jolted forward, and your shoulder strikes the dashboard or steering wheel
Symptoms of a broken clavicle may include localized immediate pain, swelling, bruising, and a grinding or popping sound at the time of impact. Some people may also notice their shoulder visibly drooping, or the fractured bone may raise and “tent” the surrounding skin, or they may feel sharp pain when trying to raise their arm.
Broken Clavicle Treatment and Recovery Time
Treatment for a broken collarbone typically depends on the severity and location of the break. For simple fractures, doctors may recommend immobilization using a sling or brace, followed by physical therapy. But more complicated fractures—especially those involving multiple breaks or displacement—may require surgery and long-term rehabilitation.
Even after the bones have fused and healed, it’s not unusual for patients to experience lasting issues even after they have suffered a broken clavicle.
Possible long-term effects of a broken clavicle may include:
- Limited range of motion in the shoulder
- Chronic pain or stiffness
- Nerve damage near the fracture site
- Shoulder misalignment or muscle weakness
- Hardware-related discomfort after surgery
- Deformity of the bone
These long-term effects can interfere with everyday living as well as work, especially for laborers, tradespeople, or anyone with physically demanding jobs. For many, the injury completely heals without any long-term effects. But for others who are less fortunate, a broken clavicle may result in significant time away from work—and income they can’t afford to lose.
How Much Is a Broken Clavicle Car Accident Settlement Worth?
There’s no fixed number when it comes to car accident injury settlements, but cases involving broken bones—particularly the clavicle—may depend on several key factors:
- Severity of the fracture (clean break vs. displaced or comminuted fracture)
- Whether surgery was required
- Length of recovery
- Past medical bills
- Future medical needs
- Pain and future income loss
- Impact on your ability to perform daily tasks
- Pain and suffering
- Residual impairment, disfigurement and/or disability
Every case is unique, and no two cases are exactly alike. Therefore, to determine the potential value of a broken clavicle caused by someone else's negligence, it's important to consult with an experienced personal injury attorney. It's also important to note that past results do not guarantee future outcomes, so working with an experienced car accident lawyer gives you the best chance to fully understand your options and build a strong claim based on the facts can circumstances of your potential claim.
At The Scott Law Firm, PLLC, we’ve helped many injured clients secure significant compensation for serious injuries caused by reckless or inattentive drivers, including clients who have suffered a broken clavicle.
Why You Need a Car Accident Lawyer After a Fracture Injury
Anyone who has broken a bone before knows that it is extremely painful. And yet, insurance adjusters often try to minimize fractures like broken clavicles, especially when a client is healthy and makes a near full recovery. They may argue it’s a routine injury or suggest that your pain should have resolved in just a few weeks. They might even blame you for the crash to reduce the payout. That’s where having a trusted legal advocate makes a real difference.
When you work with The Scott Law Firm, PLLC, you’re not just another case file. You get personal, one-on-one attention from an experienced litigation attorney who cares about your recovery, your future, and your ability to move forward after a crash.
Talk To A Vancouver Car Accident Attorney Today
A broken clavicle may not seem like a life-changing injury—until you’re the one living through it. Whether you need surgery, weeks off work, or ongoing rehab, the costs can add up quickly. You deserve to have someone in your corner who understands the law and knows how to hold negligent drivers, and the insurance companies, accountable.
If you or a loved one suffered a broken clavicle in a car accident in Vancouver or anywhere in Southwest Washington, contact The Scott Law Firm, PLLC today. We offer free consultations, and you won’t pay any legal fees unless we win your case. Let us help you get the support and compensation you need to heal and move forward.
"Would highly recommend The Scott Law Firm! Colin and Leslie were so great to work with. After my car accident, I felt so overwhelmed, but reaching out to Colin was the best decision. He was so responsive, professional, and I felt supported and taken care of throughout the entire process. I truly appreciated how approachable and knowledgeable they both were. They made a difficult situation so much easier to get through, and I’m very grateful for all their help. I wouldn’t hesitate to work with them again or recommend them to anyone in need of legal support." - Diana B., ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐