Approximately 88,000 motorcyclists suffered injuries in 2013, according to new information released from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). While there were various injuries reported, one common type of injury motorcycle riders suffer from is collarbone injuries (also known as clavicle fractures or broken collarbones).
How Does a Motorcycle Rider Get a Broken Collarbone?
When a motorcyclist is involved in a crash, she might suffer a blow to the arm or fall on her shoulder or outstretched arm. If this occurs, the force of the crash can transfer to the collarbone, causing it to snap.
Three Reasons Clavicle Fractures Are Serious Injuries
Although broken clavicle injuries might not be thought of as serious injuries—or not on the same scale as head injuries—they can be serious in their own way for the following three reasons:
- Pain. Not only is a clavicle fracture extremely painful, but an injured motorcyclist will have swelling and difficulty moving his or her arm. In fact, the pain can be so intense that it makes it impossible to even lift the injured arm.
- Complications. It is very possible that a large bump will develop over the collarbone break. Unfortunately, it can be permanent and cause a deformity. Also, a malunion can occur when the bone fragments move out of place and start healing in an incorrect position. When this happens, surgery may be necessary, and there could be other collarbone complications such as osteoarthritis. Additionally, damage to nerves or blood vessels can occur during surgery, and with every surgery there is always a risk for infection and blood clots.
- Damages. Not only does a clavicle fracture cause physical damages, but it can also cause financial damages. When a motorcycle rider suffers a broken collarbone, more than likely he or she cannot work or ride a motorcycle for quite some time. This means the injured motorcyclist may suffer a financial loss if he or she cannot work due to the injury. Additionally, the injured motorcyclist will need to rely on someone else to get around or pay for other transportation to even get to doctor appointments. When these things occur, all while medical bills are piling up, it can create a financial problem.
If you have suffered a broken collarbone in a motorcycle crash as a result of someone else’s negligence, you deserve to be compensated accordingly for your physical and financial damages. To learn more about your rights to a financial recovery, contact us to see how we can help.
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