Sternum Fractures After a Car Accident: High-Impact Chest Trauma With Lasting Effects

Sternum fractures are severe car accident injuries that typically occur in high-speed or high-force collisions. The sternum, or breastbone, is located at the center of the chest and serves as an anchor point for the ribs. Fractures to this bone indicate significant trauma and are frequently associated with other serious internal injuries. These injuries are seen regularly in major motor vehicle accidents across Virginia, Maryland, and Washington, DC.

How Sternum Fractures Occur in Car Accidents

Sternum fractures most commonly occur during frontal collisions. When a vehicle suddenly decelerates, the driver or front-seat passenger may be thrown forward, causing the chest to strike the steering wheel or dashboard. Even with seatbelt use, the force transmitted through the chest can fracture the sternum.

Airbag deployment can also contribute to sternum fractures when the occupant is sitting too close to the steering wheel or when the collision occurs at high speed. In rollover accidents, repeated blunt trauma to the chest further increases the risk of sternum fractures.

How Sternum Fractures Affect Daily Life

A fractured sternum causes intense chest pain, tenderness, and swelling. Simple actions such as breathing deeply, coughing, lifting objects, or moving the upper body can cause sharp pain. Many victims experience difficulty sleeping and require assistance with daily activities.

Sternum fractures are particularly concerning because of their proximity to the heart and lungs. Victims may suffer cardiac contusions, lung injuries, or internal bleeding. Even after the bone heals, chronic chest pain and stiffness can persist, limiting physical activity and reducing overall quality of life.

Work restrictions are common, especially for individuals who perform physical labor or drive for extended periods. Emotional distress is also common, as chest injuries can cause anxiety related to breathing difficulties and fear of reinjury.

Medical Treatment and Recovery for Sternum Fractures

Treatment typically involves pain management, rest, and activity modification. Imaging studies are used to rule out associated injuries to the heart or lungs. In severe cases involving displacement or instability, surgical intervention may be required.

Recovery often takes several months, and full healing may take up to a year. Some victims experience permanent discomfort or limited chest mobility.

Legal Representation for Sternum Fracture Victims

Because sternum fractures signal high-impact trauma, they should never be dismissed. Turzi Law Group, a trusted Virginia/Maryland/DC personal injury lawyer, aggressively advocates for sternum fracture victims and ensures that insurance companies recognize the seriousness of these injuries.

If you or a loved one sustained a sternum fracture in a car accident, contact Turzi Law Group to protect your rights and pursue full compensation.