Over 95 percent of all New York motorcycle accidents result in some kind of injury to the rider. While these injuries can range from a sprained ankle to a traumatic brain injury (TBI), one of the most common injuries is a broken collar bone.

The collar bone, or clavicle, can be found running between your shoulder and neck area. The collar bone connects the shoulder blade (scapula) to the top of your breastbone (sternum). This puts the clavicle in an exposed location, making it especially vulnerable to fracture.

Clavicle fractures can easily occur in New York motorcycle accidents. They may happen when a rider tries to brace a fall with an outstretched arm. The clavicle may also break upon direct impact to the shoulder against the road, another vehicle, or a road-side hazard.

The symptoms of a broken clavicle are important, if not relatively simple, to spot. Some common symptoms of a broken collar bone include:

  • pain and swelling
  • a "snap" sound upon impact
  • limited motion in the arm or shoulder
  • sagging or displaced shoulder
  • bump or lump in the collar bone area

If you think you may have broken your collar bone in a New York motorcycle accident, it is imperative that you seek immediate medical attention. An X-ray at the emergency room can confirm the injury, and a doctor can give you instructions on how to treat and heal a broken clavicle.

It is also important that you contact a Long Island motorcycle accident attorney after you have received treatment. An experienced lawyer may be able to help you recover damages for an accident with a negligent driver, earning you compensation for present and future medical expenses.

If you or a loved one has been the victim of a motorcycle accident, contact the Long Island motorcycle accident attorneys at Rappaport, Glass, Greene, and Levine today for a free consultation on your case. Call us toll free at (800) 734-9445.