A broken sternum (breastbone fracture) is not the most common car accident injury, but it can be serious if not diagnosed and treated quickly. The sternum is the flat bone in the center of your chest that protects vital organs like the heart, lungs, and major blood vessels.
In a crash, the sternum can fracture due to:
- Impact with a seat belt or airbag
- Direct trauma to the chest
- The force of a high-speed collision
If you’ve suffered a sternum injury in a car accident in South Carolina, it’s important to recognize the symptoms, understand your treatment options, and know your legal rights.
At the Law Office of Kenneth Berger, our attorneys help crash victims in Columbia, Myrtle Beach, and across South Carolina pursue fair compensation for their medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Call us today at 803-790-2800 (Columbia) or 843-427-2800 (Myrtle Beach) for a free consultation.
Symptoms of a Sternum Fracture After a Car Accident
A fractured sternum can cause significant discomfort and requires prompt medical attention. If you’ve been in a crash, watch for these warning signs:
- Sharp or stabbing pain in the chest
- Pain that worsens with movement, coughing, or deep breathing
- Swelling and bruising across the chest
- Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
- Cracking or popping sensations when moving
If you notice these symptoms, seek emergency medical care. Doctors may use X-rays, CT scans, or MRIs to confirm the fracture and rule out internal injuries.
Treatment for a Broken Sternum
The treatment plan depends on the severity of the fracture. Common approaches include:
- Pain management – prescription or over-the-counter medication, plus ice therapy
- Rest and limited movement – avoiding strenuous activity to allow proper bone healing
- Breathing exercises – to reduce the risk of lung infections caused by shallow breathing
- Surgery – required in severe cases, especially if the bone is displaced or if internal organs are damaged
Ignoring a sternum fracture can lead to complications such as chronic chest pain, respiratory problems, or limited mobility. Following a doctor’s treatment plan and attending follow-up appointments is critical.
Long-Term Effects and Complications
A sternum fracture is more than just a painful injury—it can lead to serious health consequences:
Risk to Vital Organs
Because the sternum shields your heart and lungs, a strong enough impact can also cause:
- Bruised or punctured lungs
- Cardiac trauma (bruising or injury to the heart)
- Damage to blood vessels
Chronic Pain and Mobility Issues
- Persistent chest pain
- Limited upper body movement
- Nerve damage
Emotional and Psychological Effects
The trauma of a car crash can lead to:
- Fear of driving or traveling
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- Reduced quality of life
Recovery often requires regular medical checkups, physical therapy, pain management, and mental health support.
Can You File a Personal Injury Claim for a Broken Sternum After a Car Accident?
Yes. If your sternum fracture was caused by another driver’s negligence, you may be able to pursue a personal injury claim in South Carolina. Sternum injuries are unique because of the way they affect your ability to breathe, move, and perform basic tasks — which means proving their true impact is a key part of your case.
Building a Successful Claim
To recover compensation, your lawyer will focus on three main areas:
1. Fault and Liability
- Showing that the other driver caused the crash through negligence — such as speeding, distracted driving, or drunk driving.
- Using crash reports, witness statements, and sometimes accident reconstruction experts to prove responsibility.
2. Insurance Coverage
- Identifying all possible sources of recovery, including the at-fault driver’s liability policy, underinsured motorist coverage (UIM), or other applicable policies.
- In sternum fracture cases, medical costs can be significant, so finding every available coverage source is critical.
3. Damages
- Medical expenses: ER visits, imaging (X-rays, CT scans), breathing therapy, surgery if needed, and follow-up care.
- Lost income: Missed time from work during recovery, plus any reduced earning ability if chest pain or mobility issues continue long-term.
- Pain and suffering: Ongoing chest pain, difficulty sleeping, and daily discomfort.
- Emotional distress: Fear of driving, anxiety, or PTSD related to the crash.
Why Sternum Fractures Are Different
Unlike a simple bone break, a fractured sternum raises additional concerns:
- Risk of complications to the heart and lungs
- Limitations on upper body movement during recovery
- Need for breathing exercises or therapy to avoid pneumonia or respiratory issues
Because of these factors, your attorney’s job is not only to prove fault but also to fully document the medical, financial, and emotional impact of your sternum injury so the insurance company cannot downplay your losses.
Talk to a South Carolina Car Accident Lawyer
Dealing with a broken sternum after a car accident can be overwhelming. Between mounting medical bills, time away from work, and ongoing pain, you need support.
At the Law Office of Kenneth Berger, we help accident victims in Columbia, Myrtle Beach, and throughout South Carolina. Our team handles the legal details so you can focus on recovery.
Call 803-790-2800 (Columbia) or 843-427-2800 (Myrtle Beach) for your free consultation, or use our live chat to connect with us today.
We are here to listen—and to advocate for your full, fair recovery.
FAQ: Broken Sternum After a Car Crash in South Carolina
How serious is a broken sternum?
While many sternum fractures heal with rest and pain management, they can also signal underlying injuries to the heart or lungs, making prompt medical attention essential.
How long does it take to recover?
Most sternum fractures heal within 6–12 weeks, but severe cases may require longer rehabilitation.
Can a seat belt cause a sternum fracture?
Yes. Seat belts save lives but can cause sternum fractures in high-impact crashes. The belt’s pressure on the chest can create enough force to break the breastbone.
