"Blunt trauma to the chest accounts for over 15% of all injuries seen in motor vehicle collisions." — National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI)
A broken sternum from a car accident isn’t just painful—it can sideline your life. This kind of injury often comes from direct impact with the steering wheel or the force of a seatbelt during a crash. The pain can be intense. Breathing hurts. Moving your arms might hurt more. And if you’re like most people, you didn’t see it coming.
This article gives you clear, direct answers. What a broken sternum really means. How serious it is. What symptoms to watch for. And how to recover compensation if someone else is at fault. Whether you're still in pain or just looking for answers, you'll find what you need here.
How serious is a fractured sternum?
A fractured sternum means the breastbone—the flat bone in the middle of your chest—has cracked or broken from trauma. The sternum helps protect your heart and lungs. So when it breaks, it’s more than just a bone injury. It could be a sign of deeper internal damage.
Car accidents are one of the most common causes. The force from the steering wheel, seatbelt tension, or airbag deployment can create enough impact to break the bone.
According to a study in the Journal of Emergencies, Trauma, and Shock, sternal fractures occur in 3–8% of patients involved in blunt chest trauma from vehicle collisions.
Types of sternal fractures:
- Stable fractures: The bone is cracked but stays in place. These are painful but usually heal without surgery.
- Unstable fractures: The broken parts move, possibly affecting surrounding organs or causing breathing issues. These are more dangerous and sometimes require surgical repair.
Injuries that may come with a broken sternum:
- Bruised heart (myocardial contusion)
- Lung injury or collapsed lung
- Rib fractures
- Aortic rupture (rare but life-threatening)
Older adults are more likely to suffer serious complications. Bone density loss and weaker tissue make recovery slower. For anyone, untreated sternal fractures can lead to chronic pain, poor posture, or respiratory problems.
Sternal Fracture Symptoms
Symptoms may show up immediately or hours after the crash. Many people dismiss the early pain as soreness or bruising—until it gets worse.
Watch for these signs:
- Sharp, stabbing pain in the center of the chest
- Pain that worsens with deep breathing, coughing, or laughing
- Bruising or visible swelling over the chest
- Difficulty moving your arms or torso
- Shortness of breath
- Feeling lightheaded or weak
- A grinding feeling or sound when touching the sternum (crepitus)
In more severe cases, you might notice:
- Low blood pressure
- Irregular heartbeat
- Signs of internal bleeding or shock
Even if symptoms seem mild, get medical attention right away. Some internal fractures are only visible on imaging tests.
How doctors diagnose and treat a sternal fracture
If you’re taken to the ER after a crash, doctors will likely order a chest X-ray or CT scan. These show the position and severity of the fracture. They may also run an electrocardiogram (ECG) to check for heart damage.
Treatment typically includes:
- Pain management: Prescription painkillers, muscle relaxers, and cold packs
- Rest and limited movement: No heavy lifting or twisting for several weeks
- Breathing support: Incentive spirometry (a tool to help you breathe deeply) to prevent lung issues
- Follow-up care: Repeat imaging or cardiac tests if symptoms change or worsen
Surgery is rare, but may be required if the fracture is displaced or pressing on vital organs.
Healing time varies. Most people recover in 6 to 10 weeks. But full mobility and pain relief may take longer, especially if there were complications.
Real-world example
A 42-year-old delivery driver in Alabama was struck head-on while driving home from work. His chest hit the steering wheel despite the airbag deploying. He thought he was just bruised—but two days later, the pain was so severe he couldn’t sleep or breathe deeply. At the ER, a CT scan confirmed a sternal fracture and minor heart contusion.
He missed eight weeks of work, had ongoing physical therapy, and ended up needing long-term pain management. His medical bills totaled over $28,000.
Because the other driver had run a red light, he filed a personal injury claim. With legal help, he was able to recover compensation for medical expenses, lost income, and pain and suffering.
Recovering compensation for a sternal fracture
Medical bills for a sternal fracture add up quickly—ER visits, imaging, prescriptions, and follow-up care. On top of that, you may miss work or face physical limitations that affect your income.
If someone else caused the accident, you have the right to seek compensation.
Damages you may be entitled to:
- Medical expenses: ER care, diagnostics, follow-ups, prescriptions
- Lost wages: Time off work for recovery or treatment
- Pain and suffering: Physical pain, reduced mobility, sleep issues
- Long-term care: Physical therapy, pain management, surgical recovery
- Diminished earning capacity: If you can’t return to the same job
To recover compensation, you’ll need to file a personal injury claim against the at-fault driver’s insurance or pursue a lawsuit. Insurance companies often downplay injuries that don’t involve surgery, but sternal fractures can have a lasting impact.
That’s where legal representation helps. An experienced car accident attorney will:
- Gather your medical records and crash reports.
- Work with medical experts to prove the severity of your injury.
- Calculate total losses—including future care needs.
- Negotiate directly with insurers.
- File a lawsuit if a fair settlement isn’t offered.
How Cory Watson Attorneys can help
At Cory Watson Attorneys, we know how a broken sternum car accident injury can disrupt your life. We’ve helped thousands of injured clients across Alabama, Tennessee and beyond recover fair compensation. We’ve handled chest injury claims just like yours—and we know how to prove the real value of your case.
We don’t charge upfront. We work on a contingency fee basis, which means you don’t pay unless we win.
You focus on healing. We handle the rest.
If you or someone you love has suffered a broken sternum in a car accident, call Cory Watson Attorneys today for a free case review. Our legal team is ready to answer your questions and help you take the next step.
Final thoughts
A sternal fracture might sound like a minor injury—but if you’ve lived through it, you know better. It hurts. It limits your daily life. And it can cost you thousands in medical care and missed work.
Get medical treatment right away. Keep records of everything. And if the accident was someone else’s fault, talk to a personal injury attorney.
Don’t let an insurance company decide what your injury is worth. Let Cory Watson Attorneys fight for you.