Fractured ribs. Coloured chest X-ray showing several fractured ribs (orange), down centre left. This type of fracture is common in road traffic accidents and is associated with injury to the lung. Mortality, although linked to underlying damage, can be as high as 36%. This is due to the fact that the first rib is well protected by the shoulder & clavicle, and therefore requires a much higher impact to fracture than the other ribs.