Broken Bone Car Accident Lawyer

Broken Bone Car Accident Lawyer

When we think about injuries sustained in car accidents, we don’t often think about broken bones.  But, fractures or bone breaks frequently occur as a result of car accidents.  In fact,  broken bones are among some of the most common injuries occurring as a result of car accidents each year. 

Why Car Accident Victims Get Broken Bones

It may seem surprising that fractured and broken bones occur so frequently during car accidents. But, when you consider that car accidents often put a large amount of force on the body, it is more understandable.  Your body absorbs much of the force during a collision.  Bones often break when the force exerted on them is stronger than it can bear.

Several ways that broken bones can happen during car accidents include:

• Trying to brace yourself or protecting your face or head before a collision
• Being slammed forward into the seat belt
• Being ejected from the car
• Being hit by the car’s airbag or loose items
• Striking your dash or window with substantial force

Common Types of Fractures In A Car Accident

Broken bones can happen anywhere in your body, but fractures that are caused as a result of car accident are often seen in the following areas:

• Leg and Foot — femur, fibula, talus
• Arm, wrist, and hand — tibia, humerus, metacarpal
• Shoulder and chest — clavicle, scapula
• Ribs
• Facial and skull fractures
• Hips and pelvis

Common Types of Breaks

The terms used for broken bones can be confusing.  What’s the difference between a hairline and a stress fracture?  Here are some of the most commonly used terms when it comes to broken bones:

• Compound fracture — In this type of fracture, the bone actually breaks through the skin.  This type of break usually requires surgery within 24 hours
• Hairline — A hairline fracture is a small break.  Often, a patient with a hairline fracture may not even realize they have an injury.  When, this happens, the fracture will continue to grow until it is diagnosed and treated.
• Stress Fracture — In stress fractures, one side of the bone bends while the other side breaks.
• Avulsion — An avulsion is a fracture that is extremely painful and happens when the bone separates from the tendons and ligaments.  This type of fracture often requires surgery to repair.

Diagnosis of Bone Injuries

It’s very important for you to get medical treatment soon after a car accident so you can get a diagnosis for your injuries.  This is especially true if you have any of these symptoms:

• Extreme pain when you put weight or pressure on an area of your body
• Swelling or bruising
• An extremity with an odd or deformed appearance
• Difficulty with moving the affected extremity

If your doctors suspect a broken bone or fracture, they may send you for a CT scan or MRI.  If you are diagnosed with a broken bone, you may require a cast or some other type of immobilization device.

Broken bones can take a long time to heal.  While you are attempting to recover from your injuries and allow your broken bone to heal, you may lose strength in your muscles from inactivity.  If this happens, you may need physical therapy to help you gain strength and range of motion.

See A Doctor Soon After An Accident

Many people are worried about seeing a doctor after a car accident because they are concerned about medical bills piling up.  But, if you’ve been in an accident, it’s very important that you don’t put off seeing a doctor.

If you refuse to have medical treatment at the scene of an accident or delay seeing your doctor, later on the liability insurance company may argue that you were not seriously injured.  So, seeing a doctor immediately after an accident is a good way to protect yourself in case you do have an injury.

What Should You Do If You Were Seriously Injured In An Intersection Car Accident?

If you are involved in a car accident and suffer a broken bone, it’s important that you seek medical treatment right away.  Then, the next most important step is that you take time to heal and recover from your injuries.  You will likely experience pain and loss of mobility for some time.

When our team of accident attorneys handles your case, we make sure to take photos and request the accident report and your medical information.  Of course, we also interview any witnesses there may have been to the accident.

Your first priority should be to get well.  Focus on getting the medical treatment you need. If you can remember, let your doctors know what happened to your body during the accident. Think about how you will describe your pain, what kinds of activities seem to aggravate it; and, whether medication eases your pain.

Dealing With Insurance Companies

Fractures and broken bones are serious injuries that can result in thousands of dollars in medical expenses.  Often, the at-fault person’s insurance company fights payment of some of those expenses.  We believe that a negligent driver should not be let off the hook easily when an accident causing serious injuries has occurred.

Claims adjusters work for insurance companies and must act in the best interest of the insurance company. It’s that simple. They have lawyers to protect their interests, and you need the same protection.  You need an experienced team of personal injury attorneys to make sure you receive a full settlement for all of your damages — your injuries, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

The team of personal injury attorneys at the Ritchie Law Firm has been successful in handling catastrophic broken bone personal injury cases.  We have won substantial verdicts in these types of cases.

There’s no fee to talk to us, and we’re paid only if we win your case.