Dealing with Broken Bones and Fractures After a Car Accident

One of the leading causes of broken bones and fractures is severe car accidents. Whether we’re talking about minor hairline fractures or severe breaks that require surgery, the impact of a collision can leave you grappling with significant physical and emotional pain.

The Most Common Bones Broken in Car Accidents

When a car crashes, the force exerted on the body can cause broken bones. The most common bones broken in car accidents include:

• Wrist Fractures: These types of fractures are often caused by bracing against the steering wheel or dashboard.
• Hip Fractures: These fractures are common in high-impact crashes and often require surgery to repair.
• Femur Fractures: The femur (also known as your thigh bone) is one of the strongest bones in the body, but it can still break under the immense force of a collision, particularly in head-on collisions.
• Pelvic Fractures: These fractures (found in your hips) include injuries to the pelvic ring and surrounding bones, often seen in severe accidents.
• Broken Legs: Tibia and fibula fractures (located below the knee) occur when the weight of the injured area exceeds the bone’s capacity to withstand the force.

Types of Broken Bones in a Car Accident

The type of fracture you sustain will depend on the severity and nature of the accident. Common types of broken bones include:

• Hairline Fractures: These fractures are small cracks in the bone that may not be immediately noticeable but can worsen without proper care.
• Open fractures: Open fractures are the most apparent type of fracture. They occur when the bone pierces the skin, requiring immediate medical attention and often surgery.
• Comminuted Fractures: These types of fractures happen when the bone shatters into multiple pieces. Comminuted fractures are often the most difficult to heal, because “stitching them together” is a complicated process.
• Displaced Fractures: When a broken bone moves out of alignment, surgery may be required to hold it in place.

Symptoms and Diagnosis of Fractures in Car Accidents

After a car accident, recognizing the symptoms of broken bones is essential. These may include:

• Swelling and Bruising: These are often the first signs of a fracture.
• Pain When Weight Is Applied: Broken bones often make it difficult to put weight on the injured area.
• Visible Deformities: In severe cases, the bone may appear misaligned or protruding from the skin.

If you suspect a fracture, seek medical attention immediately. The doctors on call will provide the best care regimen after administering MRIs, X-rays, and other diagnostics. This professional guidance can provide reassurance and confidence in your recovery process.

Treatment Options for Broken Bones in a Car Accident

The treatment plan for fractures in car accidents varies based on the severity of the injury. However, almost all broken bones follow the same initial treatment protocol:

• Immobilization: Splints or casts hold the bone in place and allow it to heal correctly, with little deformity.
• Surgery: Severe fractures, such as femur or hip fractures, require surgery to align and stabilize the bone using screws, plates, or rods.
• Physical Therapy: After the bone begins to heal, physical therapy is crucial to regain strength and mobility in the affected area.

The Healing Process for Broken Bones

The healing process for broken bones depends on factors such as fracture type, age, and overall health. Typically, the process involves:

• Inflammation: In the initial stage, the body creates a blood clot around the broken bone.
• Bone Production: Soft tissue forms around the fracture site, gradually hardening into new bone.
• Bone Remodeling: The body reshapes the bone to restore its original structure and strength.

Most fractures take 6-12 weeks to heal, but severe injuries may require longer recovery and ongoing therapy.

Average Settlement for Broken Bones in a Car Accident

If you’ve sustained broken bones in a car accident caused by someone else, you may be entitled to compensation. The settlement amount for broken bones in a car accident varies widely based on factors like:

• The severity of the injury and whether it requires surgery
• The type of fracture and its impact on your daily life
• The cost of medical treatments, including physical therapy
• Lost wages due to time off work

In severe cases, settlements can range from tens to hundreds of thousands of dollars. Consulting with an experienced personal injury attorney like the ones at Portner Bond, PLLC can help you navigate the legal process and maximize your compensation. By filing a claim, negotiating with insurance companies, and potentially going to court if a fair settlement cannot be reached, the dedicated attorneys at Portner Bond, PLLC will help you get justice.

Preventing Broken Bones in Car Accidents

While accidents are often unpredictable, you can take steps to reduce the risk of severe injuries:

• Always wear a seatbelt to minimize the impact on your body during a collision.
• Adjust the steering wheel lower and further back to prevent direct impact with your wrists or chest.
• Maintain a safe driving speed and avoid distractions to reduce the likelihood of head-on collisions.

Why Legal Representation Matters

Dealing with broken bones after a car accident can be overwhelming, especially when facing mounting medical bills and lost income. An experienced personal injury attorney, like the ones found at Portner Bond, PLLC can help you:

• Determine the extent of your injuries and their impact on your life
• Calculate a fair settlement based on treatment costs, physical therapy, and long-term care
• Negotiate with insurance companies to ensure you receive adequate compensation

At Portner Bond, PLLC, we understand your challenges after a car accident. Our team is dedicated to helping you recover damages from your accident.

Let Portner Bond, PLLC Help You Get the Compensation You Deserve for Your Injuries

Broken bones in a car accident can be life-altering, but understanding the types of injuries, treatment options, and legal recourse you have will make all the difference in the world. If you’ve experienced fractures due to a car crash, it’s important to consult a medical professional for a treatment plan.

So, if you’ve suffered broken bones after a devastating car accident, contact the experienced car accident lawyers of Portner Bond, PLLC at (409) 838-4444 today or contact us online for a free consultation about your case, and take the first step toward recovery and justice.