When vehicles weighing several thousand pounds collide in an accident, it's extremely easy for either passengers or drivers to suffer broken bones. That possibility is significantly higher when pedestrians or bicyclists are instead directly struck by a negligent driver. Without the help of an attorney, you may end up losing out on compensation you deserve from the at-fault party's insurance provider or via a personal injury lawsuit.
Dangers of Bone Fractures in Vehicle Collisions
Nearly any type of crash, at any speed, can result in a variety of broken bones. Backup accidents, head-on collisions, T-bone side strikes, and cargo trucks jack-knifing on the highway can all create the force necessary to fracture human bones.
While the sudden, violent motion of two or more vehicles colliding is enough to cause fractures all by itself, the danger is compounded if you end up striking a body part against the dashboard or windshield. Whether you remain in the seat or are ejected from the vehicle during an accident, as a car crash victim, you may experience broken bones in your:
- Arms
- Back
- Hands and wrists
- Feet and ankles
- Hips
- Legs
- Pelvis
- Ribs
- Shoulder
- Skull and face
- Spinal column
With any of these broken bone injuries, you may find yourself out of work for weeks or longer while recovering, and you may still require surgery in the future or even long-term physical therapy. Survivors of car wrecks with serious bone fractures may end up dealing with problems like:
- Bruising and swelling
- Emotional suffering
- Extreme medical bills
- Infections
- Inability to return to your job
- Nerve damage near the broken bone
- Ongoing physical pain
- Permanent disfigurement
- Reduced mobility
How to Protect Your Financial Recovery After a Car Accident
Bone fractures, especially when dealing with spinal cord or head injuries in a car crash, can lead to catastrophic and life-altering changes. Even less severe breaks in the extremities can still have a drastic impact on your daily routine. Experiencing pain while lifting objects after an arm fracture or having trouble walking after a broken leg may radically interfere with your ability to earn a living.
That's one reason why it's important to know the specific type of fracture you experienced and create a solid paper trail on your injury to present in court. After contacting law enforcement to investigate the scene, your next stop should always be to see a doctor quickly after a collision.
Due to the adrenaline released during a crash, you may not even realize you have a bone fracture immediately. The pain and swelling may not start until hours or days after the crash has ended. By heading to the ER immediately, medical professionals can perform a full checkup and look for different types of bone fractures like:
- Comminuted – Numerous broken bone fragments are present with this type of fracture, rather than a single clean break.
- Compound – The bone actually breaks through the skin and protrudes from your body with this type of fracture.
- Hairline – These small cracks that appear don't fully break across the entire bone like with other fractures.
- Oblique – This type of fracture takes place when the bone is hit and broken at an angle.
- Stable – A clean break that leaves the bone in the same position as normal after the crash.
- Spiral – The opposite of oblique, a spiral fracture runs the length of the bone, rather than appearing as a straight-line break.
- Transverse – This fracture occurs at a 90-degree angle perpendicular to the impacted bone.
After getting x-rays to determine your fracture type, your next step is to retain an attorney with extensive experience in Philadelphia car accident cases. You need a legal professional on your side to determine who is actually at fault for the crash and is liable for your damages, such as medical costs and lost wages.
Talk to the Heslin Law Firm If You Broke a Bone in a Car Wreck
An attorney can help you protect your legal rights and fight for the compensation you deserve. If you are having trouble paying your bills and can't return to work because of broken bones after a car accident, contact us today or call (215)-332-0300 and let the Heslin Law Firm help you determine where to go next on the path to recovery.
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