Broken Bones and Fractures

Experienced Savannah Injury Lawyers Connecting Accident Victims with the Compensation They Need and Deserve

Broken bones and fractures are one of the most common injuries in motor vehicle accidents. While broken bones may seem to be one of the less serious injuries, they often cause significant pain and result in high medical costs. The recovery process for broken bones often involves extended treatment, rehabilitation, and time off work, all of which can put a strain on your physical and financial well-being. At Suthers & Harper, our knowledgeable Savannah car accident attorneys understand the difficulties you’re facing after an accident, and we are committed to helping you seek the compensation you need to cover all your accident-related expenses.

Which Bones Are Most Likely to Break in an Auto Accident?

The force and trauma of a car accident can easily lead to broken bones and fractures. Some bones are more vulnerable to breaking during an accident due to their location and the way the body absorbs impact. The most commonly broken bones in motor vehicle accidents include:

Arms and Wrists: During a crash, people instinctively put their hands out to brace themselves, leading to fractures in the arms, wrists, and hands. These fractures can occur when the arms hit the steering wheel, dashboard, or airbag.

Legs and Knees: The legs are often trapped under the dashboard or against the car door during a collision, making them particularly vulnerable. Fractures in the femur (thighbone), tibia (shinbone), and fibula (calf bone) are common, as are fractures in the knees and ankles.

Ribs: Rib fractures are common in car accidents due to the chest hitting the steering wheel, seatbelt, or airbag. Broken ribs can be particularly painful and may lead to complications like punctured lungs or internal injuries.

Clavicle (Collarbone): The collarbone is one of the most commonly broken bones in car accidents. Its position near the seatbelt and shoulder strap puts it at high risk of fracture during sudden impact.

Pelvis and Hip Bones: Pelvic fractures can occur when the lower body is compressed during a crash, such as when the car is hit from the side. These injuries often require surgery and a lengthy recovery period.

If you’ve suffered a broken bone or fractures in a motor vehicle accident, seeking immediate medical care is essential. A Savannah car accident lawyer from Suthers & Harper can help ensure your injuries are properly documented and help you effectively pursue a claim for compensation.

Potential Complications Following a Broken Bone

While most broken bones heal with time and proper treatment, there are several potential complications that can arise, some of which can lead to long-term health issues. 

Delayed Healing or Non-Union: In some cases, a broken bone may take longer to heal than expected, or it may fail to heal altogether (non-union). This can occur due to poor blood supply, infection, or other medical conditions. When bones don’t heal properly, additional surgery or treatments may be necessary.

Infections: Open fractures, where the bone breaks through the skin, are particularly susceptible to infection. Infections can delay healing and lead to more serious health issues if not treated promptly.

Nerve Damage: Broken bones and fractures can sometimes cause damage to the surrounding nerves, leading to numbness, weakness, or chronic pain. Nerve damage can have lasting effects and may require specialized treatment.

Chronic Pain or Arthritis: Even after a fracture has healed, some victims may experience chronic pain or develop arthritis in the affected area. This is especially common in joints like the wrists, knees, and ankles, where fractures can lead to long-term stiffness and discomfort.

Loss of Mobility or Function: Depending on the location and severity of the fracture, some victims experience permanent loss of mobility or function in the affected limb. This can significantly impact your ability to perform daily tasks or return to work.

If you’ve experienced complications following a broken bone or fracture, it’s likely that you’ll require ongoing treatment. In these situations, it’s especially important to speak with a Savannah car accident attorney to discuss your options for seeking compensation.  

The Total Cost of a Broken Bone

The financial cost of a broken bone goes beyond just the initial hospital visit. In fact, many victims face a variety of expenses related to their injury, which can add up quickly. 

Emergency Care: This includes the cost of the initial hospital visit, X-rays, diagnostic tests, and any emergency procedures like setting the bone or surgery.

Surgery and Medical Procedures: In some cases, fractures require surgical intervention to properly align the bones. This may involve the insertion of pins, plates, or screws to hold the bone in place, and these procedures can be costly.

Rehabilitation and Physical Therapy: Once the bone has healed, many accident victims require physical therapy to regain strength and mobility in the affected area. Rehabilitation can take weeks or months, depending on the severity of the injury.

Lost Wages: If your injury prevents you from returning to work, you may lose income during your recovery. In severe cases, a permanent disability caused by the fracture can result in a long-term loss of earning capacity.

Pain and Suffering: The physical pain and emotional distress caused by a broken bone are also factors that can be compensated in a personal injury claim.

If you’ve suffered broken bones and fractures in a car accident, it’s important to consider both the immediate and long-term costs of your injury. However, you shouldn’t trust the insurance company to take the full extent of your damages into account when making an initial settlement offer. 

Speak with a Dedicated Savannah Car Accident Lawyer About Your Injuries Today

Broken bones and fractures have a significant impact on your ability to live your life the way you want to. But you don’t need to bear the brunt of these expenses. You can file a Savannah personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault party to recover compensation for all your accident-related expenses. At Suthers & Harper, our experienced team of Savannah car accident attorneys is here to guide you through the recovery process and ensure that you receive the compensation you need to cover your medical expenses, lost wages, and more. You can reach us by calling 800-320-2384 or by filling out our secure online contact form. Calling is free, and we will not bill you for our services unless we can recover compensation on your behalf.