Common Broken Bones After an Accident
Broken bones after a car accident can be painful, debilitating, and costly. If you’ve suffered from fractures due to a crash, it’s essential to seek medical treatment and consider filing a personal injury claim to recover the costs associated with your injuries.
Types of Broken Bones From Car Accidents
Several types of bones are particularly vulnerable in car accidents due to the nature of the impact:
Ribs
Rib fractures are common, especially when the chest is compressed by the seat belt or steering wheel. Broken ribs can be very painful and may cause complications like punctured lungs.
Clavicle (Collarbone)
The clavicle is a fragile bone that often fractures in high-impact collisions. It can easily break when pressure is applied by a seat belt or if the shoulder hits a hard surface.
Arms and Wrists
Fractures in the arms and wrists are common because people instinctively brace themselves during a collision.
Legs
The femur (thighbone) and the bones in the lower leg (tibia and fibula) can fracture during a crash, especially if the legs are trapped or crushed under the dashboard or seat.
Pelvis and Hips
Pelvic fractures often occur in side-impact collisions when the force of the crash compresses the body against the seat. These injuries are serious and often require surgery.
What Can a Claim Help Pay For?
If you’ve suffered broken bones in a car accident, filing a claim can help you recover compensation for various losses, such as:
- Medical Bills: This includes emergency room visits, surgeries, hospital stays, medications, physical therapy, and follow-up appointments.
- Lost Wages: If your injury prevents you from working, you can recover compensation for lost income and reduced earning capacity if the injury impacts your ability to work long-term.
- Property Damage: Covers repairs or replacement of your vehicle and other damaged property.
- Pain and Suffering: You may be entitled to compensation for physical pain, emotional distress, and the impact the injury has on your quality of life.
- Loss of Enjoyment of Life: For loss of ability to enjoy daily activities or hobbies.
- Punitive Damages: In cases of extreme negligence or malicious intent, punitive damages may be awarded.
The specific compensation depends on the details of your case.
How a Lawyer Can Help
Hiring a Las Vegas car accident attorney can be highly beneficial in the following ways:
- Gathering Evidence: A lawyer can help collect crucial evidence, such as medical records, accident reports, witness statements, surveillance footage, and expert testimony to support your claim.
- Negotiating with Insurance Companies: Insurers will often use tactics to minimize your payout or deny your claim. A lawyer can handle negotiations to ensure you receive fair compensation for your injuries.
- Filing a Lawsuit: If a fair settlement cannot be reached, your lawyer can file a personal injury lawsuit on your behalf and represent you in court.
- Maximizing Compensation: An experienced lawyer understands the types of damages you may be entitled to and will work to recover the maximum compensation possible.
Having an attorney on your side will also give you peace of mind as they can guide you through the process from beginning to end.