Broken Bones After Car Accidents

Broken bones are a common injury in car accidents, as the high impact and force involved can easily cause fractures. The severity of the injury depends on the type of accident, the speed at which the vehicles were traveling, the point of impact, and the age and health of the individuals involved.

At HHJ Trial Attorneys, we take great pride in assisting our clients through this difficult time in their life. Whether you have sustained a single broken bone injury or multiple broken bones, you can take comfort in the fact that you have a team of car accident attorneys who will fight with you and for you for the compensation for your injuries that you deserve.

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What are the Most Common Broken Bones After a Car Accident?

The most common broken bones after a car accident depend on a variety of factors, such as the severity of the crash, the location of the impact, and the age and physical condition of the individuals involved. However, some of the most common broken bones in car accidents include:

Collarbone (clavicle) fractures: The collarbone is a long, slender bone that connects the shoulder to the breastbone. It is often broken in car accidents when the person’s body is thrown forward and hits the dashboard or steering wheel.
Arm and wrist fractures: The arms and wrists are often injured in car accidents due to the impact of the collision. Fractures can occur in the upper arm bone (humerus), forearm bones (radius and ulna), and wrist bones (carpals).
Rib fractures: The ribs are thin, curved bones that wrap around the chest to protect the heart and lungs. They can be easily fractured in car accidents due to the force of the impact.
Pelvic fractures: The pelvis is a ring of bones that connects the spine to the legs. It is a strong structure, but can be broken in high-impact car accidents.
Leg and knee fractures: The legs and knees are often injured in car accidents due to the force of the impact. Fractures can occur in the thigh bone (femur), shin bone (tibia), or knee cap (patella).
Spinal fractures: The spine is a delicate structure that is vulnerable to injury in car accidents. Fractures can occur in the vertebrae, which can lead to spinal cord damage and paralysis.

If you are involved in a car accident and suspect that you have broken bones, it is important to seek medical attention immediately.

How Does a Bone Break During a Car Accident?

Bones can break during a car accident when a significant force is applied to them that exceeds their strength or ability to absorb the impact. The force of the impact can cause bones to bend, twist or shatter, leading to a fracture.

During a car accident, bones can break in several ways:

Direct impact: When a body part hits a hard object such as the steering wheel, dashboard, or door, it can cause a direct impact fracture.
Compression: When the force of the impact is transmitted through the body, it can cause the bones to be compressed and break, especially in the spine, pelvis or legs.
Twisting: During a car accident, the body may be subjected to twisting forces, especially in the arms, legs or spine, which can lead to fractures.
Shearing: Shearing forces occur when two forces are applied to the body in opposite directions, causing the bones to snap. This type of fracture is common in the legs and pelvis.

The severity of the fracture depends on the force of the impact and the type of bone involved. Some fractures may be minor and only require a few weeks to heal, while others may be more severe and require surgery, physical therapy, and a longer recovery period.

If you have been involved in a car accident and suspect that you have a broken bone, it is important to seek medical attention immediately. Delaying medical treatment can lead to further complications and may make the injury worse.

What Types of Car Accidents Cause Broken Bones?

There are many types of car accidents that can cause broken bones. Some of the most common types of car accidents that result in broken bones include:

Head-on collisions: These accidents can cause serious injuries, including broken bones, especially if the collision occurs at high speeds.
T-bone accidents: Also known as side-impact collisions, T-bone accidents often occur at intersections and can cause severe injuries, including broken bones.
Rear-end collisions: While these types of accidents are usually less severe than others, they can still cause whiplash and other injuries, including broken bones.
Rollover accidents: Rollover accidents can be particularly dangerous and can cause a range of injuries, including broken bones, especially if passengers are not wearing seatbelts.
Pedestrian accidents: If a pedestrian is struck by a car, they are likely to sustain severe injuries, including broken bones.

What Should You Do If You Suspect That You Have a Broken Bone After a Car Accident?

If you suspect that you have a broken bone after a car accident, it is important to seek medical attention immediately. Delaying medical treatment can lead to further complications and may make the injury worse. Here are some steps you should take:

Call for emergency medical assistance: If you or someone else is seriously injured, call for emergency medical assistance immediately.
Do not move: If you suspect that you have a broken bone, do not move the injured area as it may cause more damage.
Support the injured area: If possible, support the injured area to prevent further movement.
Apply ice: If there is swelling, apply ice to the injured area for 20 minutes at a time, several times a day. This can help reduce swelling and pain.
Take pain medication: Over-the-counter pain medication, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, can help manage pain.
Follow medical advice: Follow your doctor’s advice on how to manage the injury, including taking medication, using splints or casts, and attending physical therapy.
Document the accident: Keep a record of the car accident, including photos of any damage to your vehicle and any injuries sustained.

Contacting a Car Accident Attorney If You Have Sustained a Broken Bone

If you have sustained a broken bone in a car accident, it is important to consider contacting a car accident attorney who specializes in personal injury cases. Here are some reasons why you may want to consider speaking with an attorney:

Help you understand your legal options: An attorney can help you understand your legal rights and options for seeking compensation for your injuries.
Investigate the accident: An attorney can investigate the accident, gather evidence, and determine who was at fault for the accident.
Negotiate with insurance companies: An attorney can negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf to ensure that you receive fair compensation for your injuries.
Handle legal paperwork: An attorney can handle all the legal paperwork and deadlines associated with your case, so you can focus on your recovery.
Represent you in court: If necessary, an attorney can represent you in court and argue your case to a judge and jury.

It is important to choose an attorney who has experience handling car accident cases and a proven track record of successfully representing clients with broken bone injuries. When you partner with HHJ Trial Attorneys, that is exactly what you will find. We walk you through each facet of your case with the care and attention that you not only need but you deserve.