A car crash can change your life in seconds, especially if you have severe physical injuries. Severe injuries often lead to extensive medical treatment, lost time at work and significant lifestyle changes.
Table of Contents
- What Types of Bone Fractures Are Common After a Car Crash?
- How Do I Recognize the Signs of a Bone Fracture?
- What Treatment Options Are Available for Bone Fractures?
- How Is the Recovery Process After a Bone Fracture?
- How Can Bone Fractures Impact My Daily Life?
- What Legal Steps Should I Take If I Have Bone Fractures?
- Contact Schmidt Kramer for Legal Help Today
If you are experiencing bone fractures after a car accident, reach out to our Harrisburg car accident attorneys to discuss your potential legal rights. During a free consultation, we can determine the next legal steps and how to pursue compensation.
Call now to set up a free case evaluation: 717-727-2500.
What Types of Bone Fractures Are Common After a Car Crash?
The violent force of a car crash can break bones in several ways. While modern vehicles have safety features to protect occupants, the immense impact of a collision can still lead to serious injuries.
Common types of fractures from car crashes include:
- Compound fractures where the bone breaks through the skin
- Stress fractures caused by repetitive force or trauma
- Spiral fractures resulting from twisting forces
- Compression fractures often seen in the spine
- Transverse fractures that occur straight across the bone
The location and severity of fractures often depend on the type of crash and where the impact happens. These bones are at a higher risk of injuries during collisions:
- Ribs could take direct impact to the steering wheels or seatbelts
- Legs and knees could be fractured from dashboard intrusion
- Arms and wrists could get injured when bracing for impact
- Facial bones could be vulnerable to airbag deployment
- Vertebrae from sudden stops or rollovers
- Hip bones could get hit in side-impact crashes
- Skull fractures are likely to happen in high-speed collisions
How Do I Recognize the Signs of a Bone Fracture?
Recognizing the symptoms of a bone fracture is crucial for getting immediate treatment. Some common signs to watch for include:
- Severe sharp or throbbing pain immediately after a car accident
- Swelling or bruising around fractured areas, indicating trauma
- Deformity of the limb, where it may look out of shape or misaligned
- Inability to move fractured body part
- Unusual sounds, like a cracking or popping noise
If you notice any of these symptoms after a car accident, it is important to seek medical attention right away. Prompt evaluation can prevent complications and aid in your recovery.
What Treatment Options Are Available for Bone Fractures?
Medical professionals will diagnose your fracture using a combination of physical exams and imaging tests, such as X-rays or CT scans. Treatment will depend on the fracture type and severity of the injury.
- Medical Devices: Many fractures require a cast or splint to stabilize the bone during healing.
- Surgery: Severe fractures may need surgical intervention to realign the bones and secure them with pins, plates or screws.
- Rehabilitation: Physical therapy is often essential for regaining strength and mobility after a fracture.
How Is the Recovery Process After a Bone Fracture?
Recovery times vary based on the fracture type, your age and overall health. Although everyone’s body heal differently, typical recovery times include:
- Simple Fractures: 6 to 8 weeks
- Compound Fractures Causing an Open Wound: 8 to 12 weeks or longer
- Comminuted Fractures – Bone Shattered in Three or More Places: 12 weeks or more, with extended rehabilitation
During recovery, it is essential to take these following steps as it can lead to a better outcome for your recovery.
- Follow your doctor’s advice on rest and activity levels
- Attend all follow-up appointments
- Engage in prescribed physical therapy
How Can Bone Fractures Impact My Daily Life?
Bone fractures can significantly disrupt daily activities. You may face challenges such as:
- Difficulty walking or performing everyday tasks
- Loss of income due to missed work
- Emotional stress from dealing with the injury
What Legal Steps Should I Take If I Have Bone Fractures?
If another driver caused the accident, you may be entitled to compensation. It is important to understand the legal aspects of your potential case.
Establishing Negligence
To pursue a claim, you must prove that the other driver was negligent. This means demonstrating that they failed to act responsibly, which directly led to your injuries. Evidence such as witness statements, police reports and traffic camera footage can support your case.
Medical Documentation
It is essential to keep detailed records of all medical treatments and expenses related to your injury. This includes bills, prescriptions and notes from healthcare providers. Thorough documentation is crucial for substantiating your claim and ensuring you receive fair compensation.
Contact Schmidt Kramer for Legal Help Today
Were you or a loved one injured in a car accident and experiencing a painful bone fracture? It is important to seek the legal help you need.
At Schmidt Kramer, we are prepared to help you secure compensation for your damages. We have recovered millions in compensation for victims, including those injured in car crashes. Call our firm today to discuss your car crash incident and learn what legal steps you may be able to take. There are no upfront costs or fees to pay.
Schedule your FREE consultation today: 717-727-2500.