Broken Bones from Car Accidents

According to the CDC, over 1 million people are treated for fracture injuries annually due to motor vehicle accidents. Broken bones are one of the most common and painful injuries sustained in car crashes, often requiring extensive treatment. These injuries can lead to significant compensation, but proving their full impact is crucial in securing a fair recovery.

At Cartee & Lloyd, we help Tuscaloosa clients face the legal process to recover damages for bone fractures and other personal injury claims.

Common Bone Fractures in Car Accidents

The forces involved in a collision can cause a wide variety of bone fractures, depending on the impact point and the person's position. Bone fractures in car accidents can range from minor injuries like wrists and ribs to more severe breaks, including spinal fractures or pelvic fractures. Understanding the types of fractures is crucial to understanding how they impact your settlement.

• Ribs, Collarbone, and Extremities (Arms/Legs): Rib fractures and collarbone fractures are common in car accidents, especially with the force from the seatbelt. These injuries can cause pain and suffering and may require casts or surgery.
• Facial Fractures and Skull Fractures: Facial fractures and skull fractures are severe and often occur during high-impact accidents, leading to potential brain injuries. These injuries can require surgical repair and long-term rehabilitation.
• Spinal Vertebrae and Pelvic Fractures: Injuries to the spine and pelvis are often catastrophic, leading to long-term medical care. These types of fractures can affect a person’s ability to work and may result in permanent disability or reduced earning capacity.

Immediate and Long-Term Medical Treatment

Treating a broken bone can be a lengthy, multi-phase process. It often starts with emergency care, followed by surgery, and may require physical therapy for recovery. The medical treatment process doesn’t end after the initial care; long-term rehabilitation is often needed, especially for severe fractures.

• Emergency Care, Surgery, and Hardware (Pins/Plates): In severe cases, surgical repair is necessary, especially for fractures that require the use of pins, plates, or metal rods to stabilize the bones. X-rays and CT scans are used to assess the extent of the damage.
• Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation: Once the bone fracture has healed sufficiently to allow for mobility, physical therapy is often necessary. This helps regain strength, mobility, and function, particularly after fractures to the spine, legs, or arms.
• Potential for Future Medical Complications: Even after recovery, bone fractures can lead to long-term complications, such as arthritis, nerve damage, or other medical issues. These future medical needs should be factored into any personal injury claim to ensure adequate compensation for ongoing care.

At Cartee & Lloyd, we understand the full impact of broken bones on your life. We work diligently to ensure that your settlement encompasses all medical expenses, including future treatment projections and rehabilitation costs, while also providing compensation for pain and suffering.

How Broken Bones Impact Your Claim's Value

The severity of a fracture greatly affects the value of your car accident claim. Broken bones often lead to higher medical expenses and a longer recovery process, which increases the amount of damages you may be entitled to. If you suffer a serious injury, such as a femur fracture or pelvic bone injury, the costs and recovery time can be significant. At Cartee & Lloyd, we ensure that your settlement fully accounts for these challenges.

• High Medical Expenses and Long Recovery Times: Severe fractures often require extensive medical care, such as surgery, physical therapy, and even long-term rehabilitation. For example, a broken femur or spinal fractures may require metal screws, pins, or internal fixation.
• Documenting Pain, Suffering, and Lifestyle Impact: Besides medical bills, the pain and suffering caused by a broken bone can significantly impact your quality of life. Documenting these factors is critical for a higher settlement.

Proving the Severity of Your Fracture Injury

When filing a personal injury claim, insurance companies require thorough documentation to prove that the fracture was caused by the accident and warrants a high settlement. Collecting the right medical records and imaging can make a huge difference in the outcome of your case.

• Medical Imaging (X-Rays, CT Scans, MRIs): X-rays, CT scans, and MRIs are crucial for diagnosing fractures and showing the extent of the damage. These images help confirm the severity of the injury and guide treatment plans.
• Doctor's Reports and Treatment Records: Doctor's reports and treatment records will help prove the link between the accident and the injury. They are essential for demonstrating the impact of the injury on your recovery process and long-term health.

Calculating a Fair Settlement for a Broken Bone

A fair settlement for a broken bone should include all aspects of the injury, from immediate financial costs like medical bills and lost wages to the long-term effects it has on your life. Understanding the two types of damages—economic and non-economic—helps determine a fair value for your case.

• Economic Damages (Medical Bills, Lost Wages): Economic damages are the out-of-pocket costs related to your injury, including hospital bills, medical expenses, and lost wages from missed work.
• Non-Economic Damages (Pain and Suffering): Pain and suffering caused by the injury, such as emotional distress, physical pain, and loss of enjoyment in daily activities, are also part of your settlement.
• Long-Term Effects and Permanent Disability: Some fractures, such as spinal fractures or pelvic fractures, may lead to permanent disability. These long-term impacts should be factored into your settlement to ensure fair compensation.

Why You Need an Attorney for a Fracture Injury Claim

An experienced attorney makes sure the insurance company truly grasps how severe your fracture is and its long-term impact on your life. They will then guide you through the claims process and fight to get you the full compensation you deserve.

• Negotiating with Insurance Adjusters: Insurance adjusters may try to minimize your settlement offer. We utilize our experience to negotiate from a position of strength, ensuring that your claim accounts for all of your damages.
• Building a Strong Case for Maximum Compensation: We collaborate closely with medical specialists and orthopedic doctors to develop a robust case. Our aim is to win you the maximum compensation by demonstrating the full effect your injury has had on your life.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Contact Cartee & Lloyd for a Free Case Evaluation

A broken bone is a serious injury with long-lasting consequences that can affect your quality of life. At Cartee & Lloyd, we have the experience to fully document the impact of your fracture and ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your broken bone injury and how we can help you recover.