Best Auto Accident Lawyer Near Me
Car accidents can have devastating consequences, including broken bones that can cause severe pain, impaired mobility, and a lengthy recovery process. Understanding the most common bones broken in car accidents can help you better prepare for such scenarios and seek appropriate medical attention promptly.
Broken Bones After Car Accidents
When a car accident occurs, the impact can exert extreme force on the body, often leading to broken bones. The type of fracture depends on several factors, including the severity of the crash, the position of the passengers, and whether seat belts were worn. Commonly affected bones include those in the arms, legs, ribs, and even the face.
The Types of Fractures in Car Accidents
The force of a car accident can cause a wide range of bone fractures, varying significantly in severity and complexity:
- Hairline Fractures: Tiny cracks in the bone, often caused by repetitive stress or minor trauma.
- Simple Fractures: A clean break in the bone that doesn’t pierce the skin.
- Compound Fractures: The bone breaks and protrudes through the skin, increasing the risk of infection and complications.
- Comminuted Fractures: The bone shatters into multiple pieces, requiring more complex treatment.
- Displaced Fractures: The broken ends of the bone are misaligned, often requiring surgery to realign them.
Common Bone Fractures from Car Accidents
While any bone can potentially fracture in a car accident, certain areas of the body are more prone to injury. Some of the most common bones broken in car crashes include:
Arm Fractures
The arms are particularly vulnerable during car crashes, as drivers and passengers instinctively extend them to brace for impact. Fractures to the humerus (upper arm bone) and radius/ulna (forearm bones) are among the most frequent arm injuries sustained in car accidents.
Wrist Fractures
Wrist fractures are also prevalent in car crashes, often occurring when the hands and arms are extended outward during a collision. These injuries can range from minor hairline cracks to more severe compound fractures, where the bone protrudes through the skin.
Tibia/Fibula Fractures
The tibia and fibula, the two bones that make up the lower leg, are susceptible to breaks during car accidents, particularly in frontal or side-impact collisions. These fractures can be challenging to treat and may require surgical intervention, depending on their severity.
Femur Fractures
The femur, or thigh bone, is the longest and strongest bone in the human body. However, it is not immune to fractures during high-impact car crashes. Femur fractures are often associated with significant trauma and can cause severe pain, swelling, and difficulty walking or bearing weight.
Clavicle Fractures
The clavicle, or collarbone, is a commonly broken bone in car accidents, especially in lateral collisions or rollover accidents. These fractures can be painful and may affect the range of motion in the shoulder and arm.
Rib Fractures
Rib fractures are another common injury resulting from the force of impact in car accidents. These fractures can be particularly dangerous if they puncture or damage internal organs, such as the lungs or heart.
Back Fractures
The vertebrae in the spine can sustain fractures during car accidents, especially in high-impact collisions or rollovers. These injuries can range from minor compression fractures to more severe spinal cord injuries, which can lead to paralysis or other significant complications.
Hip Fractures
Hip fractures, particularly common in older adults, can occur during car accidents due to the force of impact or the stress placed on the hip joint during a collision. These fractures can be excruciating and may require surgical intervention and extensive rehabilitation.
Pelvis Fractures
The pelvic bones, which form the base of the spine and support the weight of the upper body, can fracture during severe car accidents. Pelvis fractures are often associated with significant blood loss and internal injuries, making prompt medical attention crucial.
Face and Skull Fractures
Facial and skull fractures, while not as common as some other bone breaks, can occur during car accidents, particularly in cases where the head strikes the steering wheel, dashboard, or side window. These injuries can be life-threatening and may require specialized treatment from craniofacial surgeons.
What is the most commonly broken bone after a car accident?
The clavicle (collarbone) is often cited as the most commonly broken bone after a car accident. Its exposed position and relative fragility make it susceptible to fractures during lateral impacts or rollover accidents. However, arm and leg bone fractures, such as those involving the radius, ulna, tibia, and fibula, are also prevalent in car crash scenarios.
According to various studies and medical reports, the most commonly broken bone in car accidents is the clavicle (collarbone).
What is the Difference Between a Fracture and a Broken Bone?
It’s important to note that “fracture” and “broken bone” are terms that are often used interchangeably. Both refer to any loss of continuity in the structure of a bone.
How much compensation for a broken bone?
The compensation for a broken bone in a car accident can vary significantly depending on factors such as the severity of the fracture, medical expenses, lost wages, and the extent of pain and suffering. In general, more severe fractures with higher treatment costs and longer recovery times tend to result in higher compensation amounts.
How much money can you get for a broken bone?
The amount of money you can get for a broken bone in a car accident depends on the specifics of your case and the factors mentioned above. While minor fractures may result in settlements in the thousands of dollars, severe or multiple fractures requiring extensive treatment and rehabilitation could lead to settlements in the tens or hundreds of thousands of dollars.
Car Accident Attorney Near Me
If you have sustained a broken bone in a car accident, it is crucial to seek immediate medical attention and consult with an experienced car accident attorney. At Todd Miner Law, our team of dedicated lawyers is committed to fighting for the rights of car accident victims in Orlando and Central Florida. We understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll these injuries can take, and we work tirelessly to secure the maximum compensation our clients deserve. For a free case evaluation and to learn more about your legal options, call us at 407-955-5640 or contact us online today.
