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Broken Bone Car Accident Settlements in Orlando & Central Florida
A car accident can leave you with more than just a dented vehicle. Broken bones are a common and painful consequence, often requiring extensive medical treatment and causing significant disruption to your life. If you’ve suffered a fracture in an Orlando and Central Florida car accident, understanding the legal landscape and potential settlements is crucial.
Understanding Broken Bones and Car Accident Claims
Broken bones, also known as fractures, range in severity from hairline cracks to complex, shattered bones. The type of fracture, its location, and the required treatment significantly influence the potential settlement value of your car accident claim.
Factors Influencing Broken Bone Car Accident Settlements: A Deep Dive
No two car accident settlements are identical. Numerous variables play a role in determining the compensation you may receive for your broken bone injury, making each case unique. Understanding these factors can help you better anticipate the potential outcome of your claim:
The severity of the Fracture:
- Type of Fracture: Simple fractures, where the bone breaks cleanly, typically result in lower settlements than complex fractures, such as comminuted fractures (where the bone shatters) or compound fractures (where the bone pierces the skin).
- Location of the Fracture: Fractures in weight-bearing bones like the legs or spine tend to result in higher settlements due to their impact on mobility and quality of life.
- Number of Fractures: Multiple broken bones generally lead to increased settlement amounts due to the complexity of treatment and recovery.
- Need for Surgery: Surgical intervention, hardware implantation, or bone grafting significantly increases medical costs and the overall settlement value.
Medical Expenses:
- Immediate Medical Costs: Ambulance transport, emergency room visits, diagnostic tests (X-rays, MRIs), and initial treatment all contribute to the settlement amount.
- Surgical Costs: If surgery is necessary, costs for the procedure, anesthesia, hospital stay, and post-operative care can be substantial.
- Rehabilitation and Therapy: Physical therapy, occupational therapy, and rehabilitation services are essential for recovery and can be costly.
- Long-Term Care: Some fractures require ongoing medical attention or assistive devices, adding to the overall expenses considered in the settlement.
Lost Wages and Future Earning Capacity:
- Time off Work: Depending on the severity of the fracture, you may be unable to work for weeks, months, or even longer. Compensation for lost wages during this period is essential.
- Reduced Earning Capacity: If the injury leads to permanent disability or limitations, your ability to earn income in the future may be impacted, and this should be factored into your settlement.
- Job Loss: In severe cases, a broken bone injury may force you to change careers or give up work entirely, leading to significant financial losses that should be addressed in your claim.
Pain and Suffering:
- Physical Pain: The immediate and ongoing pain associated with a broken bone can be severe and debilitating. Compensation for this suffering is an essential part of your claim.
- Emotional Distress: The trauma of the accident, coupled with the pain and limitations caused by the fracture, can lead to anxiety, depression, and other emotional issues that should be considered in your settlement.
- Loss of Enjoyment of Life: If your injury prevents you from engaging in activities you once enjoyed, you may be entitled to compensation for this loss.
Insurance Coverage:
- Your Insurance: Your own PIP insurance will cover a portion of your medical expenses and lost wages, regardless of fault. However, if your damages exceed your PIP coverage, you can pursue additional compensation from the at-fault driver’s insurance if they have any.
- At-Fault Driver’s Insurance: The amount of coverage the at-fault driver carries plays a significant role in the potential settlement. Unfortunately, Florida law does not require Bodily Injury coverage.
- Underinsured/Uninsured Motorist Coverage: If the at-fault driver has insufficient or no insurance, your own underinsured/uninsured motorist coverage may come into play.
Understanding these factors is crucial when pursuing a broken bone car accident settlement. By working with a team of experienced Orlando car accident lawyers, you can ensure that all relevant factors are considered and that you receive the maximum compensation.
Average Settlement for Broken Bone Car Accidents
While there’s no single “average settlement” for broken bones, settlements can range from thousands of dollars for minor fractures to hundreds of thousands or even millions for severe injuries. The specific circumstances of your case, the evidence presented, and the skill of your lawyer all play a crucial role.
Best Auto Accident Lawyer Near Me
Did you sustain a Broken Bone from a car accident? Why Choose Todd Miner Law?
At Todd Miner Law, we have a proven track record of securing maximum compensation for our clients. We are dedicated to fighting for your rights and ensuring you receive the financial support you need to recover from your injuries. If you’ve suffered a broken bone in a car accident in Orlando or Central Florida, don’t hesitate to contact Todd Miner Law today for a free case evaluation consultation. Our experienced car accident attorneys can evaluate your case, explain your options, and help you pursue the justice and compensation you deserve. Call us at 407-955-5640 or contact us online for a free, no-obligation case evaluation.