Broken Bones

Broken bones are among the most common injuries sustained in car accidents, but they are far from minor. The force of a collision can fracture bones throughout the body, often requiring surgery, long-term rehabilitation, and time away from work. In severe cases, fractures can lead to permanent impairment, chronic pain, or loss of function.

Broken bones are among the most common injuries sustained in car accidents, but they are far from minor. The force of a collision can fracture bones throughout the body, often requiring surgery, long-term rehabilitation, and time away from work. In severe cases, fractures can lead to permanent impairment, chronic pain, or loss of function.

At CarLawyer.Law, we are a car-accident-only personal injury law firm. We represent victims across the United States who have suffered broken bones in car accidents and understand how insurance companies routinely undervalue fracture claims.

If you suffered a broken bone in a car accident, complete our free case evaluation form to understand your legal options today.


How Car Accidents Cause Broken Bones

Car accidents subject the body to extreme forces, even at moderate speeds. Broken bones often occur due to:

  • Direct impact with the steering wheel, dashboard, or door
  • Crushing forces in side-impact or rollover crashes
  • Ejection from the vehicle
  • Airbag deployment combined with impact
  • Sudden twisting or bending of limbs

Seatbelts and airbags save lives, but they do not prevent all fractures.


Common Types of Broken Bones in Car Accidents

Car accidents can cause fractures throughout the body, including:

Arm and Wrist Fractures

Victims often brace for impact instinctively, resulting in broken:

  • Wrists
  • Forearms
  • Elbows

These injuries can significantly affect daily activities and work ability.


Leg and Ankle Fractures

Lower-body fractures are common in front-end and side-impact crashes, including:

  • Femur fractures
  • Tibia and fibula fractures
  • Knee injuries
  • Ankle and foot fractures

Femur fractures are particularly serious and often require surgery.


Rib and Chest Fractures

Broken ribs are common and dangerous because they can damage internal organs.

Complications may include:

  • Punctured lungs
  • Internal bleeding
  • Respiratory complications

Pelvic Fractures

Pelvic fractures often result from high-impact collisions and are considered medical emergencies. These injuries frequently require surgery and prolonged recovery.


Facial and Jaw Fractures

Facial fractures may involve:

  • Broken nose
  • Orbital (eye socket) fractures
  • Jaw fractures
  • Dental injuries

These injuries can cause permanent disfigurement and require reconstructive surgery.


Types of Bone Fractures

Fractures vary in severity and complexity, including:

  • Simple (closed) fractures
  • Compound (open) fractures
  • Comminuted fractures (bone shattered into pieces)
  • Displaced fractures
  • Stress fractures

Severe fractures often require surgical intervention and hardware such as plates, screws, or rods.


Symptoms of Broken Bones

Symptoms of broken bones may include:

  • Severe pain
  • Swelling and bruising
  • Deformity
  • Inability to bear weight or move the limb
  • Numbness or tingling

Some fractures are not immediately obvious, making medical evaluation after a crash essential.


Treatment and Recovery for Broken Bones

Treatment depends on the type and severity of the fracture and may include:

  • Immobilization with casts or splints
  • Surgery to realign bones
  • Internal fixation with metal hardware
  • Physical therapy and rehabilitation
  • Pain management

Recovery can take months, and some victims never regain full function.


Long-Term Complications of Broken Bones

Broken bones can lead to long-term issues, including:

  • Chronic pain
  • Reduced mobility
  • Arthritis
  • Nerve damage
  • Infection (especially with open fractures)
  • Permanent impairment

Insurance companies often ignore these long-term consequences.


Broken Bones and Lost Wages

Fractures frequently prevent victims from:

  • Returning to work immediately
  • Performing physically demanding jobs
  • Earning the same income

Compensation must account for lost wages and reduced earning capacity.


Proving Broken Bone Injuries in a Car Accident Claim

Broken bone claims require thorough documentation, including:

  • X-rays and imaging
  • Surgical records
  • Orthopedic specialist reports
  • Physical therapy records
  • Employment and wage documentation

Insurance companies often attempt to minimize fractures as “routine” injuries despite serious consequences.


Compensation Available for Broken Bone Injuries

Victims with broken bones may be entitled to compensation for:

Economic Damages

  • Emergency medical treatment
  • Hospitalization and surgery
  • Rehabilitation and physical therapy
  • Prescription medications
  • Lost wages and future income loss

Non-Economic Damages

  • Pain and suffering
  • Emotional distress
  • Loss of enjoyment of life
  • Permanent impairment or disfigurement

Severe fractures may justify substantial compensation.


Broken Bones in No-Fault and At-Fault States

In no-fault states, fracture injuries may initially be covered by PIP benefits, but serious fractures often meet the threshold to pursue a lawsuit.

In at-fault states, victims may pursue full compensation directly from the negligent driver.

Understanding your state’s laws is critical.


Why Insurance Companies Undervalue Broken Bone Claims

Insurance companies frequently:

  • Focus only on initial treatment
  • Ignore future complications
  • Downplay pain and disability
  • Push quick, low settlements

Accepting an early offer can leave victims paying out of pocket later.


Why Choose CarLawyer.Law for Broken Bone Claims?

CarLawyer.Law is a car accident only law firm focused exclusively on helping car accident victims recover full compensation.

We:

  • Work with orthopedic and medical experts
  • Document long-term impairment
  • Calculate future medical and wage losses
  • Handle all insurance negotiations

Our goal is to secure compensation that reflects the true impact of your injury.


Get Help After a Broken Bone From a Car Accident

If you suffered a broken bone in a car accident, do not let an insurance company minimize your injury or rush you into a settlement.

Take the next step by completing our free case evaluation form. There is no cost, no obligation, and no risk. Let CarLawyer.Law fight for the compensation you deserve.


Sources

  1. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS)
    Provides medical information on fractures, treatment, and recovery.
    https://www.aaos.org
  2. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
    Offers data on motor vehicle injuries and fracture-related trauma.
    https://www.cdc.gov
  3. National Institutes of Health (NIH)
    Provides research on bone injuries, healing, and long-term outcomes.
    https://www.nih.gov