Broken bones are one of the most common serious injuries in car accidents. The forces involved in a collision are more than enough to fracture bone, whether from bracing against the wheel, striking part of the vehicle’s interior, or the crash forces themselves. Some fractures heal in a few weeks with a cast, but others require surgery, hardware, and months of rehabilitation, and some leave permanent impacts.
Contact an auto accident attorney in St. Louis to get the justice you deserve.
Reach out to our firm today at (314) 300-6260.
Bones Commonly Broken in Car Accidents
Certain fractures tend to happen more often than others. Some common ones include:
- Wrist, hand, and arm fractures: Often caused by bracing against the steering wheel or dashboard before impact.
- Collarbone fractures: The clavicle is one of the most commonly broken bones in the body, and the seatbelt crossing over it is a frequent cause in crashes.
- Leg, ankle, and foot fractures: The lower body can be crushed or pinned in frontal collisions, especially in the driver’s footwell.
- Hip and pelvis fractures: These usually involve higher-force crashes and often require surgery, with long recovery times.
- Vertebral fractures: Broken bones in the spine can lead to serious injuries, sometimes even including paralysis.
- Facial fractures: The nose, cheekbones, and jaw can break when they make contact with the airbag, steering wheel, or window.
Any kind of fracture is possible in a car accident, and they should be taken seriously.
How a Lawyer Can Help After a Fracture Injury
A broken bone seems like a straightforward injury, and that’s exactly why insurance companies often try to settle these claims fast. The early offer usually covers the initial treatment and not much else. A car accident lawyer can make sure the claim reflects what the injury will actually cost. They can:
Account for the Full Cost of Recovery
The biggest costs of a fracture often come after the emergency room, and often include follow-up visits, surgery, physical therapy, possible hardware removal, and even revision surgery if the bone doesn’t heal right. An injury lawyer in St. Louis will work with your medical providers to project those future costs so they’re part of the claim instead of coming out of your pocket later.
Document How the Injury Affects Your Life
Months in a cast or on crutches means missed work, activities you can’t do, and help you need from other people. If there are permanent limitations, those matter even more. A lawyer gathers the evidence that shows what the fracture has actually taken from you, not just what it cost to treat.
Handle the Insurance Company
Recorded statements, medical record requests, and quick, low settlement offers are all designed to close your claim cheaply, often before anyone knows how well the bone will heal. Your lawyer deals with the insurer so you don’t lock yourself into a number too early. Once you settle, you can’t go back for more, no matter what complications show up later.
If you broke a bone in a crash and the insurance company is pushing you to settle, it’s worth talking to a car accident attorney first.
Call today at (314) 300-6260 to schedule a free consultation.