Crash Fracture and Broken Bone: Claims, Compensation, and Settlement

Broken Bones Sustained in Car Accidents

Unfortunately, broken bones and fractures are common injuries sustained in auto accidents. Severity of broken bones and fractures will depend on the nature of the injury and circumstances of the crash itself. It is imperative you receive a medical examination immediately following an accident. Failure to do so could result in worsening condition of your broken bone or fracture.

Is There a Difference Between a Fracture and Broken Bone?

While fractures and broken bones may seem different in terms of pain and overall injury, a fracture is defined as a break in the structure of a bone – the same as a broken bone.

Types of Broken and Fractured Bones

Due to the variety of ways in which an accident can occur, there are several types of bone breaks and fractures that can occur. More commonly sustained broken bones include the following:

• Spinal vertebrae of back or neck – these typically occur during rear-end or head-on collisions and can be the most serious of injuries
• Clavicle – this is the most fragile bone in the human body and often fractured in various collision scenarios
• Pelvic bone – the pelvic bone is more likely to break in a motorcycle accident but is also among the most commonly broken bones in auto accidents
• Fibula (lower leg) and Femur (upper leg) – broken legs are common in auto accidents
• Skull – cranial fractures are treated quickly because there can often be damage to the brain as well. Cranial injuries are commonly sustained when a victim hits their head on an object such as a window or the steering wheel
• Facial bones/structure – an airbag can easily damage facial bones due to its force. The nose, jaw, cheekbones, or orbital bones are susceptible to fracture
• Sternum and ribs – known for protecting your internal organs, these bones are frequently broken in crashes

Causes of Broken Bones During an Auto Accident

Several factors in an accident can contribute to broken bones and fractures. While force is the most common cause, other elements that frequently lead to broken bones include:

• Being ejected from a vehicle
• Striking pavement upon ejection
• Being crushed by another vehicle or object
• Being struck by an airbag or other items in the vehicle

What to Do Following an Accident

If you are involved in an auto accident in Indiana, whether or not with another car or a semi, the first priority is to get to safety. Once you are safe, follow these steps:

• Stay calm
• Check for injuries
• Call the police
• Document the accident
• Collect information
• Seek medical care
• Inform your insurance company
• Call an attorney

Your Crash Settlement and Compensation

If you have a personal injury case stemming from an auto accident that has resulted in a broken bone or fracture, you may be wondering if you are entitled to a settlement. The settlement you are eligible to receive will depend on the unique circumstances and details of your case. There are several common factors, however, that typically are present in most broken bone personal injury settlements.

Medical evidence is imperative to receiving a settlement for your bone break or fracture. When someone suffers a broken or fractured bone, X-rays should be performed and documented as supporting evidence to your claim. With medical evidence, it is difficult for the defendant to dispute a break or fracture.

The compensation value in your case will be determined by a few different factors: the nature of the break or fracture, how much the defendant would pay, and how much the two sides could potentially agree upon.

Additionally, the victim’s damages will be estimated. Based upon the injury (break or fracture) and the components in its healing, treatment, etc., an estimate may be decided upon. Damages such as medical bills and loss of income are typically easier to predict, whereas damages for emotional distress or pain and suffering are harder.

Other factors that will change the course of the settlement process include:

• Was the accident a work injury?
• Is there a liable party involved?

If the accident occurred at work, workers’ compensation would become a factor in the settlement process. If there is a party found liable for the accident and injuries, punitive damages may be awarded in addition to compensatory damages in your settlement.

Working with a personal injury attorney is important to receiving the best possible outcome in your case. Our legal team can provide you with the proper steps to take, what to expect, and allow you to focus on recovering from your injuries.

Contact WKW Today

If you or a loved one have suffered broken bones or fractures as a result of an auto accident or crash, you are urged to contact the experienced auto accident attorneys at Wilson Kehoe Winingham. Our legal team has years of experience handling auto accident cases and will work diligently to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a no-obligation case evaluation.

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