Suffering a serious broken bone injury is common in car accidents. You could need extensive medical treatments and need to be off work for months or longer while you recover. Fortunately, you may be entitled to compensation from the negligent driver who caused your crash.
Bones That Are Frequently Fractured in a Motor Vehicle Crash
Bones can be easily broken if a victim’s body is jerked violently or slammed into a hard object, such as a steering wheel, dashboard, door, or window during the collision. Any broken bone can significantly limit the victim’s mobility and ability to work and care for himself.
While any bone can be broken, here are some of the most commonly fractured bones in auto collisions:
- Hands, fingers, and wrists. A victim can suffer serious broken bones in his hands, fingers, and wrists if they are slammed into a hard object or tries to brace himself from the impact—which is a normal defensive action in an accident.
- Feet, toes, and ankles. Ankles can get twisted or broken and the bones in the feet and toes can be fractured due to the force of the impact. These bones could also become trapped in the petals or other parts of the damaged vehicle.
- Arms and legs. Serious fractures to arm and leg bones could require surgery or need to be placed in a cast during the recovery process. If the fracture is serious enough, the person may need to be immobilized for a period of time.
- Ribs. A fractured rib can be extremely painful and make breathing difficult. In serious cases, a broken rib bone could pierce a vital organ and cause internal bleeding and organ damage.
- Pelvis. A pelvic fracture is a serious medical condition that is commonly caused by auto collisions. This injury can also result in injuries to nearby blood vessels and organs. Treatment for a pelvic fracture can include surgery, implants, and lengthy rehabilitation. Long-term complications are common, especially if the victim is elderly.
- Broken back. A broken back is also referred to as a spinal fracture and is the breakage of the vertebrae in the spine. Serious broken back injuries may require surgery, and a person is often required to wear a brace to stabilize the spine during the recovery period.
Compensation You May Receive for Broken Bone Injuries
In New Mexico, the negligent driver is responsible for compensating you for your injuries caused in an auto collision. You may be able to obtain these types of compensation if you suffered a broken bone:
- Past and future medical expenses
- Past and future lost wages and lost earning capacity if you become disabled or your ability to work is limited
- Past and future pain and suffering
- Property damage
If you or a loved one suffered broken bones or other injuries in a car accident, our experienced car accident attorneys are here to protect your legal rights and fight for the compensation that you deserve. To schedule your free consultation, call our Roswell office today.
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