A broken bone is a medical emergency. Depending on the location and severity of the break, you may suffer limited mobility and experience difficulty performing everyday tasks. In some cases, a fracture can also result in long-term complications.
If you suffer a broken bone in a car accident, it is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible. Once you receive treatment, it may be in your best interest to speak to an attorney.
O’Connor & Partners, PLLC has extensive experience helping car accident victims pursue the compensation they deserve for their injuries. Please call (845) 303-8777 today for a free consultation. Our lawyers serve clients in Kingston, Poughkeepsie, Newburgh, and other areas of the Hudson Valley.
Common Broken Bone Injuries in Car Accidents
Auto accidents are a leading cause of broken bones. The injuries you may suffer depend on a host of factors, including the force of the accident and which portion of your vehicle bears the brunt of the impact (i.e., a rear-end accident may result in different kinds of injuries than a head-on collision or T-bone accident).
Broken bones that may occur in a car accident include:
- Broken vertebrae in the neck and back
- Broken legs (fractures of the femur, tibia, and fibula)
- Broken ribs
- Broken fingers, hands, wrists, and arms
- Collarbone fractures
- Broken hips and pelvis fractures
- Skull fractures
- Broken bones in the face
What to Do If You Break a Bone in an Accident
In the moments immediately after a car accident, you might not be aware of the extent of your injuries. Paramedics will evaluate you at the scene for bone fractures and breaks, as well as other trauma. They may recommend transporting you to the hospital for X-rays and other tests.
However, if they release you at the scene, this does not mean you are free from injury. Fractured and broken bones are not always obvious. If you notice the following symptoms, seek medical attention as soon as possible:
- Localized pain, especially when you perform certain actions
- Bruising or discoloration of the skin
- Difficulty moving or putting weight on the area
Some broken bones heal over time, often with the aid of a cast or a splint. Others, however, may require surgery to repair.
Can I Sue for Bone Fractures in a Car Accident?
New York law generally limits your ability to file a claim against the other driver. Instead, you must file a claim with your own insurance provider to receive no-fault benefits under your Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage. However, the no-fault insurance law does allow victims to file suit if they suffer certain forms of “serious injury.”
Bone fractures are one of the serious injuries defined by New York insurance law.
When filing a claim against the other driver, it is crucial to present evidence of the nature and severity of your injury. To build a strong case on your behalf, your lawyer will review your medical records and communicate with your doctor, orthopedic surgeon, and other medical professionals involved in your care.
What Compensation Can I Recover for a Bone Fracture in a Car Accident?
PIP no-fault benefits cover medical expenses and lost earnings. Your medical benefits are subject to your policy limits, while the replacement of lost wages is subject to statutory limitations.
In a personal injury claim, however, you can pursue compensation for all of the losses you have sustained. If you suffered a fracture or broken bone in a car accident, you may be entitled to compensation for:
- The cost of medical treatment, including emergency care, surgery, and more
- Expected medical expenses for future surgeries, rehabilitation, etc.
- Out-of-pocket costs for medications and equipment such as a cane, walker, wheelchair, sling, and more
- Lost income
- Loss of earning capacity, if the fracture or break impacts your ability to work
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of services and support
Every injury – and every injury claim – is different. The compensation available in your case will depend on your individual financial damages and how the fractured or broken bone impacts your life.
Attorney Thomas Yatto of O’Connor & Partners, PLLC recently represented a client who suffered a broken arm in an auto accident in Orange County. The case was settled for $450,000. See more of our results.
Contact Our New York Car Accident Lawyers Today
The aftermath of a car accident can be physically, mentally, and financially overwhelming. This is especially true if you suffer broken bones or another serious injury that requires extensive treatment and a lengthy recovery.
If you or a loved one has been hurt in a car accident, the attorneys at O’Connor & Partners, PLLC can help. Our legal team has extensive experience pursuing compensation on behalf of injury victims in car accidents.
For a free consultation, please call (845) 303-8777 or contact us online today. You pay no attorney fees if we don’t recover compensation in your case. O’Connor & Partners, PLLC serves clients in Kingston, Poughkeepsie, Newburgh, and nearby areas of New York.