The sheer size and weight of a commercial truck mean that even a low-speed collision can cause devastating injuries to victims inside a smaller vehicle. Broken bones are among the most common of those injuries and can take months to fully heal in some cases, depending on the severity.
If you suffered a fracture in a truck accident that wasn’t your fault, Tennessee law may entitle you to take legal action and recover money damages. Below is a closer look at how these injuries happen and what your legal options may be in the event of a truck accident.
Types of Fractures Common in Truck Accidents
Not all broken bones are the same. The force involved in a truck collision can produce a wide range of fractures, some far more serious than others. A few of the types that truck accident victims frequently deal with include:
- Simple fractures, where the bone breaks cleanly without piercing the skin
- Compound fractures, where the broken bone pushes through the skin and creates a risk of serious infection
- Comminuted fractures, where the bone shatters into multiple pieces and often requires surgical repair
- Compression fractures, which commonly affect the vertebrae and can result in lasting back pain or mobility issues
The location of the break matters as well. A fractured rib might heal on its own with rest, for instance, while a shattered femur could require multiple surgeries and months of physical therapy before a victim can walk normally again.
What Damages Can I Recover for a Broken Bone?
Two forms of compensatory damages are available for Tennessee truck accident victims who suffer broken bones: economic and non-economic. Punitive damages may also be available in rare cases that go to trial and that involve extreme misconduct from the responsible party.
Economic damages cover things like:
- Medical expenses, both current/future
- Surgery costs
- Rehabilitation
- Lost wages
- Reduced earning capacity
- Out-of-pocket expenses
Non-economic damages represent your:
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment
- Disability
- Scarring/disfigurement
The severity of your fracture plays a direct role in how much compensation you may be able to recover in your personal injury claim. For instance, a clean break that heals in six weeks will generally result in a smaller settlement than a comminuted fracture that requires surgery and leaves you with permanent limitations.
Contact Woodard Injury Law for a Free Case Review After a Truck Accident in Tennessee
A broken bone from a truck accident can affect every part of your daily life, from your ability to work to how you move around your own home. You shouldn’t have to absorb those costs when someone else’s negligence caused the crash.
Woodard Injury Law is here to help you pursue the maximum compensation you need to move forward as best as possible. Call (615) 314-4626 for a free consultation and to learn more about your best course of action. If you decide to hire us, you won’t owe any attorney’s fees unless we recover money on your behalf.