Pedestrian accidents are among the most dangerous types of collisions on Tennessee roads, due in large part to the fact that people walking have essentially zero protection in a collision with a motor vehicle. Broken bones are one of the most frequent results of these accidents and can often require surgery and months of rehabilitation.
If you suffered a broken bone in a Nashville pedestrian accident that wasn’t your fault, Tennessee law allows you to pursue compensation from the responsible party. Read on to learn more about how these cases work and what your legal options may be.
Types of Broken Bones Common in Pedestrian Accidents
The force of a vehicle striking a pedestrian can fracture just about any bone in the body. That said, certain broken bones show up more often than others in these cases:
- Leg and knee fractures, which are common because the lower body is usually the first point of impact
- Hip fractures, which are especially serious for older pedestrians and often require surgical repair
- Pelvic fractures, which can result from being thrown to the ground or run over
- Arm and wrist fractures, which frequently happen when a person tries to brace themselves during a fall
- Rib fractures, which can lead to internal complications if the broken bone punctures a lung or other organ
- Skull and facial fractures, which can occur when the pedestrian’s head strikes the vehicle or pavement
Some of these fractures heal with a cast and rest, while others require metal pieces to stabilize the bone. In the worst cases, a fracture may lead to permanent disability or limited mobility that changes the course of your life.
How Can a Broken Bone Affect My Personal Injury Claim?
Not all fractures are equal in the eyes of the law or the insurance company. A clean break that heals in six weeks is going to be valued differently than a compound fracture that requires multiple surgeries and leaves you unable to return to your job.
Some of the factors that influence what a broken bone claim is worth include:
- The location and severity of the fracture
- Whether surgery was required
- The length of your recovery and whether you’ll have lasting limitations
- How much work you missed and whether the injury affects your earning capacity going forward
- The amount of pain and suffering the injury has caused
- The cost of your medical treatment, including physical therapy and follow-up care
Documenting everything from the start is critical. Forms of evidence like medical records, imaging studies, and testimony from your treating physician can all play a role in proving the full impact of the injury.
Call a Tennessee Pedestrian Accident Lawyer for a Free Consultation
A broken bone from a pedestrian accident can set you back financially, physically, and emotionally all at once. If this has happened to you in Tennessee, Woodard Injury Law is here to help. Call us today at (615) 640-3648 or reach out online to schedule a free consultation and get started with your case. We’ll do everything we can to help you maximize the value of your claim.