A serious car accident can change your life in an instant, leaving you with painful and sometimes permanent injuries. Among the most common car accident injuries are broken bones, which can range from minor hairline fractures to severe compound breaks that require surgery. If you suffered a broken bone in a Tennessee car crash, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical bills, pain and suffering, and more.
Learning about how these injuries occur and how an attorney can help is essential to protecting your future. Continue reading to learn more, and reach out to a lawyer for a free consultation if you’re ready to get started with your case.
Common Causes of Broken Bones in Car Accidents
Broken bones can happen in almost any type of car accident, though factors like the force of impact and the speed of the vehicles could contribute to the likelihood and severity of these injuries.
Overall, some of the most frequent causes include:
- Head-on and side-impact crashes that crush the arms or legs
- Seatbelt pressure or airbag deployment that fractures the clavicle or sternum
- Ejection from the vehicle, leading to multiple traumatic fractures
- Rear-end collisions that cause wrist and back fractures when bracing for impact
In some circumstances, bones can fracture from the violent motion or pressure caused by the crash alone.
Types of Fractures Caused by Car Crashes
Not all broken bones are the same. Some heal quickly, while others require complex surgeries and long-term recovery periods. Common fracture types include the following:
- Hairline fractures, which are small cracks that may go unnoticed at first
- Simple fractures, where the bone breaks cleanly in one place
- Compound fractures, in which the bone pierces the skin, creating a serious risk of infection
- Comminuted fractures, when the bone shatters into multiple pieces
- Compression fractures, often affecting the spine from sudden force or twisting
These fractures can vary greatly in severity, though the victim will need substantial medical treatment and assistance as they heal in almost every case.
What Kinds of Damages Can I Recover for a Broken Bone?
If another driver’s negligence caused your crash, you may be able to recover several forms of compensation under Tennessee law. These include:
- Medical expenses, both current and future
- Lost income and reduced earning ability
- Pain and suffering
- Physical therapy and rehabilitation costs
- Emotional distress and reduced quality of life
In rare cases, you might also be able to recover punitive damages if the at-fault party acted egregiously (such as if they caused the crash on purpose).
Contact a Personal Injury Lawyer for a Free Consultation After a Car Accident in Tennessee
Recovering from a broken bone after a car accident can be extremely stressful, but know that you may be entitled to compensation for all of your injuries and related damages. An experienced car accident lawyer in Tennessee with Woodard Injury Law can help you take action and maximize the amount of money you secure.
Contact us today to get started with a free consultation. We work on contingency, which means we only get paid if we win compensation for you.