Even a car accident that happens at low speed can exert enough force to cause injury to occupants inside the vehicle. One of the most common types of personal injuries suffered in crashes is bone fractures. Many victims who suffer fractures face surgeries, months of rehabilitation and therapy, and painful recoveries before they are finally fully healed. Unfortunately, there are also victims who never fully recover and are left with long-term or permanent health issues caused by the break.
At Shapiro, Washburn & Sharp, we have represented numerous clients who suffered fractures in car accidents caused by negligent drivers. Our Virginia Beach car accident attorneys understand just how painful bone fractures can be and how much these injuries can interfere with a victim’s quality of life, both during and after recovery. The following are the most common types of fractures that car accident victims suffer. If you have been injured, call our office for a free consultation.
Arms
The arm is made of three main bones. The humerus is the large bone in the upper arm, and the radius and ulna are located in the lower arm. Arms are often fractured in car accidents because the victims instinctively try to brace themselves with their arms immediately before impact.
Collarbones
The collarbone, called the clavicle, connects the shoulder blade to the upper part of the breastbone. It is also one of the most vulnerable bones in the body. Recovery often includes surgery, and healing usually takes up to 12 weeks.
Knee and Lower Leg
The fibula and tibia are large bones that can be found in the lower leg and are often injured in car accidents. There is minimum leg room in a passenger vehicle, leaving no protection to these bones in the event of the crushing or crumpling of the vehicle by the force of impact. Medical treatment usually includes multiple surgeries to repair fractures, but many victims are left with some permanent effect from the injury.
Pelvis
Although pelvic fractures are more common in motorcycle accidents, they do occur in car crashes, too. Approximately 15 percent of crashes that occur each year result in pelvic injury, and 25 percent of fatal crash victims also suffer broken pelvises. A severe break can cause internal bleeding and damage to organs, which can be life-threatening.
Ribs
One of the most common injuries we see in many of our car accident victim clients is fractured ribs, usually caused by impact with an airbag or the steering wheel.
Spine
Even the smallest fracture of the spine can result in paralysis, which is why it is critical to seek medical attention immediately following any type of crash. Depending on the severity of the injury, a victim may have issues with pain, walking, or being unable to move different parts of the body. Treatment may involve surgery and physical therapy.
Steps in Pursuing Damages for Losses Caused by the Injuries
When you sustain broken bone injuries in a car accident, you may be entitled to various types of damages to compensate for the physical, financial, and emotional impact of your injuries. The damages you can pursue typically fall into two categories: economic and non-economic. In some cases, punitive damages may also be awarded if the accident involved particularly egregious behavior by the at-fault party.
Economic Damages
Economic damages cover tangible, out-of-pocket expenses directly related to the accident and your injuries. For broken bones, these damages may include:
Medical Expenses
This includes the cost of initial emergency care, diagnostic tests like X-rays, surgeries to repair fractures, hospital stays, follow-up visits, physical therapy, and prescription medications. If your broken bones require ongoing treatment or future surgeries, you can also claim these projected medical costs.
Lost Wages
Broken bones often require time off work to recover, particularly if the injuries limit mobility or involve complications. You can seek compensation for the wages you lose during this time. If your injuries result in a long-term or permanent disability that affects your earning capacity, you may also pursue damages for lost future income.
Other Out-of-Pocket Costs
Expenses such as transportation to medical appointments, hiring help for household tasks, or purchasing medical equipment like crutches or wheelchairs may also be compensable.
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages compensate for the intangible effects of your broken bone injuries. These include:
Pain and Suffering
Compensation for the physical pain and discomfort caused by the fractures, as well as the emotional toll of the recovery process.
Loss of Enjoyment of Life
Broken bones may limit your ability to participate in activities you once enjoyed, from hobbies to family outings, and you can seek damages for this diminished quality of life.
Emotional Distress
The trauma of the accident and dealing with serious injuries can lead to anxiety, depression, or PTSD, which may also be compensable.
Punitive Damages
In rare cases, you may be awarded punitive damages if the at-fault party’s actions were grossly negligent or intentional—such as driving under the influence. These are intended to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar conduct.
Call Our Personal Injury Law Firm for Legal Assistance
If you have been injured in a car accident, contact Shapiro, Washburn & Sharp to schedule a free case evaluation with one of our skilled Virginia Beach car accident lawyers. Our personal injury attorneys have successfully obtained financial compensation for many clients, like the $235,000 car accident insurance settlement for one client who suffered multiple injuries when another motorist negligently failed to yield the right of way.
Our firm also has satellite offices in Hampton, Norfolk, and Portsmouth.
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An experienced personal injury attorney with dual licensure in Virginia and North Carolina, Eric Washburn received a B.B.A. in Finance from James Madison University—initially worked in the information technology field before obtaining his law degree from Thomas M. Cooley Law School in Lansing, Michigan. Once an Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney in Danville, Va., Eric has been recognized by Super Lawyers Magazine as a “Rising Star” Super Lawyer in Virginia since 2014.
