Broken bones are among the most common and serious injuries from vehicle accidents. Fractures can lead to costly medical bills, lost income, and severe pain. Our North Carolina car accident lawyers understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll of these injuries.
We are dedicated to helping people injured in car crashes, truck wrecks, and motorcycle accidents obtain the compensation they deserve for their injuries and losses. Contact us today for a free consultation.
Most Common Broken Bones in Car Accidents
The most commonly broken bones in car accidents include:
- Ribs – Often caused by seatbelt pressure, impact with the steering wheel, or being thrown against the car’s interior, rib fractures can lead to complications such as punctured lungs.
- Clavicle (Collarbone) – This bone is vulnerable because it absorbs much of the force during a collision, especially in front-end crashes or when the seatbelt restrains the body suddenly.
- Femur (Thigh Bone) – While strong, the femur can break in high-speed crashes due to extreme force, particularly in head-on collisions where the dashboard crushes the legs.
- Tibia and Fibula (Lower Leg Bones) – These bones often break in frontal or side-impact crashes when the legs are pinned under the dashboard or against the car door.
- Wrist and Arm Bones (Radius, Ulna, Humerus) – When drivers and passengers instinctively brace for impact, they may suffer a broken wrist or arm.
- Pelvis – Pelvic fractures are associated with severe car crashes and may cause internal bleeding or organ damage.
- Facial Bones (Nose, Jaw, Cheekbones) – These fractures occur when the face strikes the steering wheel, dashboard, airbag, or even shattered glass during a crash.
- Spinal Vertebrae – The force of a collision can cause compression fractures in the spine, especially in rollover accidents or rear-end collisions.
Knee injuries during car wrecks can result in a broken knee (patellar fracture). Severe head trauma may cause a skull fracture. Proper seatbelt use, airbags, and defensive driving can help reduce the risk of serious fractures in accidents.
Fractures in Truck Accidents
Given the size and weight of commercial vehicles, truck accidents tend to cause more severe fractures. Victims may suffer multiple broken bones, including compound fractures where the bone pierces through the skin. Spinal fractures and pelvic breaks are more common in truck collisions due to the immense force involved.
Broken Bones in Motorcycle Accidents
Without the protective shell of a vehicle, motorcycle riders are more vulnerable to severe fractures. The most common broken bones in motorcycle accidents include the lower legs, particularly the tibia and fibula. Other frequently broken bones in motorcycle crashes include the pelvis, hips, arms, and skull.
Treatment for Broken Bones
The treatment for broken bones varies depending on the location and severity of the fracture. In many cases, the initial treatment involves immobilizing the affected area with a cast or splint to allow the bone to heal properly.
For more severe fractures, surgical intervention may be necessary. This can include procedures such as open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF), where the broken bone is realigned and held in place with screws, plates, or rods.
Patients often require physical therapy to regain strength and mobility in the affected area. This rehabilitation process is crucial for restoring function and preventing long-term complications. In some cases, additional surgeries may be needed to remove hardware or address complications.
How Long Does a Broken Bone Take to Heal?
The healing time for broken bones can vary significantly depending on the type and location of the fracture, the patient’s age, and overall health. Generally, the healing process occurs in three main phases:
- The inflammatory phase begins immediately after the injury and lasts about a week or two.
- The repair phase, where new bone tissue forms, typically lasts 2-6 weeks.
- The remodeling phase can continue for several months to a year as the bone regains its original strength.
On average, most fractures heal within 6-8 weeks. However, regaining full strength and function can take several months. Some complex fractures, particularly those requiring surgical intervention, may take longer to heal.
Smoking, poor nutrition, and certain medical conditions can significantly delay the healing process.
Compensation for Broken Bones
Victims of car, truck, or motorcycle accidents who suffer broken bones may be entitled to various forms of compensation. These can include:
Medical Expenses
Accident victims can recover damages for medical costs, including emergency care, surgeries, hospital stays, medications, physical therapy, and necessary medical equipment. Compensation should also account for future medical needs related to the injury.
Lost Wages and Lost Earning Potential
If the broken bone prevents the victim from working, they may be compensated for lost wages. In cases where the injury results in long-term or permanent disability affecting the ability to work, compensation for lost earning potential may be awarded.
Pain and Suffering
Victims can claim financial compensation for physical pain and emotional distress. The amount given for pain and suffering depends on the severity of pain, recovery time, and the impact on quality of life.
Punitive Damages
In cases where the at-fault party’s actions were particularly reckless or egregious, punitive damages may be awarded. These are intended to punish the wrongdoer and discourage similar behavior.
North Carolina law generally limits punitive damages to three times the amount of compensatory damages or $250,000, whichever is higher. The cap on punitive damages doesn’t apply to drunk driving accidents.
What Is the Average Car Accident Settlement for a Broken Bone in North Carolina?
Car accident settlements for broken bones vary widely from $30,000 to over $100,000. Each case is unique. More serious fractures like a broken femur or broken pelvis generally lead to higher settlements.
Factors that can influence the settlement amount include:
- The type and severity of the fracture
- The length and complexity of medical treatment required
- The impact on the victim’s ability to work and earn income
- The intensity of pain and suffering
- The insurance coverage limits of the at-fault party
It’s crucial to talk with an experienced North Carolina car accident lawyer about what your specific case might be worth. They can evaluate all aspects of your claim and fight for the maximum compensation.
How a Personal Injury Lawyer Can Help
Hiring a skilled personal injury lawyer can significantly impact the outcome of your broken bone case. Our attorneys will deal with insurance companies and manage all legal paperwork, allowing you to focus on your recovery.
Gathering Evidence
Your lawyer will carefully collect crucial evidence such as police reports, witness statements, and medical records. They may also work with accident reconstruction experts to establish fault.
Negotiating a Settlement
Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts. An experienced attorney knows how to negotiate effectively with insurance adjusters. Our legal team will communicate with the insurance company on your behalf and advocate for fair compensation.
Representing You in Court
If a fair settlement cannot be reached through negotiations, your lawyer will be prepared to take your case to trial. They will present your case compellingly to a judge and jury, fighting for the full compensation you deserve.
Deadline to File a Car Accident Claim in North Carolina
In North Carolina, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims is generally three years from the accident date. You have three years to file a lawsuit against the at-fault party. Missing this deadline can result in losing your right to seek compensation through the court system.
Three years may seem like plenty of time. However, you should contact a lawyer as soon as possible for several reasons:
- Evidence can disappear or degrade over time
- Witnesses’ memories may fade
- Acting quickly gives your attorney more time to build a strong case
Contact Us Today for a Free Case Evaluation
If you or a loved one has suffered broken bones in a car, truck, or motorcycle accident in North Carolina, contact us today. Our experienced team is dedicated to helping accident victims navigate the complex legal process and obtain the compensation they deserve.
We offer free consultations to discuss your case. When you hire NC Car Accident Lawyers, you pay nothing out-of-pocket. Our law firm only gets paid after winning your case. Let us fight for your rights while you focus on your recovery.
