The human body isn’t designed to withstand the violent force of a car crash. The same forces that crumple vehicles can snap bones and shatter lives, leaving victims to face months of painful recovery and uncertainty about their future.
If you suffered broken bones in a Virginia car crash, you deserve full and fair compensation for your injuries. A Roanoke car accident attorney can help protect your rights and pursue the maximum compensation available under the state’s fault-based insurance system.
Common Types of Fractures in Auto Accidents
Car crashes generate tremendous force that can break bones in multiple ways. Closed fractures occur when the bone breaks but doesn’t pierce the skin, while open or compound fractures involve the bone breaking through the skin, creating a risk of infection. Common symptoms include severe pain, swelling, bruising, deformity at the injury site, and difficulty moving the affected area.
Some of the most common types of broken bones include:
- Clavicles
- Ribs
- Sternum
- Leg bones
- Wrists and arms
- Skull and facial bones
- Vertebrae
- Pelvis
- Ankles and feet
Treatment and Recovery Timeline for Broken Bones
If you were involved in a Virginia car crash and suffered a broken bone, seek medical care as soon as possible. The treatment journey begins in the emergency room, where doctors conduct various tests to determine the exact location and severity of each fracture. For simple breaks, treatment typically involves immobilizing the bone using a cast or splint and allowing natural healing to happen.
However, complex fractures—particularly those from high-impact car crashes—often require surgical intervention. Orthopedic surgeons may need to insert metal plates, screws, or rods to stabilize and align the bones for healing. In cases of open fractures, surgery is required to clean the wound and prevent infection.
The recovery timeline varies based on the type and location of the break, as well as the patient’s overall health and age. While a simple wrist fracture might heal within several weeks, complex leg fractures could require several months for full recovery. Physical therapy may be required to help maintain strength and flexibility. Even after the bone heals, some people face long-term challenges such as reduced range of motion or chronic pain.
Compensation Available for Car Accident Fractures
Virginia follows a fault-based system for car accident claims, meaning the at-fault driver’s insurance must compensate victims for their losses. If you suffered broken bones in a car crash, you have the right to file an insurance claim or lawsuit and secure a settlement to help pay for:
- Past and future medical expenses
- Lost wages and loss of future earnings
- Property damage sustained in the crash
- Physical and emotional pain and suffering
- Disability equipment and other accommodations
Insurance companies often attempt to minimize compensation for broken bones by claiming that you were responsible for the accident or that they were unrelated to the crash. An attorney can help counter these tactics by documenting your injuries, securing expert medical testimony, and demonstrating the long-term impact of your fractures on your life.
Since 1993, Monge & Associates has represented car accident victims nationwide in their claims against negligent motorists, government agencies, vehicle manufacturers, and more. Our Virginia car accident lawyers can guide you through every stage of your claim. Contact us today at (540) 453-7765 or toll-free at (888) 890-4058 for a free consultation and learn more about your legal options.