Broken bones are among the most common injuries suffered in serious car accidents. Depending on the force of the collision, fractures can range from relatively straightforward injuries to complex breaks that require surgery, rehabilitation, and long-term medical care.
Car accident fractures often occur because of the significant force placed on the body during a collision. Drivers and passengers may strike the steering wheel, dashboard, doors, windows, or other parts of the vehicle during impact. In high-speed crashes, rollovers, truck accidents, and side-impact collisions, the risk of severe orthopedic injuries is especially high.
Our attorneys regularly represent individuals who have suffered serious orthopedic injuries in Georgia car accidents, including fractures that require surgery, rehabilitation, or ongoing medical treatment. We work with accident reconstruction experts, medical experts, and other specialists to fully evaluate how these injuries affect our clients’ lives and long-term recovery.
Common Broken Bones After a Car Accident
Almost any bone in the body can be fractured during a collision, but some injuries are especially common in motor vehicle accidents.
Frequently reported fractures include:
- Arm and wrist fractures
- Leg and ankle fractures
- Rib fractures
- Hip and pelvis fractures
- Facial fractures
- Collarbone and shoulder fractures
Some fractures heal with immobilization and physical therapy, while others require surgery, hardware placement, or multiple procedures to restore function and stability.
Symptoms of a Fracture After a Crash
Some broken bones are immediately obvious after a collision, while others may not be fully diagnosed until swelling, pain, or reduced mobility worsens over time.
Common symptoms of a fracture may include:
- Severe pain or tenderness
- Swelling or bruising
- Difficulty moving part of the body
- Numbness or weakness
- Visible deformity
- Pain when bearing weight
Prompt medical evaluation is important after any car accident, particularly when pain or mobility issues continue after the initial shock of the crash wears off.
When Broken Bones Become Serious Injuries
Some fractures heal relatively well with treatment, while others lead to long-term complications that affect a person’s ability to work and complete daily activities.
Complications from serious fractures may include:
- Chronic pain
- Reduced range of motion
- Nerve damage
- Arthritis
- Permanent mobility limitations
- Multiple surgeries or extended rehabilitation
Fractures involving joints, the spine, hips, pelvis, or weight-bearing bones are often more likely to result in long-term medical issues.
Recovery After a Serious Fracture
Recovery time after a broken bone can vary significantly depending on the severity of the injury, the person’s age and health, and whether surgery is required.
Many individuals require physical therapy, follow-up imaging, pain management, or assistive devices during recovery. In more severe cases, a fracture may permanently limit a person’s mobility, strength, or ability to return to work.
Serious orthopedic injuries can also affect a person emotionally and financially, especially when long recovery periods prevent them from working or participating in everyday activities.
How Broken Bones Affect a Car Accident Claim
The seriousness of a fracture often depends on more than whether a bone was broken. Insurance companies may also evaluate whether surgery was required, whether the injury caused permanent limitations, and how much medical treatment and recovery were necessary.
Medical records, imaging studies, surgical reports, and documentation from treating physicians can all play an important role in understanding the full extent of an orthopedic injury after a crash.
When It May Be Important to Speak with an Attorney
Not every fracture requires legal representation. However, when broken bones involve surgery, long-term complications, permanent limitations, or significant time away from work, it may be important to speak with an attorney.
At Blasingame, Burch, Garrard & Ashley, P.C., we focus on cases involving serious and life-changing injuries, including fractures, injuries requiring surgery, traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, amputations, and wrongful death. These cases often require extensive investigation and careful evaluation of future medical and financial needs.
Georgia law also places time limits on how long you have to file a personal injury claim after a car accident. Waiting too long to take action can affect your ability to recover compensation. Click here to learn more about Georgia’s Statute of Limitations for Car Accident Claims.
Talk to a Georgia Car Accident Lawyer
If you suffered broken bones or other serious injuries in a Georgia car accident, it may be helpful to speak with an attorney about your legal options. Understanding the long-term impact of a fracture is often an important part of evaluating a claim.
Contact Blasingame, Burch, Garrard & Ashley, P.C. to discuss your situation and learn how we can help. Call 706-354-4000 or fill out our online contact form, and a member of our team will be in touch.