The Sloan Firm often works with clients who suffered broken bone injuries due to car accidents. We realize the many problems that these injuries create.
The Sloan Firm often works with clients who suffered broken bone injuries due to car accidents. We realize the many problems that these injuries create.There is nothing “minor” about them.
Bone Fractures or Breaks Can Lead to:
- Expensive medical treatment, especially if complications arise
- Long-term or permanent disability that keeps a person out of work
- Chronic physical pain and emotional anguish.
If another person’s negligence caused your auto accident-related broken bone injuries, our car accident lawyers can help you to pursue just compensation. We work with car accident clients from our offices in Longview, Houston and Santa Fe, New Mexico. We can discuss your case today in a free consultation.
We will take the time to learn about your car accident and understand how your fracture or multiple fractures have affected your ability to work and enjoy life as you did before. Our lawyers always see the person behind the injury. What matters to you, matters to us.
How Do You Know If You Suffered a Broken Bone in Your Car Accident?
Fractures typically occur in car accidents when people brace themselves for impact, get hit by an object or slam into the dashboard or door. The pressure placed on the bone causes it to bend, crack or break. If the fractured bone breaks the skin, it is called an “open” fracture. However, in most cases, the fracture is a “closed” one, which can actually make the fracture difficult to detect.
Many people suffer fractures in East Texas car accidents without realizing it at first due to shock and adrenaline. For this reason, you should look for the following signs of a fracture in the hours and days after you are involved in a crash:
- Swelling and tenderness
- Bruising or redness
- Loss of movement.
You should always see a doctor after an auto accident – especially if you observe any of the above signs. In addition to a physical examination, the doctor may order you to undergo an X-ray, MRI or other tests. The doctor should be able to diagnose the fracture and get you started as soon as possible on a course of treatment.
If you wait too long to see a doctor, the fracture won’t heal properly. You could also expose yourself to the risk of an infection or serious damage to nerves, muscles, ligaments or tendons surrounding the broken bone. Additionally, if you file a personal injury claim, an insurance adjuster may argue that your delay in seeing a doctor shows that your fracture is not as severe as you insist or is not the product of your auto accident.
What Type of Auto Accident-Related Bone Fracture Did You Suffer?
Many types of fractures occur in auto accidents. Often, the fractures involve the wrists, arms, legs, shoulders and ribs. However, people involved in crashes can also suffer a broken hip, cracked pelvis or facial fractures.
According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, the most common types of fractures are:
- Stable fracture – This is a fairly mild type of fracture. Although the fracture is complete – it goes all the way through the bone – the ends still line up.
- Open, compound fracture – The bone breaks through the skin.
- Transverse fracture – The fracture follows a horizontal line.
- Oblique fracture – The fracture is at an angle.
- Comminuted fracture – This is a severe fracture. It occurs when the bone breaks into multiple pieces.
If the bone merely bends, it is called “bowing.” If the bone cracks but does not break, doctors typically call it a “stress fracture.”
The severity and complexity of the fracture that you suffered in your crash will largely determine the amount of compensation that The Sloan Firm seeks on your behalf. This is because certain types of fractures will require extensive medical care and may take a long time to heal. As a result, you could face a high amount in medical bills and be forced to stay out of work for a prolonged period.
In the worst-case scenario, you could need multiple orthopedic surgeries, including operations that involve the insertion of screws, rods, pins or plates. You could also require use of assistive devices and/or a great deal of physical therapy and long-term care.
Unfortunately, for some people, a broken bone may never heal properly. As a result, the fracture could prevent a person from going back to the same occupation he or she had before the auto accident. The person may also be unable to do tasks around the home or enjoy the same physical activities.
How Can a Longview Lawyer Help with Your Car Accident Injuries?
At The Sloan Firm, we know that even a relatively “minor” fracture in a car accident can cause major problems. What matters is that your life has been impacted by the injury. If another person’s negligence caused the accident that led to your fracture, you deserve compensation.
When our lawyers take on your case, we will work tirelessly to pursue all sources of compensation available to you. For instance, you could be entitled to funds through:
- The at-fault driver’s liability coverage
- Your own medical payments (MedPay) or personal injury protection (PIP) coverage
- Your own uninsured / underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage.
We will pursue full and fair compensation for your past and future medical expenses, lost income, diminished future earning capacity, pain, suffering and more.
Keep in mind: An insurance company may offer you a settlement within a matter of days after your accident. However, you should not accept any settlement before you speak with a lawyer first. The insurance company’s settlement offer may fail to reflect the severity of the broken bone injury you have suffered. The Sloan Firm can review any settlement offer you have received and ensure that your rights and interests are protected.
Get Help from Our Longview Broken Bone Car Accident Injury Attorneys
If you suffered broken bones or any other type of injuries in a car accident through no fault of your own, contact an experienced and compassionate Longview car accident lawyer at The Sloan Firm today. We can review your case and explain your legal rights and options in a free consultation.