Broken bones are some of the most common injuries you may suffer in a car accident. The force of a collision has the potential to break nearly any bone in the body. Broken bones can be incredibly painful and may even require surgery, which could lead to long recovery times and potential complications. Car accident victims who have sustained a broken bone will need to seek immediate treatment to ensure their injury heals correctly. Car accident victims in Austin may additionally be able to seek damages for their car accident related injuries from the negligent driver responsible for the crash.
What is A Fracture?
A fracture consists of any break within any bone of the body. Fractures can vary in severity. Broken bones that puncture the skin are known as open or compound fractures, while stress fractures are hairline breaks that develop due to repeated force against the bone. Broken bones can have any number of causes, but car accidents are considered a top cause of this sometimes serious injury.
Common Bones that May Break in an Accident
The most commonly broken bones in car accidents include breaks of the:
- Vertebrae
- Ankles
- Feet
- Hips
- Wrists
- Hands
- Collar bones
- Legs
Symptoms of a broken bone after a car accident could include swelling or bruising, the inability to move a limb or limited mobility, intense pain, and numbness or tingling. If you have been involved in a collision and suspect you may have broken a bone, it is critical that you receive prompt medical treatment. Your broken bone may require x-rays to determine its severity and treatment with a cast, brace, or even surgery. Failure to seek medical treatment right away could cause complications down the road.
Damages for Your Car Accident Injuries
In Texas, car accident victims injured due to negligence may be able to file a personal injury action against the person who hit them. Car accident claims could seek compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering stemming from the broken bone sustained in the crash. Accident victims should consult with a personal injury attorney as soon as possible for an analysis of their legal rights.