Car accidents are one of the leading causes of broken bones, often resulting in severe pain, long recovery periods, and financial burdens. When a negligent driver causes an accident that leads to broken bones, victims have the right to seek compensation for their injuries. Our law firm is dedicated to helping accident victims of car crashes, truck accidents, and motorcycle wrecks recover the compensation they deserve.
Contact our Colorado car accident lawyers today for a free consultation.
What Are the Most Common Fractures in Car Crashes?
Certain bones are more susceptible to fractures, but the impact and force of car crashes may break even the strongest bones in the body.
Some of the most common broken bones include:
- Clavicle (Collarbone): A common fracture due to seat belt pressure or direct impact to the shoulder.
- Ribs: These fractures often occur due to seat belt restraints or hitting the steering wheel.
- Femur (Thigh Bone): One of the strongest bones in the body, but it can break in high-impact crashes.
- Tibia and Fibula (Lower Leg Bones): Commonly fractured due to force from the dashboard or side impacts.
- Patella (kneecap): The knee can fracture from hitting a hard surface like the dashboard.
- Humerus (Upper Arm Bone): Can break due to bracing for impact or being struck by airbags.
- Wrist and Hand Bones: Often fractured when drivers or passengers instinctively brace for impact.
- Pelvis: A severe injury that can occur in high-speed crashes, often requiring extensive recovery.
- Spinal Vertebrae: Fractures in the spine can be serious and may cause spinal cord damage.
How Long Does a Broken Bone Take to Heal?
In general, most broken bones take about six to eight weeks to heal, but some severe fractures can take several months or even longer. Simple fractures, where the bone remains aligned and does not require surgery, tend to heal faster, whereas compound fractures, where the bone pierces the skin or shatters into multiple pieces, often require more extensive treatment and longer recovery times. Additionally, bones in areas with less blood supply, such as the tibia, may take longer to heal than bones with a rich blood supply, like the clavicle.
Age and overall health also play a significant role in healing time. Younger individuals, especially children, tend to heal more quickly due to their body’s rapid cell regeneration. On the other hand, older adults or individuals with underlying health conditions, such as osteoporosis or diabetes, may experience delayed healing.
Compensation for Broken Bones
Victims of car accidents who suffer broken bones may be entitled to various types of compensation. The financial and emotional toll of such injuries can be overwhelming, but a successful personal injury claim can help alleviate some of these burdens.
Medical Costs
Medical expenses are often the most immediate and significant cost associated with broken bones. Emergency room visits, surgeries, diagnostic tests, physical therapy, and follow-up treatments all contribute to substantial medical bills. Additionally, severe fractures may require long-term rehabilitation or even multiple surgeries, further increasing medical costs. A personal injury claim can help ensure that these medical expenses are covered, relieving the financial strain on the victim and their family.
Lost Wages
Lost wages are another major concern for car accident victims suffering from broken bones. Depending on the severity of the fracture, a victim may be unable to work for weeks or even months. In some cases, especially when the injury leads to permanent disability, the victim may lose their ability to perform their previous job.
You can seek compensation for lost income lost during your recovery. If the injury affects future earning potential, victims may also be eligible for compensation for lost future income.
Pain and Suffering
Pain and suffering damages account for the physical pain and emotional distress caused by the injury. Broken bones can be excruciating, often requiring immobilization, surgeries, and extensive rehabilitation. The pain, along with the frustration of limited mobility and the emotional distress of a prolonged recovery, can significantly impact a victim’s quality of life. Compensation for pain and suffering aims to provide financial relief for these intangible damages.
Punitive Damages
Unlike other forms of compensation, punitive damages are designed to punish the at-fault party for particularly egregious conduct. Examples of such behavior include drunk driving and street racing. While punitive damages are not awarded in every case, they can significantly increase the total compensation.
Average Car Accident Settlement for Broken Bones
The settlement amount for a car accident resulting in broken bones varies depending on several factors, including the severity of the injury, the impact on the victim’s life, and the possibility of shared fault. On average, settlements for broken bones in car accidents range from $50,000 to $200,000, but more severe cases can exceed these amounts.
Simple fractures that heal relatively quickly may result in lower settlement amounts, typically covering medical expenses, lost wages, and some pain and suffering. More serious fractures, such as compound fractures or those requiring surgery, generally lead to higher settlements. If the injury results in long-term disability or chronic pain, the settlement amount can be significantly higher to account for ongoing medical treatment and diminished earning capacity.
Insurance policy limits also play a crucial role in determining car accident settlement amounts. If the at-fault driver has minimal insurance coverage, the victim may need to pursue additional compensation through their own uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. An experienced car accident attorney can help identify all possible sources of compensation to maximize the settlement amount.
How a Colorado Car Accident Lawyer Can Help Your Case
Navigating a personal injury claim for broken bones can be complex, especially when dealing with insurance companies that aim to minimize payouts. A skilled Colorado car accident lawyer can provide invaluable assistance by gathering evidence, negotiating settlements, and representing clients in lawsuits when necessary.
Gathering Evidence
One of the most critical aspects of a successful car accident claim is gathering strong evidence. This includes obtaining police reports, medical records, witness statements, and accident scene photos. An attorney may also work with medical experts to assess the long-term impact of the injury and determine appropriate compensation.
Negotiating a Settlement
Settlement negotiation is another key area where an attorney can be instrumental. Insurance companies often attempt to offer low settlements that do not fully cover a victim’s damages. An experienced attorney understands the tactics used by insurers and can negotiate aggressively to maximize your settlement.
Representing You in Court
If a fair settlement cannot be reached, a Colorado car accident lawyer can represent you in a personal injury lawsuit. Litigation may be necessary when the insurance company refuses to offer adequate compensation or disputes liability. A skilled attorney will build a strong case, present evidence effectively in court, and advocate for the maximum compensation.
How Long Do You Have to File a Car Accident Lawsuit in Colorado?
In Colorado, car accident victims have a limited time to file a personal injury lawsuit due to the state’s statute of limitations. Under Colorado law, the deadline for filing a car accident lawsuit is generally three years from the accident. If you don’t file your lawsuit within this time limit, you may lose your right to seek compensation if you miss the deadline.
There are exceptions to the statute of limitations that may extend or shorten the deadline. For example, if the accident involved a government vehicle, a victim may be required to file a notice of claim within a much shorter period, sometimes as little as 180 days. Additionally, if the victim was a minor, the statute of limitations may be extended to allow them to file a claim after turning 18.
Given the strict deadlines and legal complexities involved in car accident cases, it is crucial to consult with a Colorado car accident lawyer as soon as possible. An attorney can ensure all necessary paperwork is filed on time, preserve critical evidence, and build a strong case to maximize compensation.
Contact Us Today for a Free Case Evaluation
Suffering broken bones in a car accident can be a life-altering experience, resulting in significant physical, emotional, and financial hardships. If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident due to someone else’s negligence, the experienced team at Colorado Car Accident Lawyers is here to help.
We are committed to fighting for the rights of accident victims and securing the compensation they deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your case and learn more about your legal options.
