If you’ve been involved in an auto accident, then you know how serious your injuries can be. You may have broken bones that will require surgery, physical therapy or other medical treatments. These may cause you to be out of work or may change your life permanently as they lead to chronic pain and disability.
While many people don’t think that broken bones are very serious, the reality is that broken bones can be catastrophic to a person’s life. Depending on how they’re broken, some broken bones may be unable to be healed and could lead to amputations as well.
How do broken bones happen in auto accidents?
It’s common for broken bones to occur in crashes. Some of the most common reasons for broken bones include:
- Bring thrown from the vehicle
- Being thrown backward or forward within the vehicle
- Being hit by debris or objects
- Being compressed or crushed during the collision
- Being hit by the other vehicle directly
- Hitting hard objects with force, such as if you hit your steering wheel
- Twisting or bending your limbs in an unusual way
These and other reasons for broken bones can lead to serious breaks that require emergency medical care.
Understanding your broken bones
Depending on the kind of break you’re dealing with, you may need different kinds of treatment. For example, crushed bones may require surgery to get pins or plates installed to help them stay in position and heal. If that’s not possible, the limb may need to be amputated.
If you have a compound break or a break that has come through the skin, you will likely need it to be set and could require surgery or physical therapy.
Even if you have a minor fracture, you may still not be able to use the limb or body part for some time.
All of these issues could lead to you missing work or being in pain. You could end up with a disability, too, under some circumstances. As a result, if you’re hurt, it’s wise to look into seeking compensation from the at-fault party, so you can focus on your health and recovery rather than lost wages, medical expenses or other costs.
