What Types of Bone Fractures Can a Car Accident Cause?

Fractured bones are one of the more serious injuries that can occur as a result of a car accident in Oregon and the surrounding areas. However, there are certain types of fractures that are more common than others in vehicle accidents. Here, we want to examine the types of bone fractures that a car accident can cause as well as the importance of seeking medical and legal assistance when moving forward with your claim. Discuss your case with a Portland car accident lawyer to learn more about your legal options.

Types of Bone Fractures Caused by a Vehicle Accident

Individuals can sustain fractures throughout their body when a car accident occurs, and often, the signs and symptoms of a bone fracture are not immediately known. Yes, there are times when individuals will notice a fracture right away, particularly if there is a deformity or break in the skin. However, sometimes, the following signs and symptoms may occur shortly after the incident or even hours after a collision, and these could indicate the sign of a broken bone:

• Pain or swelling in a specific area
• Trouble putting weight on a limb or trouble lifting objects
• Inability to move a certain area, including rotating an ankle or bending an arm

If individuals experience any symptoms that could indicate a fracture is present, they must seek immediate medical treatment. Only a medical professional can properly diagnose a fracture and lay out a course of treatment.

Some of the most commonly fractured bones caused by a car accident include:

• Arm fractures
• Wrist fractures
• Tibia/fibula fractures
• Femur fractures
• Rib fractures
• Clavicle fractures
• Hip fractures
• Back fractures
• Pelvis fractures
• Facial or skull fractures

The type of fracture that occurs will depend on several factors related to the vehicle accident. One of the most common factors that can influence fractures and the severity of injuries in a vehicle accident is the speed of the vehicles involved when the incident occurs. Additionally, the size of a vehicle will play a role, particularly when the accident involves vehicles of mismatched sizes, including commercial vehicles, motorcycles, and bicycles.

If individuals were not using their seat belts when a crash occurred, more severe fractures are likely in other areas of the body. Additionally, if individuals are sitting incorrectly in the seats of the vehicle or even perhaps lying down in the vehicle, other types of fractures are more likely to occur, including hip fractures, rib fractures, and fractures to the legs.

In addition to the factors listed above, age can also play a role in bone fractures caused by a vehicle accident. Younger children who are not properly fastened into car seats or booster seats are more likely to sustain severe injuries if an accident occurs. Additionally, older individuals may be more susceptible to fractures due to lower bone density.

Can You Recover Compensation?

If you or somebody you care about has sustained a bone fracture as a result of a car accident caused by the negligent actions of another driver, reach out to a personal injury attorney in Portland as soon as possible to file a personal injury claim. You are entitled to compensation for your injuries, and an attorney will be able to conduct a full investigation into your claim. The goal is to recover the compensation needed for your medical bills, lost wages, property damage expenses, and pain and suffering damages. Generally, individuals recover compensation through a settlement with the at-fault driver’s insurance carrier, but it may be necessary to file a civil personal injury lawsuit in order to recover damages.