Car accidents can result in a variety of injuries, with broken bones being among the most common. In addition to being extremely painful, broken bones can hinder your ability to work or perform domestic duties. 

After suffering a broken bone, filing a lawsuit against a negligent driver can help you recover the compensation you need. Read on to find out how you can file a claim for a broken bone after a car accident in PA, as well as how much compensation you should expect to receive. If you have questions or would like to have an experienced PA car accident attorney give you a free case evaluation, simply contact us today.

Make Sure That You Call the Police and Seek Medical Attention After a Car Accident Involving Serious Injury, Including Broken Bones

A person involved in an accident has to report it within five days, per Pennsylvania law. However, it is always advisable to call the police to the scene, particularly if you have sustained serious injuries. When law enforcement personnel arrive at the scene, they will collect evidence, interview witnesses, and complete a police report. This evidence can help prove the negligence of the opposing party, which is extremely advantageous to your case.

If you have suffered serious injuries, emergency personnel will transport you to a hospital immediately for medical care. Visiting a doctor will ensure that your injuries are promptly treated and do not worsen over time. In addition, should you file a claim for compensation, the medical documentation will serve as crucial evidence. It will help establish that the injuries were a result of the car accident and not another event.

How Do I File a Claim For a Broken Bone After my Car Accident in Pennsylvania?

If you sustain broken or fractured bones in a car accident, you can seek compensation from the driver at fault. Speeding, distracted driving, driving under the influence of alcohol or narcotics, and fatigued driving are common causes of car accidents. Drivers who engage in these behaviors may cause an automobile accident. If you plan to receive fair compensation for all damages, it is in your best interest to contact a PA car accident lawyer as soon as possible after the collision. Each state has its own deadline for filing a lawsuit, known as the "statute of limitations."

Many car accident victims decide to settle their lawsuits out of court. This can save you time and money while allowing you to recover your losses. However, you should only accept a settlement offer if it adequately compensates you for your broken bone injuries. Hiring an experienced PA personal injury lawyer is crucial and almost always results in a larger settlement amount.

What are the Most Common Types of Fractures or Broken Bones?

Fractures differ in size, location, severity, and type. With regard to the value of the claim, these factors are all essential considerations. The following are examples of typical types of fractures:

• Avulsion – a piece of bone attached to a tendon or ligament tears away from the rest of the bone
• Closed – there is no open wound associated with the fracture
• Comminuted – the bone has broken into three or more pieces and fragments are present at the fracture site
• Compound – the broken bone causes other injuries, such as pierced organs
• Compression - the bone is crushed. This causes the broken bone to be wider or flatter in appearance
• Depressed – crushing of the cranial bone towards the brain
• Fissure – the bone splits but does not break
• Greenstick – part of the bone is broken and the other part is bent
• Impacted – multiple fragments of bone are driven into each other
• Linear – a fracture that extends parallel to the length of the bone
• Oblique - the break is diagonal across the bone
• Open – a broken bone pierces the skin
• Segmental - The same bone is fractured in two places, so there is a "floating" piece of bone
• Spiral - the break spirals around the bone; common in a twisting injury
• Stable – the least severe type of fracture, causing no nerve damage or displacement
• Stress – tiny cracks in the bone, often caused by overuse
• Transverse - the break is in a straight line across the bone

Significant Elements of a Broken Bone Settlement

When determining how much compensation you should receive for a broken bone injury, the insurance company and the courts will consider many factors. A few of these factors include:

• Which bone(s) are broken?
• If your injury necessitates surgical treatment
• If you require rehabilitative assistance
• The amount of pain and suffering you may experience during recovery and after healing
• Whether or not you can return to work during recovery
• If you are able to return to the same profession after healing
• The amount of lost income resulting from the broken bone(s)
• If you are able to engage in the same hobbies you once enjoyed

What are the Recoverable Costs Following a Car Accident in Pennsylvania Involving Broken Bones?

There is no predetermined amount to approve or agree to for broken bones. Every car accident is unique, so it's important to consider how the broken bones you've sustained have/will affect your life.

However, a settlement for a car accident should include the following costs:

Medical Bills

A settlement for a car accident should cover all of your medical expenses, including ambulance transportation to the hospital after the accident and any other medical fees you incur. It should additionally include all medical examinations and appointments with members of the medical team.

Anticipated Medical Costs

Additionally, it is essential to consider anticipated medical expenses. For instance, broken bones frequently require weekly and monthly examinations to ensure proper healing. Your doctor may also want to see you a few months or a year after the cast is removed to ensure that you have regained full mobility and are not experiencing any discomfort.

Rehabilitative Services

Depending on the severity of your injury, you may need rehabilitation services. Broken hips, knees, legs, and extremities typically require rehabilitation after the doctor removes the cast. The rehabilitation procedure helps restore full mobility and functionality. It also allows you to regain strength in the affected area, which has been immobilized for months.

Lost Wages

A broken bone can prevent you from working. A settlement offer for a car accident should include compensation for lost wages, such as hourly or salary pay plus benefits. Broken bone injuries should not require you to take vacation or paid time off, particularly if they are the result of someone else's negligence.

Temporary Childcare

Broken bones may interfere with your parental obligations. For instance, if your arm or hand is in a cast, it may be difficult to carry young children or transport strollers or car seats. In addition, you may require child care while attending medical appointments. Your car accident settlement for broken bones should include all related expenses, including temporary child care costs.

Reduced Earning Capacity

A broken bone may not only temporarily impair your ability to work, but it may also reduce your earning potential. For example, if you experience persistent pain after breaking your foot or limb, you may be unable to stand for an extended period of time. Similarly, if you fracture your arm or shoulder, it may be difficult for you to operate heavy machinery again. A settlement for a car accident should also account for diminished earning capacity.

Pain and Suffering

A broken bone is also accompanied by pain and suffering. Consequently, your car accident settlement should also include compensation for the emotional distress and physical discomfort you experience as a result of your broken bone.

What is a reasonable settlement for a broken bone sustained in a car accident? This depends on the severity of your injury and how it affects you physically and financially.

Don’t Delay; Contact PA Car Accident Attorney Brandon J. Broderick Today For a Free Case Evaluation

If you plan to receive fair compensation for all damages, it is in your best interest to contact a PA car accident lawyer as soon as possible after the collision. Some individuals will not pursue a personal injury claim due to the inconvenience and work involved.

At Brandon J. Broderick, Attorney at Law, we prioritize restoring your health and well-being before initiating the process of recovering your financial losses. In order to pursue maximum compensation for your injuries, we manage all communications and negotiations with insurance companies and construct your case. Do not be left responsible for medical expenses and bills that are not your fault.

We are committed to assisting clients in Pennsylvania with their car accident and personal injury cases. We have the decades of experience and extensive resources required to secure a positive outcome for your case. Compassionately, our attorneys prioritize client care and meeting your needs. Contact us immediately for a free legal consultation.