Georgia Car Accident Injuries: Broken Bones
What bones are most commonly broken in a car accident?
Broken bones are one of the most common injuries sustained in car accidents due to the often immense force of the collision. Nearly every bone within the body is susceptible to injury in a serious accident. Fractures can be incredibly painful and complicated breaks could require surgery as well as long recovery times. In the most severe of cases, a break could lead to permanent injuries. At Randall F. Rogers, PC, our Marietta car accident attorneys fight for the rights of injured car accident victims across the state. We explore fractures stemming from car accidents and your rights if you break a bone in a crash below.
Types of Fractures
A fracture is considered any break of a bone in the body. If the broken bone punctures the skin, it is called a compound fracture. Stress fractures are hairline breaks that develop from repeated force on the bone. Car accidents are one of the top causes of broken bones, with some other frequent causes include falls from heights, acts of violence, and repetitive forces.
Bones That May Break in a Crash
Some of the most common bones that could break in a car accident include:
- Arms
- Legs
- Vertebrae
- Collar bones
- Wrists
- Hips
- Hands
Signs of a broken bones following a car accident include bruising, swelling, pain, and the inability to move the limb or affected part of the body. All potentially broken bones must be immediately examined. Call for emergency help right away after the crash. Do not move the potentially broken bone, if at all possible. Emergency medical personnel will take steps to immobilize the bone to ensure that the break does not worsen.
Most breaks will require casting. While the bone is in a cast, you may find yourself unable to return to work. Surgery may be necessary when the bones do not properly align or the fracture is compound. A serious break will impact your livelihood and ability to maintain an income. As such, it is imperative that car accident victims seek the assistance of a car accident lawyer as soon as possible to protect your legal rights.
Posted in: Automobile Wrecks, Personal Injury