
Broken bones are among the most common injuries sustained in car accidents in Chicago. Also known as fractures, broken bones occur when an external force puts more pressure on the bone than it can withstand. The force exerted in a car accident can easily cause bones to crack, snap, or shatter.
Broken bones can be extremely painful and debilitating, and they may require extensive treatment and rehabilitation. In some cases, the effects can be long-lasting.
If you’ve suffered a broken bone in a Chicago car accident due to another driver’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical expenses, lost income, pain, suffering, and more. A skilled car accident attorney in Chicago at Roger D. Rudich, Ltd. can help you pursue the compensation you deserve.
Common Broken Bones in Chicago Car Accidents
Nearly any bone in the body can break in a car accident, but some fractures are more common than others. Here are some of the bones most frequently broken in crashes:
- Legs, Feet, and Ankles: The legs are especially prone to fractures because of their proximity to the front of the vehicle and their vulnerability to crushing injuries.
- Arms, Wrists, and Hands: Drivers and passengers often brace for impact with their hands, causing potential breaks in the arms, wrists, and hands.
- Ribs: The force of the driver slamming into the steering wheel, passengers striking the dashboard, or the body being restrained by a seatbelt can lead to fractured ribs.
- Collarbone: The clavicle is one of the most frequently broken bones, especially in car accidents.
- Facial Bones: The impact of airbags, hitting the steering wheel, or being thrown against hard surfaces can result in broken noses, orbital bones, jaws, or cheekbones.
While the commonality of these broken bones highlights the risks involved in car accidents, it’s essential to remember that every injury is unique. If you think you might have a broken bone, getting a proper diagnosis is crucial.
Severity of Broken Bones
Broken bones can vary significantly in severity. Here’s a look at different types of fractures and their usual symptoms:
- Simple Fractures: A clean break where the bone doesn’t pierce the skin. While considered less severe than other types, simple fractures can still be incredibly painful and require significant healing time.
- Compound Fractures: The bone breaks and pierces the skin, causing external wounds. These fractures carry a high risk of infection and often necessitate more complex surgical interventions and longer recovery periods.
- Comminuted Fractures: The bone shatters into several fragments. This type of fracture is often caused by high-impact trauma and can be extremely difficult to treat. Comminuted fractures may lead to longer-term complications as the numerous bone fragments must heal correctly to avoid future mobility issues.
Common symptoms of a broken bone include:
- Severe pain
- Swelling
- Bruising
- Tenderness
- Deformity or visible change in the area
- Difficulty moving or using the affected area
If you suspect you have a broken bone after a car accident, it’s crucial to seek medical attention immediately. To diagnose a fracture, a doctor will usually order an X-ray. In some cases, a CT scan or MRI may be necessary to get a more detailed view of the injury. Early diagnosis and treatment can significantly affect your recovery process and ability to seek fair compensation.
Compensation You May Deserve After a Broken Bone Injury
A broken bone injury from a car accident caused by another driver can seriously affect your life in numerous ways. You may be entitled to compensation for the following:
- Medical Expenses: This includes past and future costs for hospital stays, surgeries, doctor’s appointments, rehabilitation, medications, etc.
- Lost Income: If your injuries prevent you from working, you may be able to recover the wages you lost and any potential loss of future earning capacity.
- Pain and Suffering: The physical and emotional trauma caused by your broken bone injury can be significant and may justify compensation.
- Disability: If you suffer a long-term or permanent disability as a result of your injuries, you may be entitled to additional compensation.
Seeking legal help from an experienced Chicago car accident attorney as soon as possible following your accident may significantly improve your chances of a successful outcome.
Seek Experienced Chicago Car Accident Attorneys
If you’ve been injured in a car accident in Chicago, Roger D. Rudich, Ltd. can help. We have the experience, resources, and dedication needed to fight for the full and fair compensation you deserve.
Contact us today for a consultation. We’ll evaluate your case, explain your rights, and help build a strong claim.