If you have suffered fractures or broken bones in a car accident that was caused by a negligent or reckless driver, turn to J&Y Law. Our practice is dedicated to protecting the rights of bone injury victims. Though broken bones are common car accident injuries, serious fractures can be devastating, prevent you from working, and limit your ability to function.
By working with our experienced car accident attorneys, you can obtain just compensation that will help with your recovery. We have a proven track record of achieving positive outcomes in settlement negotiations and jury trials, having recovered millions of dollars for broken bone victims. Contact our office today for a no-cost consultation.
When Car Accidents Result in Broken Bone Injuries in California
Any bone in the body can be broken or fractured In a car accident. The tremendous force of the collision can be absorbed by the body, or vehicle occupants can be struck by flying objects, be violently thrown forward and backward, be ejected from the vehicle, or have limbs twisted or crushed. While the type of broken bone depends on the nature of the collision, bones most susceptible to fracture in a car accident include:
- Vertebrae in the spine
- Neck bones
- Thigh bone (femur)
- Collarbone
- Pelvis
- Ribs
- Ankles
- Bones in the sternum
- Bones in the neck or skull
Victims often require surgery and affected limbs may need to be immobilized (e.g. casts) to facilitate healing. Other courses of treatment include rehabilitation and physical therapy and broken bone victims are frequently prescribed pain medications.
The length of the recovery process depends on the severity of the fracture. In extreme cases, broken bones may never heal or fuse properly, resulting in permanent disability. With so much at stake, it is crucial to have an aggressive attorney in your corner, fighting for your rights.
Types of Broken Bones Caused by Car Accidents in California
Car accidents can result in several types of fractures, including:
- Transverse — occurs across the bone surface, causing the bone to snap into two pieces
- Compound — a broken bone splinters and pushes through the skin, often requires and carries a high risk of infection
- Comminuted — bone is crushed or breaks into multiple pieces, making repair and healing difficult
- Buckle — also referred to as an incomplete fracture where a bone severely bends or “buckles” but no break occurs
- Avulsion — the bone and soft tissue (ligaments, tendons) separate, often requiring surgery to prevent complications
- Stress/hairline — a simple fracture or partial break that may not be detected in an X-ray but can worsen without proper medical treatment
After any car accident, it is important to seek medical treatment even if you feel fine. Some broken bone injuries may not be immediately apparent and it takes a competent medical professional to conduct an exam, including X-rays, MRIs, and other tests to determine if you sustained bone fractures.
The quicker you seek treatment, the sooner you’ll be able to recover. The medical record will also be important evidence in your car accident case. That’s where the personal injury attorneys at J&Y Law come in. We will handle all the details of your claim, conduct a thorough investigation, take over all communications with the insurance company and opposing counsel, and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Though many broken bone claims can be resolved through settlement negotiations, insurers often attempt to deny claims, putting the bottom line ahead of the injured. We know how to level the playing field and fight back. When you become our client, you will have comfort knowing our experienced broken bone injury attorneys are on your side.
Damages You Can Recover for a Broken Bone Injury
If you have broken bones in a car accident that was caused by a negligent or reckless driver, you are entitled to compensation that includes economic and non-economic damages:
- Economic damages cover actual losses such as lost wages (past and future) and medical expenses
- Noneconomic damages are meant to cover intangible losses, such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, permanent disability, and loss of enjoyment of life
It is worth noting that California is a comparative negligence state for purposes of broken bone claims arising from car accidents. This means that you can still recover damages even if you were partially responsible for the accident that caused your injuries. The amount of your award will be reduced by the percentage of fault assigned to you, however.
As an example, if you suffered fractured ribs in a car accident after the at-fault driver ran a red light, but you made an improper turn, you may be found 20 percent at fault, in which case the total amount of damages will be reduced by 20 percent. Our legal team will work to limit any blame assigned to you and fight for the maximum compensation you deserve.
Contact Our Experienced California Broken Bone Car Accident Attorneys
At J&Y Law, we are highly experienced in handling broken bone claims and have a proven history of achieving successful outcomes in car accident cases. Trust our legal team to help obtain the resources for all your medical and financial needs. Contact us today.