A wide range of injuries can happen in a car accident, such as broken bones. These injuries can be painful and debilitating, and require immediate medical attention for proper healing. If you’re involved in a Kansas City car accident and suffer broken bones, make it a high priority to take the proper steps following the accident. At the top of the list is to consult with an experienced Kansas City car accident lawyer as soon as possible to assist you in navigating the legal process and to ensure that your legal rights and compensation stay protected.
Types of Broken Bone Injuries
Broken bones, also known as fractures, occur when a bone is cracked, shattered, or completely broken due to the forceful impact of a car accident. The severity of a fracture varies from a hairline crack to a complete break that causes the bone to fragment. These injuries cause severe discomfort and pain, and some may require surgery. Broken bone injuries can affect your mobility or the ability to do your normal activities, and also make it difficult to work.
Some of the most common bones injuries due to a car accident include:
- Arm and wrist
- Fingers and hand
- Shoulder
- Leg and knee
- Hip
- Ribs
- Spine
- Pelvis
- Collarbone
- Skull
- Facial bones
Various types of bone breaks can happen in a car accident, such as:
- Compound fracture. This is when the bone breaks and protrudes through the skin.
- Stress fracture. Composed of tiny hairline cracks on the surface of the bone, they might not be immediately visible on an X-ray.
- Comminuted fracture. This happens when the bone breaks into several pieces.
- Transverse fracture. This is a horizontal bone break.
- Displaced fracture. A shift of the bone because the break misaligned or displaced it.
In addition, broken bones can be either a simple or closed fracture that doesn’t penetrate the skin, or an open fracture that penetrates through the skin.
Steps to Take if You Suffer a Broken Bone a Car Accident
If you suffer broken bones in a car accident in Kansas City, there are several steps to take.
Seek immediate medical attention
Even if your injuries seem minor and it doesn’t appear like anything is broken, you need a thorough medical exam, either by emergency personnel or a doctor in the ER. This helps ensure you don't have any internal injuries or hidden fractures.
Document the accident
If possible, gather evidence from the accident scene. This includes taking photos of the area, any visible injuries you have, and vehicle damage. Also, get the contact information of other drivers involved in the crash and of any witnesses to the incident.
Avoid talking to insurance adjusters
You may be contacted by an insurance adjuster immediately following the accident. You’re not obligated to give a recorded statement or speak to an insurance company representative for any reason without consulting your lawyer first. Understand that whatever you say could be used against your case and affect your settlement’s outcome.
Consult a car accident lawyer
Contact a car accident lawyer as soon as possible to help you navigate the legal process and ensure you receive fair compensation for your injuries.
How a Lawyer Can Help
A car accident broken bone lawyer can help in the following ways:
Investigate the accident
This helps to prove fault. The process might include gathering evidence, consulting with experts, and obtaining medical and police records.
Determine the value of your claim
An attorney understands how vital it is to assign value to both economic and non-economic factors relating to the accident, such as medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.
Negotiate with the insurance company
Having legal counsel handle complicated negotiations on your behalf ensures you receive fair compensation for your injuries.
Represent you in court
If necessary, an experienced trial attorney knows how to prepare for a lawsuit and fight for the full compensation you deserve.
Types of Broken Bone Car Accident Damages
Broken bone injuries are serious medical conditions that require consistent treatment and may result in significant financial expenses. In Kansas City, car accident victims who suffer broken bones may be able to recover compensation for:
- Medical expenses such as emergency room visits, doctor visits, X-rays, surgeries, physical therapy, and medication costs.
- Lost wages if you’re unable to work or return to work due to your broken bone injury.
- Pain and suffering due to the emotional distress or mental anguish resulting from the trauma of the accident and injury recovery.
- Permanent disability or disfigurement.
You deserve compensation that covers the full extent of your damages. A skilled attorney can form a strategy for your claim that achieves this.
Have You Or a Loved One Been Injured In A Kansas City, Missouri Car Accident?
If you've been hurt in a Kansas City area car accident you should speak with an experienced car accident lawyer as soon as possible. Please feel free to contact us online or call our office directly at 816.832.4688 to schedule your free consultation. We are proud to serve Kansas City, Missouri and the surrounding area and look forward to speaking with you.
