Broken Bones

When it comes to car accidents in North Carolina, broken bones are one of the most common types of injuries drivers and passengers can experience. Broken bones vary in severity from a simple fracture to a complete break. Many times, if someone suffers from a fractured or cracked bone in a car accident, he or she experiences additional injuries, as well. Taking the time to heal from a broken bone can become expensive, especially if you must take time off of work. In some cases, the broken bone or bones may be severe enough that the victim needs to take a leave of absence, risking the loss of his or her job. In any event, if you have suffered from fractured or broken bones resulting from a car accident, you might be entitled to compensation for your injuries.

Under North Carolina law, plaintiffs are entitled to recover monetary damages for injuries caused by someone else's negligent or reckless behavior. If another driver's negligent driving caused the car accident that resulted in your fracture or broken bone, Arnold & Smith, PLLC can help. With three offices located in Lake Norman, Monroe, and Charlotte, we represent clients throughout the state of North Carolina. Our attorneys have experience representing clients who have suffered broken bones in North Carolina car accidents. We have a proven track record of representing our clients in both state and federal courts. We understand the toll that broken bones can take on your financial, emotional, and physical well-being. That is why we help our clients fight for their legal rights to compensation.

Type of Bone Fractures and Breaks

Bone fractures and breaks vary in terms of location and severity. Each bone fracture treatment plan is unique because each injury is unique and requires a tailored approach to healing. The following are examples of broken bones:

• A simple fracture happens with bone breaks but does not puncture through the skin.
• A compression fracture happens when one or more of the spinal vertebrae collapse.
• A compound fracture happens when a bone breaks and punctures through the skin
• An angulation or displacement fracture occurs when a bone breaks and shifts from its proper location, often in a strange angle.
• A complete fracture occurs when the bone completely breaks with no bone fragments connecting at the location of the break.
• An incomplete fracture happens with two of the bone fragments that are still at least partly joined.
• Linear fractures, transverse fractures, and oblique fractures refer to the direction that the fracture runs.
• An impacted fracture happens when a forceful action drives one bone fracture into another bone fracture.
• A comminuted fracture happens when a single bone splits into several pieces.

Common Causes of Broken Bone Injuries

Car accidents are the cause of many bone fractures in North Carolina. Human bones are typically quite strong and able to withstand significant impact. Nonetheless, the force that takes place in a car accident can be so strong that it causes bones to fracture upon impact. Even drivers and passengers who are wearing seat belts can suffer bone fractures and injuries in a car accident.

Bicycle accidents are another common cause of broken bones. When a car or truck hits a bicyclist, the force of the crash can easily cause a bone to snap or break. In some cases, the bicyclist becomes trapped under the tire of a car. The pressure from the car can cause a bone to fracture. The same is true of motorcyclists who experience a car accident. Because anything other than a helmet does not protect the motorcyclist, he or she is at a higher risk of a bone fracture or break when a car accident occurs.

Bones Often Broken in a Car Accident and Broken Bone Treatment

While car accidents can cause any bone to break or fracture, some bones are especially susceptible to breakage, such as:

• Neck bones
• Bones in the skull
• Facial bones
• Femur
• Ribs
• Collarbone
• Pelvic bones
• Spinal vertebrae
• Arm bones
• Wrist bones
• Ankle bones
• Hand bones

If you have experienced a bone fracture or break from a car accident, a medical professional can offer you a treatment plan. Sometimes, a broken bone requires a cast for a short or long period of time. Medical professionals may need to manually realign your fractured bones. Sometimes, orthopedic surgeons are required to use surgical tools to mend a broken bone. Finally, physical therapy is often necessary to help broken bone victims learn how to regain mobility and strength.

Have you or a loved one suffered from a broken bone due to a car accident? Contact the North Carolina broken bone attorneys at Arnold & Smith, PLLC today to set up your free consultation.

---