Fractures and broken bones are very common injuries after trucking crashes in Hollywood and South Florida. The force of being hit by a much larger vehicle may cause you to crash against the dashboard or other hard surfaces in the car, which can lead to broken bones. Unfortunately, while many insurance companies dismiss these injuries are relatively minor, fractures can be a serious injury that can be very painful and can take a long time to heal.
The only way to determine whether you have a broken bone is to get a proper medical evaluation. Potential fractures should be treated as a medical emergency. If you heard a snap during the crash or if the impacted area is very painful to move or looks crooked, you may have a broken bone. If the affected bone is in the spinal, neck, or head area, avoid moving the patient. Call 911 and get help.
What Happens after a Fracture?
If you suspect a broken bone after a car accident, you will likely be taken to the emergency room, where physicians will take x-rays or will conduct other tests to determine whether there’s a fracture or possible other injuries after your collision. If an x-ray shows a fracture, the bone will be set and you will need to wear a cast to keep the bone set as it heals.
If the fracture affects sensitive areas like the spine or if the break was very serious, mobility may be affected. In these cases, doctors may have to perform surgery. For example, if a crushing injury has occurred or if the broken bone was fractured in several places, surgeons may use plates to keep the bone fragments together.
Healing Time After a Broken Bone
A small fracture may take 6 weeks to heal. A more serious break may take four months or more to heal. You may need physical therapy in order to fully regain your range of motion. For some patients, a serious injury, such as a crushing injury or a spinal cord injury means that their fracture becomes a permanent injury that affects their mobility for the rest of their lives.
Fractures are extremely painful. You may need to pay for pain medication to cope with the aches and pains. Depending on your fracture and your job, you may not be able to return to work for weeks or months after your injury.
Seeking Help After a Fracture
If you’ve sustained a broken bone in a car collision, seek legal help as well as medical help. Fractures can be surprisingly expensive, especially if your insurance doesn’t cover the full cost of your hospital stay, medical tests, lost income, and other losses. A personal injury attorney can negotiate with your insurance company or may be able to fight for your rights in a legal claim if you qualify.
Seeking the full amount you deserve after a serious injury is not only financially important – it’s your right. If you have suffered an injury in South Florida, find out whether you have a claim by calling Flaxman Law Group for a free accident consultation. Our law firm understands the pain and fear you may be feeling after your collision and we will strive to offer thorough, personalized legal advice and representation.