Bone Injuries After an Accident? What to Know

The moment after an accident can be a traumatic experience for anyone involved. You may feel overwhelmed, confused, scared, and in pain. And the last thing you will probably think of is your bones.

But unfortunately, bone fractures are a common type of injury suffered from accidents. Knowing what to look out for and how to treat these injuries properly can save you time, money, and discomfort.



Car accidents can cause bone fractures when the impact force is too much for tissue to handle. Because of this, you should understand a few ways these injuries can happen so you can determine if you have a bone injury after the accident.

For instance, if you are not wearing a seat belt during a car collision, you may be ejected from the car or hit another car or object, which can result in a broken bone. In addition, you may sustain fractures from the airbag or by hitting your car's interior. Also, if you reach forward to protect your face or neck during an accident, you may be more likely to break your wrists or arms.



Bone fractures may vary by severity and type. Learn about a few of the most common types:

• Hairline Fractures: These fractures feature small cracks in the bone, so you may not notice the fractures immediately. Consequently, you may not seek medical attention until the damage worsens.
• Compound Fractures: Compound fractures occur when broken bone fragments penetrate the skin or protrude from the wound. These types of fractures are serious medical emergencies that require immediate attention.
• Buckle Fractures: Children and older adults who have brittle bones may experience buckle fractures. These involve compression of the bone where one side buckles inwards. Generally, these are considered minor fractures since the bones don't break completely.
• Transverse Fractures: Transverse fractures occur when a bone breaks cleanly in two, with the break forming a 90-degree angle.

Some areas are more prone to bone fractures than others. Areas at risk include:

• Ribs: You may experience a broken rib if you experience direct impact over the chest area.
• Arms: Your arms are more exposed during an accident. For example, a broken arm could occur due to a direct impact by another vehicle, airbag, or your vehicle's steering wheel.
• Legs: Broken legs are not uncommon in car accidents, especially when it involves pedestrians struck by vehicles at high speeds. In addition, improperly installed seatbelts may also lead to fractures in the legs as your body absorbs the force from the impact.
• Head/Face: The skull is made up of many thin bones that protect the brain. In car accidents, a direct impact on the head may cause fractures in the skull or any of its bones.

If you are involved in an accident and experience any of the symptoms associated with bone fractures, you should seek medical attention immediately. Some symptoms include:



• Pain at the site of injury
• Swelling and tenderness
• Bruising or discoloration
• Deformity in the area

Your doctor will take X-rays to diagnose the fracture and recommend treatment. Depending upon the severity, your doctor may recommend a cast or surgery to repair the fracture.

Bone fractures can be traumatizing both physically and emotionally, but you may be eligible to receive compensation for your pain and suffering. An experienced personal injury lawyer can help you build a strong case to get the most out of your claim and help you seek justice after an accident. So once you’ve received medical attention, consider if you should seek legal action.

You can trust us at Frank Penny Injury Lawyers to provide you with legal advice and counsel throughout the process. We understand that no amount of money can make up for your trauma, but it may help cover medical costs and other expenses associated with a bone injury. Contact us today to learn how we can help you get the compensation you deserve after experiencing a bone injury due to an accident.