Car accidents have the potential to cause significant damage to both the vehicle itself and the occupants of the vehicle. There are a range of common car accident injuries, including broken bones. Although a common injury, breaking a bone can cause a range of medical complications, including ongoing pain, muscle damage, ligament damage and more. It is important not to overlook the serious nature of a broken bone.
Broken bones can happen even if you were wearing your seatbelt at the time of the accident. After a crash, you will benefit from a complete medical evaluation in order to determine the extent of the injuries you suffered and what care you may need long-term. If your suffering was the result of the careless or reckless actions of another person, you may have grounds to pursue recovery that will allow you to pick up the pieces and move forward.
Different broken bones and their impact
The broken bones one may experience in a car accident can range from relatively minor fractures to severe breaks that require surgery and rehabilitation. Broken bones can heal, but their potential impact can be far-reaching in different areas of your life. Common types of broken bones and their potential impact include breaks to the following areas:
- Face — Broken facial bones can happen due to the face striking a part of the vehicle during an impact. These bones are small and fragile, and they may break easily in a crash.
- Spinal vertebrae — Broken back bones are a common car accident injury, and when there is damage to the vertebrae, it can lead to paralysis, limited mobility and other problems.
- Clavicle — Broken collar bones are a common accident injury because of the way a seatbelt functions during a crash. This is a delicate bone, and it may be easier to break than other bones in the body.
- Arm bones — The bones in the arms, hands and wrists are susceptible to injury during an accident because of a person’s natural instinct to brace against a sudden impact. These injuries can limit motion and physical capabilities during the healing process.
- Cranium — Injuries to the skull are often experienced because the force of an impact can cause one to strike his or her head on different parts of the vehicle. This can lead to concussions, extensive pain or even permanent brain damage.
If you suffered any type of broken bone in a Texas car accident that was the result of the careless or reckless action of another person, you do not have to navigate the aftermath alone. An assessment of your case may reveal that you have grounds to pursue a civil claim against the responsible party.