Car accidents in Geneva, Illinois, can result in serious injuries. Broken bones are among the most common of these injuries.
Bones are strong but not indestructible. They can only withstand so much force before giving way. When a severe auto accident occurs, fractures often result from three main forces:
- Impact: The sudden force of a crash can crack or shatter bones. For example, a driver’s leg can fracture when it contacts the dashboard during a head-on collision. Even passengers wearing seatbelts can suffer broken ribs from the impact of the restraint system.
- Bending or Twisting: When the body is thrown around inside a vehicle, arms or legs may bend unnaturally and suffer fractures. A common example is when a driver braces against the steering wheel during a collision, which puts extreme pressure on the wrist and forearm.
- Compression: Whiplash-type motions and sudden stops can compress vertebrae and lead to painful fractures. The spine is particularly vulnerable to compression injuries.
Types of Fractures From Geneva Car Accidents
Doctors classify fractures based on severity and how the bones break. This classification can affect both medical treatment and recovery time.
- Displaced vs. Non-Displaced: In a non-displaced fracture, the bone remains aligned, and doctors typically treat it with a cast. Displaced fractures involve bones moving out of position and often require surgery to realign and stabilize them with screws or plates.
- Open vs. Closed: Closed fractures occur beneath the skin, while open fractures break through the skin. Open fractures create a higher risk of infection and usually involve surgical repair.
Fractures also have different shapes. Impacted fractures occur when broken bone ends push into each other, often seen in wrist injuries from bracing during a crash.
Avulsion fractures result when a tendon or ligament pulls off a small piece of bone, which can happen if a driver’s body is twisted suddenly.
Comminuted fractures shatter the bone into several pieces. These are particularly serious and may require months of recovery and multiple surgeries.
Complications from Broken Bones
While most fractures eventually heal, the recovery process can be long and painful. Geneva accident victims often face:
- Extended rehabilitation: Physical therapy may be necessary to regain strength and mobility.
- Chronic pain: Fractures near joints can lead to arthritis or lingering stiffness.
- Surgical risks: Hardware used to stabilize bones may need future removal, adding to medical costs.
- Loss of income: Victims may be unable to work for weeks or months during recovery.
In severe cases, broken bones can cause permanent disability (such as complete or partial paralysis) or change a person’s ability to earn a living.
Types of Compensation Available for Broken Bones After a Geneva Car Accident
If you suffered broken bones, you may be entitled to recover economic and non-economic damages from the at-fault driver. Together, these compensate for your financial and personal losses.
A personal injury claim will allow you to pursue money for:
- Medical expenses (past and future)
- Lost income, including diminished earning potential.
- Physical therapy and rehabilitation costs
- Out-of-pocket expenses
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Anxiety
- PTSD
- Reduced quality of life
- Scarring and disfigurement
Insurance companies, however, often try to minimize payouts. They may argue that your injuries are less severe than claimed or push for a quick settlement that does not cover future medical needs. This is why working with a knowledgeable auto accident lawyer can make a critical difference.
Contact a Geneva Car Accident Lawyer for Help Recovering Compensation
Broken bones can disrupt every part of your life. If another driver’s negligence caused your injuries, you may have a viable personal injury claim. An experienced Geneva car accident lawyer can help you understand your rights and legal options. Call Feagans Law Group today to learn more about how we can help you recover compensation for broken bones and other injuries after a crash.