Getting into a car accident is scary enough, but finding out you have broken bones makes it even worse. These types of injuries are a common problem after crashes because of how much force is involved. Broken arms and legs are especially frequent. When a car hits hard, your body gets pushed around in ways it’s not meant to.
Many people think a broken bone is just a simple crack. But a fracture can be anything from a tiny crack you can barely see (a hairline fracture) to a severe break where the bone snaps completely and might even stick out of your skin (a compound fracture). Sometimes, you know right away that something is seriously wrong. Other times, the pain and problems only show up hours later. That’s why it’s always smart to get checked out by a doctor after an accident, even if you feel okay at first. They can do X-rays to see if a bone is broken.
What Happens When Bones Break in a Car Accident?
The bones in your arms and legs are often hurt in car crashes. For arms, this can happen if there’s a direct hit to your humerus (upper arm bone), radius, or ulna (lower arm bones). For legs, it’s common for the femur (thigh bone), tibia, or fibula (lower leg bones) to break. This often occurs when your knees and legs get jammed against the dashboard during the crash. Sometimes, the car itself crushes inward, which can also cause broken bones.
The type of break matters a lot. If the bone pieces are moved apart (displaced), if the bone breaks the skin (open), or if the bone shatters into many pieces (comminuted), the injury is much more serious. These bad breaks often need surgery. Doctors might put in pins, screws, or plates to hold the bone together while it heals.
Common Bone Injuries and Their Challenges
Your body has 206 bones, and any of them can break. However, some are more common in car accidents than others.
Broken Legs: The leg bones are very strong since they support your body, but they can still break. A broken leg is very painful and usually means you can’t walk for a while. You might need to use crutches, a wheelchair, or even stay in bed for weeks or months. After the bone heals, physical therapy helps you get your strength back. One study showed it takes surprisingly little force, about 100 to 500 newtons, to bend or break a leg bone, which is similar to the force of a human bite.
Broken Arms: Arm fractures are also common. While they might not stop you from walking, they make daily tasks very hard. You’ll likely have your arm in a cast or sling, making it difficult to do things yourself. About one in every four car accident injuries is an arm fracture. Drivers are more likely to get broken arms than passengers, partly because of how airbags deploy. Side-impact crashes also cause more arm and shoulder breaks than front-end crashes.
Broken Ribs: Your ribcage protects important organs like your heart and lungs. While a broken rib might seem minor compared to a broken leg, it can be very serious. A study of over 181,000 cases showed that severe rib fractures greatly increase the risk of other problems like punctured lungs, and even death. Breathing becomes very painful with broken ribs, and you might need bed rest.
Recovering From a Broken Bone
Healing from a broken bone takes time and effort. You’ll have many doctor appointments and might need physical therapy to regain full movement. Sometimes, these injuries can lead to long-term pain or even permanent disability, especially if joints like your knees or wrists are affected. Broken joints are more likely to cause arthritis later on.
Dealing with a broken bone from a car accident can feel overwhelming. You have to handle doctor visits, worry about missing work, and deal with insurance companies. For a leg fracture, the average payout nationally can be over $150,000, but this changes based on how bad the break is and which bone is hurt. You don’t have to go through this alone.
Get Help for Your Car Accident Injury
If you have broken bones from a car accident, you need someone on your side. Getting legal help can take the stress off your shoulders so you can focus on healing. Our experienced personal injury lawyer can help you understand your rights and fight for the compensation you deserve.