Broken bones can require a lengthy recovery.The force of a car accident can jar the body suddenly, creating a high risk for broken bones. The impact can shatter or fracture bones in numerous pieces. When the car accident occurs due to someone else’s negligence, you may be able to recover the damages you’ve suffered.

Common Bone Breaks From Car Accidents

Any bone in the body is at risk in a car accident. The location of the hit, the force of it, and the overall intensity of the accident can cause damage to many bones. Some of the most common include:

  • Leg 
  • Ankle
  • Foot 
  • Hand
  • Arm
  • Collarbone
  • Ribs
  • Pelvic bones
  • Facial bones
  • Bones in the back 
  • Skull bones 
  • Neck bones 

The Complexities of Broken Bones After an Accident

If you’ve been in a car accident, your first step is always to go to the emergency room for a full diagnosis. It is common for ER doctors to locate broken bones through an x-ray. They will likely treat other damages, such as internal injuries, as a priority. From there, doctors may need to cast the bone to keep it immobile for a time being to heal. 

In more serious situations, your doctor may need to perform surgery. If the bone is shattered, it may not be possible to put all of those pieces back together. That may mean the use of pins or a plate to hold the bone in place. 

Recovery from these types of accident injuries can be lengthy. Often, a broken bone needs six to eight weeks to heal. During that time, you may struggle with moving, walking, and functioning normally. You may find it is hard to engage in activities that you are used to doing. You may be unable to work or need special accommodations to do so. 

After you heal, you may need extensive recovery support. You haven’t used those muscles in a long time. You may be afraid to do so now. This often means you will need rehabilitation and ongoing physical therapy to help you regain your strength and balance. 

In some situations, after those two months of casting, you may need further surgery due to the complexity of your case or the slow healing process. You may find out months later you will never overcome the damage fully, making it hard to do your job.

Available Types of Compensation

It is very important to work with a personal injury attorney early on. Discuss what happened. File the necessary documentation of what occurred to you including providing access to all of your medical documents. Outline all of your losses such as:

  • Medical bills for emergency care
  • Ongoing treatment from an orthopedic specialist
  • Losses from being unable to work for an extended period of time
  • Pain and suffering
  • Rehabilitation 
  • Immobility concerns, such as needing home health care if you cannot walk
  • Costs associated with hospital stays
  • Loss of mobility or function 

How to Protect Your Recovery With the Help of an Attorney 

To protect your recovery, be aggressive in working with a personal injury attorney in Nebraska right away. Also, keep the following in mind:

  • Avoid speaking to anyone about your case.
  • Don’t post on social media what you are doing.
  • Take photos of your limitations. 
  • Keep records of all of your doctor’s visits.
  • Document all of your physical therapy sessions. 

Everyone heals at their own rate. You don’t want to rush into a settlement that’s not right for you. With the help of a car accident attorney, you can avoid this mistake.

At the Law Office of Matthew A. Lathrop, PC, LLO, we will help you learn about the compensation owed to you after a car accident in Nebraska. Call for a free consultation