Broken bones from car accidents and fractures can be devastating to a person’s physical and mental health as well as their finances. If you’ve experienced a car accident in Saginaw, you need to look out for signs of broken bones and fractures, and you need to know how to move towards recovering physically and financially. If you believe that you’re currently suffering from a broken bone or fracture and haven’t already received treatment, please seek immediate medical attention.
Symptoms of Broken Bones and Fractures
A broken bone or fracture may not be obvious when experiencing a vehicular accident in Saginaw, so you need to be on the lookout for signs and symptoms. Common symptoms of a bone fracture or break include:
- Redness
- Swelling
- Bruising
- Unable to bear weight on the affected area
- Mobility issues
- Pain
- Deformity
Commonly Affected Areas
Although there are many commonly fractured bones that you could break during a car accident, there are some bones that are more likely to be affected than others. Breaks and fractures to spinal bones are incredibly common, and victims of head-on collisions and car accidents also frequently suffer breaks and fractures in their shoulders, arms, legs, and pelvic region. If you experience a car accident, be aware of the warning signs and the areas that are more likely to be injured.
Types of Arm Injuries
Common bone breaks and fractures that can occur in your arms after a car accident include:
- Closed Fracture
- Compound Fracture
- Comminuted Fracture
- Displaced Fracture
- Soft Tissue Injuries
- Stress Fractures
Types of Leg Injuries
Some common types of breaks and fractures that can occur in your legs include:
- Compound Fracture
- Incomplete Fracture
- Complete Fracture
- Closed Fracture
- Comminuted Fracture
- Displaced Fracture
Types of Spinal Injuries
Common injuries to the spine include:
- Axial Burst Fracture
- Transverse Process Fracture
- Dislocation
- Compression Fracture
- Flexion/Distraction Fracture
Surgery and Physical Therapy Options
If you fracture or break a bone or multiple bones after an auto accident, you may need to explore surgical options with your doctor. Medical professionals will diagnose your break and/or fractured bones through diagnostic imaging tests, including X-Rays, MRIs, and CT scans. Once properly diagnosed, you may need surgery or physical therapy. Common types of surgery for breaks and fractures include:
- Fixation: Fixation devices are designed to assist the healing process for damaged arms and legs by facilitating proper alignment. Devices include wires, nails, screws, and plates.
- Vertebroplasty: Treats compressed or fractured vertebrae by injecting bone cement.
- Fusion: Assists spine damage by fusing two vertebrae in order to alleviate mobility pain.
- Artificial Discs: Inserts false discs between damaged discs to alleviate pain and encourage stability.
What to Do After Experiencing a Car Accident in Saginaw
Michigan auto law states that you need to report the car accident to the police if the vehicle and medical damages exceed $999. You should try to report the incident immediately, but you can still file the report even if you fail to immediately contact the police.
If you experience a vehicular accident and notice warning signs of a break or fracture, you need to take immediate action for your physical health. After receiving immediate medical attention, you should seek referrals for any additional medical treatment that may be necessary, such as an orthopedist, orthopedic surgeon, physical therapist, or occupational therapist.
Make sure to keep detailed records of all medical expenses that occurred after your car accident. This is critical when it comes to dealing with insurance companies and health care providers. It’s also important for establishing a connection between your medical expenses and the wreck so that you may receive compensation for medical treatment.
You should also reach out to an experienced injury attorney who can assist you through the process of dealing with insurance companies and possible litigations that may result from the wreck. You should also contact your car insurance company about injuries sustained during the accident.
Finally, you should avoid signing any settlements, waivers, or releases that have to do with your car accident. Signing something without legal support can result in you being swindled out of compensation.
Taking Legal Action in Saginaw
In Michigan, you have three years to file a lawsuit after experiencing a car accident. Different factors determine the length of litigation. Some of these include the type and severity of injuries, diagnosis, and duration of rehabilitation, whether your injuries keep you from working, and whether you need to dispute who was at fault for the accident.
Another important factor you need to be aware of in regards to taking legal action is that Michigan is a no-fault state. This means that all vehicle owners are required to obtain coverage for expenses relating to car accidents. Through the no-fault law, drivers can choose different personal injury protection (PIP) plans that offer different ranges of medical coverage. The PIP plans affect who’s held financially responsible for medical expenses resulting from a crash.
Seek Experienced Lawyers in Saginaw
If you have suffered a car accident that left you with broken or fractured bones in Saginaw, you need a team of experienced personal injury attorneys at your side. You’re not only dealing with medical expenses—you may also be dealing with car damages, emotional trauma, and evasive insurance companies that try to underpay you. To receive the proper legal support you need, call Lee Steinberg Law Firm at 1-800-LEE-FREE (1-800-533-3733) for a free consultation.
