broken bones after a car accident

Baltimore Lawyers for Broken Bones from a Car Accident

Strong advocacy when car accidents cause fractures in Maryland

Broken bones are a common car accident injury. Drivers and passengers often collide with each other and various parts of the car with such force that any part of their bodies can be broken. Each type of broken bone has its own set of challenges in obtaining proper surgeries and rehabilitative care.

At Plaxen Adler Muncy, P.A., our Baltimore car accident attorneys hold drivers accountable when they cause any type of accident. We can work with your doctors to understand the full scope and severity of your injuries and help you pursue the compensation you deserve.

How can we help?

What are the different ways a bone can break?

According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, there are many different ways that a bone can break.

The first step is to determine if the bone breaks through the skin (a compound/open fracture) or the broken bone doesn’t penetrate the skin (a simple/closed fracture).

Broken bones are classified, depending on the type of break, as follows:

  • One part of the bone breaks, and the other part bends.
  • The bone breaks in a straight line.
  • The break spirals around the bone.
  • The bone break is diagonal across the bone.
  • The bone is crushed. This causes the broken bone to be wider or flatter in appearance.
  • The bone breaks into three or more fragments.
  • The bone breaks in two places, so there is a "floating" piece of bone.
  • A fragment of bone is pulled off by a tendon or ligament at its attachment.

According to Sterling Medical Group, other types of broken bones include hairline fractures, buckle fractures, oblique fractures, and stress fractures.

What types of fractures do vehicle accidents cause?

Sterling Medical Group identifies the following as the most common types of fractures:

  • Spinal fractures of the neck and back vertebrae. These fractures are generally the most serious and can be fatal.
  • The clavicle. This bone is very fragile. It runs across the top of the rib cage.
  • Pelvic bone. While more likely to happen in a motorcycle accident, car accidents can also cause broken pelvic bones.
  • The lower leg (fibula) and upper leg (femur). While the bones in your legs are fairly strong, a forceful crash can break your leg.
  • The skull (cranium). These fractures can cause traumatic brain injuries. They may occur when an occupant strikes their head on a window, dashboard, or steering wheel.
  • The bones in the face. These injuries can occur as a direct result of a car accident or the force of an airbag. The bones that can break include the nose, jaw, cheek, and orbital (eye) bones.
  • The breastbone and ribs. These bones protect your internal organs. If they break, immediate medical care is essential.

Other broken bones due to car accidents that we handle include the wrist, arm, tibia, fibula, and hip.

The bones of a driver or passenger may break if they are thrown from their vehicle, reach forward to protect themselves, are struck by an airbag, or for many other reasons. Cars that strike a pedestrian or a bicycle rider are likely to break their bones on impact.

What are the symptoms of a broken bone?

Johns Hopkins identifies these broken bone symptoms:

  • Sudden pain
  • Inability to bear weight on a bone or joint
  • Difficulty moving the bone
  • A deformity
  • Bruising, tenderness, and warmth

How are broken bones diagnosed?

Doctors conduct a physical examination to determine whether a bone may be broken. Common imaging tests include X-rays and CT scans (if the break doesn’t appear on the X-ray).

What are the treatments for broken bones in Maryland?

Johns Hopkins Medicine states that the aim of treatment for fractures is to “put the pieces of bone back in place, control the pain, give the bone time to heal, prevent complications, and restore normal use of the fractured area.”

Possible treatments include:

  • A splint or a cast. This treatment immobilizes the injured area and helps keep the bone in proper alignment.
  • Medications may be prescribed to control pain (subject to concerns about reliance on these drugs). Over-the-counter drugs may also help.
  • This procedure uses a pulley system to stretch certain parts of the body in a specific direction, which can help the bones align and heal.
  • Doctors may need to perform surgery to put your broken bones back in place. Doctors may use metal rods and pins inside the bone or outside the bone to hold the bone fragments in place.

It can take months for broken bones to heal. Some fractures never fully heal, resulting in chronic pain and other complications.

What’s the value of a broken bone claim in Baltimore?

We have 40 years of experience holding negligent drivers accountable for the injuries they cause. We can work with your physicians to verify the type and severity of fractures you have, all the treatments you’ve had so far, and all the future medical care you need. Our Baltimore personal injury lawyers also work with your employer, car mechanics, appraisers, and others to assess all other damages.

At Plaxen Adler Muncy, P.A., we seek compensation for the following damages, pursuant to Maryland law:

  • All your medical bills of every nature
  • Your lost income, which includes lost wages, business income, benefits, and permanent disability compensation
  • Your daily physical pain and emotional suffering
  • The cost to repair or replace your car, depending on the amount of damage
  • Any scars or disfigurement
  • The inability to use the broken bone
  • The inability to enjoy life’s pleasures
  • Loss of consortium (the enjoyment and comfort of a spouse)

It’s also important to note that Maryland follows contributory negligence, meaning that if a plaintiff is found even 1% at fault, recovery may be barred.

Do you have a Baltimore car accident lawyer near me?

Yes. Our Baltimore office is located at 575 S Charles St, Suite 504. We also have additional office locations across Maryland. We conduct consultations by phone and through online video platforms, such as Zoom and FaceTime. We can meet you away from the office if your broken bones prevent you from traveling.

Our personal injury lawyers will answer your questions and guide you through the claims process.

Get help from our Baltimore car accident lawyers today

At Plaxen Adler Muncy, P.A., we understand how distressing it is to worry about your health, your bills, and your family. Please call our personal injury lawyers today or fill out our contact form to schedule a free consultation. We represent car accident victims on a contingency basis. This means our success depends on your success.