A broken bone is more than a painful injury. After a serious car accident, a fracture can affect nearly every part of your life, from your ability to work and care for your family to your long-term mobility and financial security.
Some fractures heal within a few months, while others require multiple surgeries, extensive rehabilitation, or result in permanent limitations. Understanding your injury, following your treatment plan, and knowing your legal rights can make a significant difference in both your recovery and your personal injury claim.
If someone else’s negligence caused your accident, Missouri law may allow you to recover compensation for the full impact of your injuries, including future medical care and lost earning capacity.
Common Broken Bone Injuries After a Car Accident
The force generated during a collision can place tremendous stress on the body. Depending on the type of crash, drivers and passengers may suffer fractures throughout the body.
Common injuries include:
- Femur fractures
- Tibia and fibula fractures
- Pelvic fractures
- Vertebral compression fractures
- Rib fractures
- Clavicle fractures
- Wrist fractures
- Facial fractures
Each injury presents unique medical challenges and can affect the value of a personal injury claim.
Understanding Different Types of Fractures
Not all broken bones are equally serious.
Closed Fractures
The bone breaks but does not penetrate the skin.
Open (Compound) Fractures
The bone breaks through the skin, significantly increasing the risk of infection and often requiring emergency surgery.
Displaced Fractures
The broken pieces of bone have shifted out of alignment, typically requiring surgical intervention.
Comminuted Fractures
The bone shatters into multiple pieces, creating one of the most complex orthopedic injuries.
Joint (Intra-Articular) Fractures
When a fracture extends into a joint, long-term arthritis and reduced mobility become much more likely.
How Broken Bones Are Diagnosed
Doctors use several diagnostic tools to determine the severity of a fracture, including:
- Physical examination
- X-rays
- CT scans
- MRI imaging (when soft tissue damage is suspected)
Accurate diagnosis is critical for both treatment and documentation of your injury claim.
Treatment for Broken Bone Injuries
Treatment depends on the type and severity of the fracture.
Options may include:
- Casting or splinting
- Closed reduction
- Open Reduction Internal Fixation (ORIF)
- Intramedullary rods
- Plates and screws
- External fixation
- Physical therapy
- Occupational therapy
More serious fractures often require months of rehabilitation before normal activities can resume.
What To Do After Suffering a Broken Bone in a Car Accident
Protecting your health also helps protect your legal claim.
Seek Immediate Medical Care
Even if the injury appears minor, prompt treatment creates an official medical record linking the fracture to the accident.
Follow Your Treatment Plan
Missing appointments or stopping treatment too early gives insurance companies an opportunity to argue that your injuries were not serious.
Save Every Medical Record
Keep copies of:
- Hospital records
- X-rays
- CT scans
- Surgical reports
- Physical therapy records
- Medical bills
Document Your Recovery
Maintain a journal describing:
- Pain levels
- Daily limitations
- Missed work
- Activities you can no longer enjoy
These details can help demonstrate how the injury has affected your life.
How Missouri Law Affects Your Claim
Missouri follows a pure comparative fault system.
This means that even if you were partially responsible for the accident, you may still recover compensation. However, your recovery may be reduced by your percentage of fault.
Missouri also generally provides five years to file a personal injury lawsuit, although waiting can make it more difficult to preserve evidence and build a strong case.
What Compensation May Be Available?
Depending on your injuries, compensation may include:
Medical Expenses
- Emergency care
- Surgery
- Hospitalization
- Physical therapy
- Future treatment
- Prescription medications
Lost Income
If your injury prevented you from working, you may be entitled to recover:
- Lost wages
- Reduced earning capacity
- Future lost income
Pain and Suffering
Broken bones often cause months of pain and rehabilitation.
Missouri law may allow compensation for:
- Physical pain
- Emotional distress
- Permanent disability
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Scarring or disfigurement
What Factors Affect Settlement Value?
Every case is unique, but insurers typically evaluate:
- Severity of the fracture
- Whether surgery was required
- Recovery time
- Permanent impairment
- Future medical treatment
- Lost wages
- Available insurance coverage
- Liability evidence
The more thoroughly your injuries are documented, the stronger your claim may become.
Why Working With an Experienced Missouri Personal Injury Lawyer Matters
Insurance companies often attempt to minimize orthopedic injuries, especially when they believe victims will recover “eventually.”
An experienced attorney helps ensure that your claim reflects not only today’s medical bills but also the future costs associated with your injury.
At The Pottenger Law Firm, we work to document every aspect of your damages so you can focus on healing while we handle the legal process.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is a broken bone worth after a Missouri car accident?
There is no fixed value. Compensation depends on the severity of the fracture, required treatment, long-term limitations, and the overall impact on your life.
Do broken bones always require surgery?
No. Many fractures heal with immobilization, while more severe or displaced fractures may require surgery.
How long do broken bones take to heal?
Recovery varies. Minor fractures may heal within several weeks, while complex fractures can require many months of treatment and rehabilitation.
Can I recover compensation if I was partially at fault?
Yes. Missouri follows a pure comparative fault system, meaning you may still recover damages even if you share some responsibility for the accident.
The Pottenger Law Firm Is Here to Help
Broken bones can have lasting physical, emotional, and financial consequences. If you were injured because another driver acted negligently, you shouldn’t have to carry those burdens alone.
The Pottenger Law Firm helps injured Missourians pursue compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, future treatment, and the full impact of serious injuries.
Learn more about our Car Accident Services, explore our Personal Injury Practice Areas, or contact our office today for a free consultation.
