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Broken Bones in a New Jersey Car Accident

A car accident can occur with enough force to inflict many serious injuries on those involved. One example is a broken bone, which can occur due to too much force being asserted against a bone. If you broke one or more bones in a car accident in New Jersey, find out when another driver may be held responsible for your medical bills, pain and suffering, and other losses. A car accident lawyer in New Jersey can help you navigate through these complexities.

Common Types of Bone Fractures in a Car Accident

While virtually any bone in the body could sustain a fracture if it suffers blunt-force impact in an accident, certain parts of the body are more susceptible to broken bones than others. They include:

Broken bones can occur in a car accident due to an impact between a victim’s body and an object, including the windshield, dashboard, steering wheel or even the seat belt.

How Do You Know If You Broke a Bone in a Car Accident?

The signs of a broken bone after a car accident can include pain in the affected area, swelling, bruising or discoloration, deformity, numbness or tingling, loss of function, inability to move the limb, dizziness, or protruding bones. Treatments for a bone fracture often involve a splint or cast to keep the bone in place while it heals, as well as surgery, in serious cases.

Depending on the severity of the fracture, a broken bone could inflict long-term damage on the victim. Lingering effects may include chronic pain, nerve damage, loss of mobility, stiffness, muscle weakness, impaired function, infections, and emotional trauma. In severe cases, such as a spinal fracture, a broken bone can cause permanent paralysis or disability.

Who Is Responsible for Paying for Car Accident Injuries in New Jersey?

New Jersey operates under a unique “choice no-fault” insurance system. When a car accident takes place, a victim’s options for making a financial recovery will depend on his or her type of automobile insurance. If the victim purchased a Standard rather than Basic policy, he or she will have limited or unlimited right-to-sue insurance.

With either type of Standard insurance policy, a victim with a broken bone can typically take legal action against an at-fault driver in a New Jersey car accident case. This is because broken bones are typically classified as serious injuries, which allow the victim to sue for damages outside of the no-fault system.

How to Seek Financial Compensation for a Broken Bone Injury in New Jersey

If you break a bone in an automobile accident, your top priority should be your safety and well-being. Get immediate medical care for your broken bone, either by calling 911 and requesting an ambulance or going to the nearest hospital right away. If a physician diagnoses you with a bone fracture, keep copies of all of your medical records, including imaging scans and x-rays.

Contact your own car insurance provider to report the accident. Your carrier can inform you of your legal options based on your type of policy. If you wish to bring a claim against another driver for a broken bone injury after a car accident, contact a personal injury attorney in New Jersey for representation during the legal process. A lawyer will take steps to secure maximum financial compensation for your losses, even if this means taking your case to trial. Contact us today.