A car accident can result in various injuries, from mild to severe, and fractures are one of the most common types of injuries people sustain in car accidents. Knowing what a fracture is and how it happens can help you identify it if you are involved in an accident or know someone who is.
Fractures
Bone fractures are a common outcome of car accidents. These injuries result from the force exerted on the body during a collision. The impact can cause bones to crack or break altogether, leading to various injuries that can vary in severity.
Likelihood of sustaining a fracture
How likely a person is to sustain a fracture depends on various factors. Including:
- How severe the accident was
- The type of accident
- If the vehicle/person had a safety device (such as a seat belt or airbag) to secure them.
- Where the person was in the vehicle at the time of the accident
The most common types of fractures
While forces applied to the body during a collision can affect any bone in the body, some fractures in car accidents are more common than others. For example:
Clavicle fractures
The clavicle or collarbone can easily fracture in an accident. This body part is especially vulnerable in accidents because it is exposed to direct impact.
Wrist fractures
Most people instinctively try to protect themselves during a collision, often using their hands. The impact can easily lead to a wrist fracture. These injuries typically involve the distal radius, which is one of the two bones in the forearm.
Arm fractures
Fractures of the arm or humerus are also common in car accidents. These injuries can result from direct impact or a person bracing themselves against a steering wheel or front seat.
Pelvic fractures
The pelvis can sustain severe fractures in a car accident, especially in high-impact collisions. These fractures can be life-threatening because they can cause damage to an internal organ or blood vessel.
Leg and ankle fractures
The thigh and lower leg bones are vulnerable in an accident and susceptible to fractures, especially if the legs become pinned or stuck. An ankle can fracture with a twisting motion, so it is essential to immobilize the body if an injury is suspected.
Vertebral fractures
The spine is vulnerable to injury in car accidents, and these injuries are severe. They are prevalent in rear-end collisions where whiplash can cause a vertebra to fracture. Potential dangers stemming from vertebral fractures are long-term nerve damage and chronic pain.
Fractures from car accidents are common but can vary in severity and location. If you or a loved one have been involved in a car crash and sustained a fracture, seek medical attention at once. Consulting with a personal injury attorney can help you understand your rights and, if appropriate, pursue compensation for your injuries.