Compensation for Broken and Fractured Bones from an Auto Accident: What to Expect

Car accidents happen in an instant, but their impact can last a lifetime—mainly when they result in broken bones. Whether it’s a fractured arm, a broken leg, or a cracked sternum, these injuries can be painful, expensive, and life-changing. If you’ve suffered broken bones in a car crash due to someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation.

Understanding your rights, the settlement process, and how compensation is calculated can help you make informed decisions. This guide breaks down everything you need to know about seeking a fair payout for broken bones from a car accident.

How Car Accidents Lead to Broken Bones

Car crashes involve significant force, which often leads to bone fractures. Depending on how the accident happens, different parts of the body are vulnerable to injury.

• Front-impact collisions can lead to broken wrists and arms as drivers instinctively brace for impact.
• Side-impact (T-bone) crashes often result in broken ribs or clavicle fractures.
• High-speed accidents may cause multiple fractures, including broken legs and skull injuries.
• Seat Belt-related injuries can cause sternum fractures when the force of the crash presses the chest against the restraint.

The severity of the break depends on the impact. A simple fracture may heal with a cast, while compound fractures or shattered bones might require surgery and months of rehabilitation. Regardless of the severity, these injuries often result in medical bills, lost income, and pain and suffering, all of which should be considered in your compensation claim.

Common Bone Fractures in Car Accidents

While any bone can break in a crash, certain fractures are more common due to the way the body absorbs impact.

• Broken arms and wrists occur when victims instinctively use their hands to shield themselves.
• Fractured legs and ankles are standard in front-seat passengers due to legroom restrictions.
• Broken ribs and sternum fractures often result from seatbelt compression.
• Skull fractures may occur when the head strikes the dashboard or window.
• Clavicle fractures are frequent in high-impact crashes since the collarbone is one of the most fragile bones.

Some fractures heal relatively quickly, while others require extensive medical intervention. In severe cases, victims may experience long-term mobility issues, chronic pain, or permanent disability.

How Compensation for Broken Bones is Determined

If you’ve suffered broken bones in a car accident, compensation is based on several key factors:

• Medical expenses: This includes emergency care, surgeries, physical therapy, and follow-up visits.
• Lost wages: If your injury prevents you from working, you may be entitled to recover lost income.
• Pain and suffering: Compensation for the physical pain and emotional distress caused by the injury.
• Long-term impact: If the injury leads to disability, chronic pain, or reduced quality of life, it can increase settlement value.
• Insurance coverage: The policy limits of the at-fault driver play a significant role in determining how much you can recover.

The Role of Insurance in Broken Bone Settlements

Nevada law requires drivers to carry a minimum of $25,000 per injured person and $50,000 per accident in bodily injury liability coverage. However, if your damages exceed these limits, recovering full compensation may be challenging unless the at-fault driver has additional coverage or assets.

“In Nevada, the minimum bodily injury liability coverage required is $25,000 per injured person, with a total of $50,000 per accident. However, insurance policy limits can significantly impact your final settlement.”

In cases where multiple people are injured, the available insurance must be divided among all claimants, potentially reducing your payout. If the at-fault driver is uninsured or underinsured, your insurance policy may provide additional coverage.

Broken Sternum Car Accident Settlements

Sternum fractures are among the more serious injuries sustained in car accidents. They often occur when a driver or passenger’s chest forcefully strikes the seatbelt, steering wheel, or airbag. While a mild fracture can heal with rest, severe cases may require surgery, leaving the victim with prolonged pain and difficulty breathing.

“According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), chest injuries, including fractured sternums, occur in up to 15% of severe car accidents involving seatbelts.”

Settlements for broken sternums depend on the following:

• The severity of the fracture and whether surgery was needed.
• Additional injuries, such as broken ribs or internal organ damage.
• The impact on daily life, including pain, breathing difficulties, and activity restrictions.

These claims often result in higher compensation amounts, especially if complications arise that require long-term treatment.

Estimated Compensation for Broken Bone Injuries

How to File a Claim for Broken Bone Compensation

If you’ve suffered a fracture in a car accident, taking the proper steps can improve your chances of receiving fair compensation.

1. Seek immediate medical attention. Proper documentation of your injury is crucial for your claim.
2. Preserve evidence. Photos, witness statements, and police reports can support your case.
3. Keep track of all expenses. Medical bills, lost wages, and other costs should be documented.
4. Consult a personal injury lawyer. An experienced attorney can negotiate a higher settlement and ensure you receive full compensation.

FAQs: Compensation for Broken Bones in Car Accidents

How much is a broken bone worth in a car accident settlement?

The compensation depends on medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Minor fractures may settle for $10,000 to $30,000, while severe breaks requiring surgery can exceed $100,000.

Can I claim for a fractured sternum after a car accident?

Yes, sternum fractures that are caused by another driver’s negligence qualify for compensation. Settlements depend on injury severity, medical treatment, and associated damages, such as lung injuries.

How long does it take to settle a broken bone claim?

Most personal injury claims take several months to a year. Cases involving severe fractures or disputed liability may take longer.

What if my injury worsens over time?

If your condition deteriorates, additional medical evidence can support a higher settlement. A lawyer can help adjust your claim accordingly.

Do I need a lawyer for a broken bone injury claim?

Insurance companies often undervalue broken bone claims. A personal injury lawyer ensures you receive full compensation by negotiating with insurers and gathering evidence.

What if the at-fault driver has minimal insurance?

If the at-fault driver’s insurance is insufficient, you may be able to claim underinsured motorist coverage (UIM) from your policy.

Conclusion: Get the Compensation You Deserve

Suffering a broken bone in a car accident is more than just a temporary inconvenience—it can change your life in ways you never expected. The pain and discomfort, mounting medical bills, lost wages, and the emotional toll of the injury can create significant stress. In many cases, even after the bone heals, victims are left with long-term complications such as reduced mobility, chronic pain, and limitations on their ability to do daily activities or return to work.

That’s where a personal injury claim comes in. Seeking compensation isn’t just about covering your immediate medical expenses—it’s about ensuring you receive the full financial recovery you deserve for the pain and suffering you’ve endured. Whether you suffered a broken arm, fractured sternum, rib injury, or multiple fractures, the law allows you to hold the responsible party accountable and claim damages for your losses.

At Gina Corena & Associates, we understand how complex the recovery process can be. Our team is dedicated to fighting for accident victims and ensuring they receive the maximum compensation possible for their injuries. We have helped countless clients in Nevada navigate the personal injury claims process, secure fair settlements, and get the justice they deserve.

Call us today for a free consultation, and let us help you get the compensation you deserve.