If you’ve suffered a fracture in a car accident, one of the biggest questions on your mind is likely “How much can I expect from a settlement?” The average settlement for a broken bone in a car accident can vary widely based on factors like injury severity, medical costs, lost wages, and insurance policy limits. The average settlement range in Georgia is between $20,000 and $100,000.
Working with a seasoned Atlanta car accident attorney is key to achieving maximum compensation. If you or a loved one has suffered a broken bone in a car accident, reach out to The Weinstein Firm for a free consultation today.
Commonly Broken Bones in Car Accidents
Auto accidents, especially high-impact collisions, can cause various bone fractures due to the sudden and intense force exerted on the body. While any bone in the body can be injured, certain fractures are more common in car crashes. Here are a few of the most frequently broken bones in car accidents.
Arm and Wrist Fractures
Arms and wrists are often used instinctively to brace for impact, making them highly susceptible to fractures. An arm or wrist fracture can severely restrict mobility and may require extensive physical therapy after treatment.
Leg and Ankle Fractures
The legs and ankles are especially vulnerable during head-on and side-impact collisions. These fractures can lead to a lengthy recovery period and may include surgical intervention to insert screws or plates for bone stability.
Rib Fractures
The force from an airbag deployment or impact with a seatbelt can break ribs. Rib fractures are typically very painful and take time to heal due to the constant movement of the ribcage during breathing.
Clavicle (Collarbone) Fractures
Collarbone fractures are common because of the shoulder’s exposed position and the seatbelt’s placement. Recovery from a clavicle fracture can be challenging, often involving months of restricted arm use.
Spinal Fractures
A fractured vertebra can have serious implications for the spine and nervous system. Recovery can be prolonged, requiring a spinal brace or even surgery, depending on the severity.
Average Settlement for a Broken Bone in a Car Accident in Georgia
In Georgia, settlements for broken bones in car accidents typically range between $20,000 and $100,000, although exact amounts depend on many variables.
The more severe the fracture, the higher the associated medical bills and potential settlement amount. Simple fractures that heal with minimal medical intervention may settle for amounts toward the lower end of the range. Meanwhile, complex fractures requiring orthopedic surgery and extensive rehabilitation often reach the upper range.
If a broken bone results in a long-term or permanent disability, it can increase the overall compensation due to the associated costs of long-term physical therapy and compensation for lost future income.
What Influences Car Accident Settlements for Broken Bones?
We’ve already explored the average car settlement in Georgia. Let’s dive into the critical factors in the settlement amount for a broken bone in a car accident.
Medical Costs
Medical expenses play a significant role in settlement calculations. A minor fracture might require only a cast and minimal intervention, whereas a severe fracture could require multiple surgeries, physical therapy, and specialized treatments.
The type of fracture—whether it’s a hairline fracture or a comminuted fracture—will affect medical bills and, consequently, the settlement amount. Bone fractures requiring surgery or multiple procedures, such as open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) surgery, involve higher medical costs, leading to higher potential settlement amounts.
Healing Time and Ongoing Care
Bones heal at different rates depending on factors like age, health condition, and the type of bone fractured. Longer healing times often mean higher medical costs and, therefore, a higher settlement amount to cover ongoing expenses.
Healing time also impacts compensation for lost income.
Lost Wages and Lost Earning Potential
If a broken bone prevents you from returning to work temporarily or affects your ability to earn a living permanently, this significantly impacts the final settlement. Lost wages account for time missed from work during recovery, while lost earning potential considers how a lasting disability or functional limitation might affect future income.
For example, a severe leg fracture may make it impossible for a worker in a physically demanding job to return to their previous role for an extended period.
Pain and Suffering
Pain and suffering refer to the physical discomfort and emotional distress a victim experiences due to their injury. For example, a spinal fracture that causes chronic back pain will likely involve more pain and suffering compensation than a minor arm fracture.
Insurance adjusters often calculate pain and suffering by applying a multiplier (typically between 1.5 and 5) to the victim’s economic losses, depending on the injury’s severity and impact on your daily life.
At-Fault Driver’s Insurance Coverage
Insurance policy limits play a key role in settlement amounts. Georgia requires all drivers to carry at least $25,000 per person and $50,000 per incident in bodily injury liability coverage, but these limits are often inadequate in serious injury cases.
If your costs exceed the at-fault driver’s policy limit, the insurance company will only offer a settlement up to the coverage limit. In such cases, you may consider filing a lawsuit against the driver for the remaining amount. However, filing an underinsured or uninsured motorist claim with your insurance is often a more practical option, especially if the at-fault driver has limited financial assets.
How We Can Help Accident Victims With Bone Fractures
Navigating a car accident injury claim can be complex and daunting, particularly when dealing with serious injuries such as broken bones. An experienced Atlanta car accident lawyer from The Weinstein Firm can help maximize your compensation by providing professional support and guidance throughout the claim process.
Gathering Evidence and Evaluating All Damages
A skilled attorney will help you collect all necessary documentation to support your claim, including medical records, X-rays, doctor’s notes, and any other evidence demonstrating your injury’s severity. They will also thoroughly evaluate all possible damages, including future medical expenses, lost earning potential, and pain and suffering.
Settlement Negotiation with the Insurance Company
Insurance companies are typically motivated to settle claims for the lowest amount possible. An experienced lawyer knows how to negotiate effectively with insurance adjusters to secure a fair settlement that covers all of your damages. They understand the tactics insurers may use and can counter these strategies to help achieve a favorable outcome.
Representation in a Lawsuit
If the insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement, a lawyer can represent you in court. They’ll prepare your case, gather expert testimonies if necessary, and present a compelling argument on your behalf. Lawsuits can be a powerful tool in securing higher compensation, especially if the insurance company is unwilling to settle fairly.
Contact Our Atlanta Car Accident Lawyers Today
The Weinstein Firm has extensive experience handling car accident cases involving broken bones and other serious injuries. Our Georgia car accident lawyers understand the impact a broken bone can have on your life. We are committed to ensuring that every client receives the compensation they deserve and will stand by your side every step of the way.
If you’ve been injured in a car accident, don’t navigate the legal process alone. A knowledgeable attorney from The Weinstein Firm can guide you through your options, fight for a fair settlement, and, if necessary, advocate for you in court.
Contact us today for a free consultation. You pay nothing unless we win your case.
