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Firm News

No sleep expert for Rt 3 car crash, says Culpeper County Attorney
Posted on 3/17/2010
Did distracted driving cause a Brady Road car crash that injured two?
Posted on 3/17/2010
Toyota issues more recalls, braking systems & drive shafts affected
Posted on 2/16/2010
Studies show that handheld cell phone bans don’t work
Posted on 1/30/2010
New details emerge in deadly Stevensburg Route 3 collision
Posted on 1/29/2010
Court asked to pay for traffic accident expert in fatal car crash case
Posted on 1/29/2010
Culpeper Sherriff Not Harmed in Car Crash
Posted on 1/28/2010
Two hospitalized, Route 1 closed after Woodbridge car crash
Posted on 12/29/2009
Bus collision in Lake Ridge sends two people to the hospital
Posted on 12/29/2009
Toyota officially announces largest ever recall in history for “sudden acceleration” problem
Posted on 11/30/2009

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Broken Bones in a Virginia Car Crash

There are many ways that you can be injured in a car accident. Some injuries are relatively minor, like mild bruising and soreness, and some injuries are very serious like broken bones and fractures. Depending on the type of break you’ve sustained – both its location and severity – you could be facing straightforward treatment and a quick recovery or months of surgery and therapy to recover use of the affected part of your body.

What causes a broken bone?

A bone breaks or splits when more pressure is placed on the bone than it can withstand, which can happen easily in a serious car accident. These breaks are called fractures and range from small fractures to major fractures. The broken bone can also puncture the skin, resulting in what is called an open or compound fracture.

Injuries to the lower part of the body are common in some types of collisions, as bones in the ankles, feet, legs, and hips can all be affected if they are caught or twisted in a wreck when the body of the vehicle is smashed. There are many bones in the face that can be broken as well, which can cause a very painful recovery and permanent disfiguration.

Symptoms of a broken bone

If you were involved in a serious motor vehicle crash and you experience any of the following symptoms, it could indicate a broken bone:

Swelling, bruising, or bleeding
An obviously misshaped or crooked limb or joint
Intense pain
Numbness and tingling
Bone protruding from an area of broken skin
Inability to move a limb or difficulty moving a limb

Treatment for a broken bone

Treatment for a broken bone will depend on the exact location of the break and the severity of the injury. A simple break, something like a straightforward broken arm, could mean treatment with a sling, some ice, and plenty of rest. However, more serious breaks can mean one of more surgeries, nails or screws to hold the broken bones in place, wires or plates to assist proper healing, and therapy, hospitalization and bed rest.

Long term effects of a broken bone

There are many complications and long-term effects that can result from a fracture caused by a serious auto accident. Some complications include ongoing stiffness and aches, osteoarthritis, permanent disability, refracture of the bone, frozen joints, improper healing, bone infections (osteomyelitis), nerve or blood vessel damage, or compartment syndrome.

As you can see a broken bone can be a very serious injury that can affect an accident victim for the rest of his or her life. If you experienced a fracture as the result of a serious car or truck accident in Virginia, then you should consider speaking with an attorney about your case. Please contact the attorneys at the Northern Virginia law firm Dulaney, Lauer & Thomas to discuss your options for no cost or obligation.

DULANEY, LAUER & THOMAS, LLP

Warrenton Office

98 Alexandria Pike, Suite 11

Warrenton, VA 20186

Toll Free: 888.907.2631

Local: 540.349.2631

Culpeper Office

209 N. West Street

Culpeper, VA 22701

Toll Free: 800.741.1012

Local: 540.825.6046