Daily life in Virginia requires driving, be it your morning commute or running the kids to various activities. With busy roads and distracted and reckless drivers, accidents can and do happen. If the accident is severe enough, both driver and passengers may experience serious injuries such as broken bones. If this happens to you, do you know what steps to take to ensure a full recovery, both physically and financially? Here's what you should do following a car accident.
Types of Broken Bones in a Car Accident
Every car accident is unique, and injuries are caused by many factors—the point of impact, where an individual is seated, if a seatbelt was worn, and how hard a car was hit. Although injuries vary, there are some broken bones that are more typical than others. These include:
- Arm
- Collarbone
- Femur
- Feet and toes
- Hands, wrists, and fingers
- Hips
- Knees
- Legs
- Pelvis
- Ribs
- Skull
- Spine
- Neck
- Sternum
Some of these bones come with more serious consequences than others. Clearly, a spinal break is much more serious than a toe or finger. However, all fractures are painful and can hinder your daily life following the accident.
5 Steps to Take Following a Virginia Car Accident
Car accidents are traumatic, and while you're still at the scene of the collision, it can be difficult to have a clear head. However, these are steps you can take to make things easier down the road, especially if you plan to file suit against the negligent driver:
Call 911.
This might seem extreme if the accident feels minor, but many injuries (including fractures) aren't noticeable right away. Whenever you're in any sort of collision, call 911 and allow them to check out drivers and passengers before leaving the scene.
Seek medical help.
Even if you are examined by an onsite paramedic, it is important to go to the hospital or make an immediate appointment with your doctor. Many car injuries are not visible, and minor fractures may go unnoticed and then progress into a painful, more serious condition over time. Get a full examination as soon as possible, and keep any records and paperwork, including results of X-rays or scans.
Do what the doctor says.
Follow any doctor's orders exactly. When filing an insurance claim or lawsuit to recover compensation for your injuries, you want to be able to prove that you took the injury seriously and made every attempt to recover.
Take photos and speak to witnesses.
Before leaving the scene of the accident, take photos of your car, any other cars involved, and any markings or evidence on the road. If there are witnesses, speak to them and ask them to write down or make a recorded statement on your phone. If you have physical evidence of a broken bone—bruised skin, lumps, protruding bone, or a prescribed brace/cast, take photos of these things as well.
Contact a Virginia car accident attorney.
While it might seem extreme, it is important to reach out to an experienced car accident attorney if you have been in an accident severe enough to cause injury. Not only will it help you to win the damages you deserve, but it will free you up to focus on your recovery.
Possible Damages From Car Accidents
If you incur a broken bone in a car accident, you may be eligible for compensation. Your accident attorney will walk you through the process of seeking damages. Types of compensation you may receive include:
- Past and future medical costs
- Lost income
- Out-of-pocket expenses
- Pain and suffering
Have You Been Injured In A Virginia Car Accident?
If you've been injured in a car accident you need to speak with an experienced car accident attorney as soon as possible. Please contact us online or call our Fairfax, Virginia car accident law office at 703.277.2811 to schedule your free consultation. We help clients throughout Washington D.C., Maryland and Virginia and look forward to helping you.
Related Links:
- Rear-End Car Accidents: What to Do When You've Been Injured
- What are the types of damages I can recover after a car accident?
- Spinal Cord Injuries Present a Diverse Array of Side Effects