Broken Bones

Broken bones and fractures suffered in car accidents can be more serious than similar injuries sustained in typical slip-and-falls. Knoxville car accident attorney Mark C. Hartsoe can provide the legal counseling and advocacy you need if you suffered a fracture or broken bone as a result of a car accident. Mr. Hartsoe is a seasoned lawyer with a track record of helping accident victims recover for their injuries. Call us today to see how we can help you.

Broken bones or fractures are common car accident injuries, and can take many months of treatment to heal. A broken bone is broadly categorized as either a simple fracture or a compound fracture. In the case of a simple fracture, the bone is broken but the skin remains intact. In a compound (or open) fracture, the skin is broken, either by the bone itself or the force of the injury.

A bone can break in a number of ways, but some types of fractures that can occur in car accidents include:

• Comminuted fracture, where the bone is broken in several places
• Transverse fracture, where the fracture is at a right angle to the bone’s long axis
• Compression fracture, which is when the bones are crushed together
• Spiral fracture, where part of the bone is twisted

Bones that commonly break in car accidents include those in the extremities, ribs, jaw, and skull. Seat belts and air bags may help reduce the severity of a fracture, but they will not completely protect a driver or passenger from a broken bone injury.

If a person suffers a broken bone in a car accident, he or she can potentially hold the party who caused the accident accountable for the injuries. A careless driver can be held liable for a victim’s injuries if the victim can establish the following elements under a negligence claim:

• Duty of care – the defendant owed the victim a duty of care. In Tennessee, all motorists have a duty of care when they drive. This means they must exercise reasonable care when they operate their vehicles.
• Breach of duty – the defendant breached his or her duty of care. A driver can breach his or her duty if he or she engages in unsafe driving behavior, such as disobeying traffic signs or by texting.
• Causation – the breach was the cause of the victim’s injuries. A driver’s breach must have been the actual and proximate cause of the victim’s injuries.
• Damages – the victim suffered actual harm, such as physical injuries or property damage.

Other factors may cause or contribute to a car accident, such as a road hazard or a highway defect. In these instances, a private or government entity may be responsible for a victim’s injuries. To hold a government entity liable, a victim must overcome the government’s general immunity from lawsuits by showing that the entity was responsible for the area in which the road defect or hazard existed. Actions against a government agency can be complex, and require the guidance of an experienced personal injury attorney.

Broken bones can require surgery, therapy, and a great amount of time to heal. This may prevent or limit how much you can work, and may take a financial toll on you and your family. If you suffered a fracture or broken bone in a car accident, you can seek compensation for your medical care and treatment, hospital bills, lost wages, and property damage.

Knoxville personal injury lawyer Mark C. Hartsoe is committed to providing car accident victims with the legal representation they need to recover for their injuries. Mr. Hartsoe will investigate the accident, interview witnesses, consult with experts, and strive to negotiate a fair settlement on your behalf. He will vigorously pursue your claim in court if your case goes to trial. Call us today at 865-804-1011 or contact us online for a free consultation.