Broken Bones & Fractures

Broken Bones & Fractures

Car accidents can cause serious trauma. Broken bones are one of the most common injuries. Whether it’s a minor fracture or a compound break, these injuries affect your mobility, your finances, and your long-term health. At Universal Law Group, we help injured Texans hold negligent drivers accountable and recover the compensation they deserve.

Common Fracture Locations After a Car Accident

Car crashes generate intense force. That force can break almost any bone in the body. Some areas are more vulnerable than others due to seat belt placement, impact direction, and natural human reflexes.

Arm and Wrist Fractures

Drivers often brace for impact by extending their arms. This reaction can lead to fractured wrists, forearms, and elbows. Airbags can also contribute to upper limb injuries during deployment.

Leg and Knee Fractures

Legs and knees are commonly injured in front-end and side-impact collisions. The dashboard, car doors, and center console can crush lower limbs, especially in high-speed crashes.

Rib and Chest Fractures

The force from seat belts or a steering wheel impact can fracture the ribs. Rib fractures are painful and can puncture internal organs, such as the lungs.

Pelvis and Hip Fractures

Side impacts often damage the pelvic region, especially if the driver or passenger is struck on their side. These fractures usually require surgery and extensive rehabilitation.

Spinal Fractures

Vertebrae can fracture from the sudden stop of a crash or from being crushed between the seat and seatbelt. These injuries may affect nerve function and lead to long-term disability.

Skull and Facial Fractures

Head trauma can result in skull fractures or broken facial bones. These injuries may occur when the head hits the window, dashboard, or steering wheel, or from flying debris inside the vehicle.

Types of Broken Bones

The severity of a fracture depends on the bone involved and how it broke. Here are the most common types:

Simple (Closed) Fractures

These breaks do not puncture the skin. They may still require surgery, casting, or long-term treatment, depending on the bone and alignment.

Compound (Open) Fractures

These are severe injuries where the bone pierces the skin. They carry a high risk of infection and often require emergency surgery.

Comminuted Fractures

The bone breaks into three or more pieces. This type is common in high-speed car accidents and often needs surgical reconstruction with pins or plates.

Greenstick Fractures

These partial fractures are more common in children. The bone bends and cracks but does not fully break.

Stress Fractures

These small cracks form from repeated pressure, often developing later after the crash. Victims may not notice them until they worsen over time.

Symptoms of a Broken Bone

You should seek medical attention immediately after a crash. Even if the injury seems minor, a fracture may be present. Symptoms include:

  • Intense pain

  • Swelling or bruising

  • Difficulty moving the limb

  • Deformity or protruding bone

  • Numbness or tingling near the injury

Prompt diagnosis through imaging (like X-rays or MRIs) is key to proper treatment and documentation for your legal claim.

How Broken Bones Impact Your Life

Broken bones affect more than your physical health. They can prevent you from working, caring for your family, or handling daily tasks. Recovery may involve:

  • Emergency care and hospitalization

  • Surgery, pins, or screws to repair bone damage

  • Physical therapy and rehabilitation

  • Time off work and loss of income

  • Chronic pain or limited mobility

In some cases, the injury never fully heals. Some victims suffer long-term disability, joint problems, or arthritis.

What to Do After a Car Accident Injury

If you think you’ve suffered a fracture in a car accident:

  1. Call 911 or seek emergency help right away.

  2. Follow up with your doctor and attend all appointments.

  3. Keep medical records, imaging results, and bills.

  4. Do not sign anything from an insurance company without legal advice.

  5. Contact a personal injury attorney who understands Texas car accident laws.

Insurance companies may downplay your injury or pressure you to settle quickly. A lawyer can help protect your rights and seek full compensation.

Can You Sue for a Broken Bone After a Car Accident?

Yes. If another driver caused the crash, you can file a personal injury claim under Texas law. You may be eligible to recover compensation for:

  • Medical expenses (past and future)

  • Lost wages and reduced earning capacity

  • Pain and suffering

  • Disability or disfigurement

  • Loss of enjoyment of life

In rare cases involving extreme negligence, punitive damages may also apply.

Texas follows a modified comparative fault rule. If you were less than 51% at fault, you can still recover compensation. However, your total recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault.

How a Car Accident Lawyer Can Help

Proving a fracture and linking it to the crash requires strong evidence. Our legal team at Universal Law Group works with:

  • Orthopedic specialists and radiologists

  • Accident reconstruction experts

  • Medical records and diagnostic imaging

  • Witnesses and crash scene investigators

We build a case that proves the other party’s negligence and the full impact of your injury. Our goal is to seek fair compensation and guide you through the process with clarity and care.

Why Choose Universal Law Group?

At Universal Law Group, we take pride in serving Houston’s injured residents with dedication and honesty. Whether your fracture requires minor treatment or major surgery, we help you hold the right party accountable.

Our attorneys bring deep experience in civil litigation and personal injury law. We focus on responsive service, practical advice, and real results. We don’t just represent your case—we support your recovery.

Speak With a Houston Broken Bone Injury Lawyer Today

If you suffered a broken bone in a car accident, don’t wait. Get legal advice before accepting an insurance settlement. Call Universal Law Group to schedule a free consultation. We’re ready to help you understand your rights and fight for what you deserve.

Call (832) 767-0339 or fill out our online form to get started.