Every car accident carries the risk of injury, but not every injury is equal in terms of its severity. Bodily injuries are one of these categories and one of the most serious types of bodily injuries that can occur in a car accident is a broken bone. The femur, which is the longest and strongest bone in the body, can break in many different ways in a car accident, depending on the force and direction of the impact.
Not only are broken femurs a serious injury, but they can also occur in virtually any type of car accident. These injuries can cause significant pain and damage to your leg, so it’s important to understand what you can do to recover and move forward.
Experienced Spokane Car Accident Lawyers
At Crary, Clark, Domanico, & Chuang, P.S., our team of experienced Spokane car accident lawyers are dedicated to helping clients like you navigate the legal system and recover the compensation they deserve. We understand the challenges you’re facing, and we’re here to provide the support, guidance, and representation you need. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation and learn more.
Why Are Broken Femurs So Severe?
Femur injuries are severe because the femur is the largest and strongest bone in the human body, and it plays a crucial role in supporting our weight and allowing us to walk and move around. When the femur is fractured or broken, it can cause:
- Significant pain
- Swelling
- Loss of mobility
- Nerve damage
Types of Femur Fractures
Not only is a femur fracture a severe injury, but the bone itself can also fracture in many different ways depending on the location and severity of the break. The most common types of femur fractures include:
- Transverse fracture – This type of fracture occurs when the femur breaks horizontally across the bone.
- Oblique fracture – An oblique fracture occurs when the femur breaks at an angle, rather than a straight line.
- Spiral fracture – A spiral fracture occurs when the femur breaks in a spiral pattern around the bone.
- Comminuted fracture – A comminuted fracture occurs when the femur breaks into three or more pieces.
- Stress fracture – Stress fractures are tiny cracks in the bone that can occur over time due to repetitive stress. Although less severe than other types of fractures, stress fractures can still cause significant pain and discomfort.
In addition to the physical pain and limitations caused by a femur injury, there may also be significant emotional and financial impacts.
Recovery From Femur Fractures
Recovery from a femur injury can be a long and challenging process. Initially, treatment for a femur fracture typically involves surgery to realign the bones and stabilize them with plates, screws, or rods. After surgery, you may need to spend some time in the hospital for pain management and monitoring.
Once you’re discharged from the hospital, you’ll likely need to use crutches, a walker, or a wheelchair for a period of time to avoid putting weight on the affected leg. Physical therapy may also be recommended to help rebuild strength, flexibility, and mobility in the leg.
The length of time it takes to fully recover from a femur fracture can vary depending on factors such as your:
- Age and overall health
- The severity of the fracture
- How well you follow the treatment plan
Generally, it can take several months for the bone to fully heal and for the patient to regain full function of their leg.
How Do Spokane Car Accidents Cause Broken Femurs?
Obviously, the circumstances that are inherent in a car accident can lead to a femur fracture. As a driver or passenger, the impact of a collision, the high speed of the vehicles involved, and the location of the impact are all factors that play into a femur fracture. More to the point, being involved in the following types of car accidents in Spokane can cause femur fractures:
- Direct impact – When a car collides with another object or vehicle, the impact can generate a tremendous amount of force, causing the femur to fracture. The severity of the fracture can depend on the speed and angle of the impact.
- Side-impact collisions – Side-impact collisions can cause a femur fracture if the impact forces the leg against the car’s interior or crushes the bone between the seat and the car’s door.
- High-speed collisions – In high-speed collisions, the body’s sudden deceleration can cause the femur to fracture. The legs may also become trapped or pinned under the car, leading to additional damage.
- Rollover accidents – Rollover accidents can cause the body to experience multiple impacts, causing the femur to fracture due to extreme forces.
Virtually any type of car accident in Spokane can result in injuries, including femur fractures. What is important to understand is how Washington law works so you can take steps to recover damages.
Recovering Damages After Broken Femurs In a Spokane Car Accident
As Washington’s second-largest city, Spokane sees its fair share of car accidents. According to 2022 data from the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT), there were:
- 190 car accidents
- 118 injuries classified as “severe”
Washington law allows you or anyone else that’s injured in a car accident to file a claim for damages against the at-fault driver. The key to determining liability for an accident in Spokane is establishing negligence. Generally speaking, there are four elements to negligence:
- Duty of care – The at-fault driver had a legal duty to operate their vehicle with reasonable care and attention to other drivers on the road.
- Breach of duty – The at-fault driver breached their duty of care by failing to operate their vehicle with reasonable care and attention.
- Causation – The at-fault driver’s breach of duty was the direct cause of the accident and resulted in injuries. This means that the accident and injuries would not have occurred if the at-fault driver had not breached their duty of care.
- Damages – The accident resulted in damages to the other driver.
Ultimately, a broken femur is going to require extensive medical treatment and ongoing care. What this means for you is that you’ll likely have mounting medical bills and take time off of work to keep up with treatment. This, among other things, makes up the bulk of available damages in a claim. Still, here is a closer look at what damages are generally available in a Spokane car accident:
- Medical expenses – You can recover damages for all medical expenses related to your femur fracture, including hospital bills, doctor visits, surgeries, prescription medications, physical therapy, and rehabilitation costs. These damages apply to both current and future medical costs.
- Lost wages – If your femur fracture prevents you from working, you may be able to recover damages for lost wages and loss of earning capacity. This can include both past and future lost wages.
- Pain and suffering – You may be able to recover damages for physical and emotional pain and suffering caused by the accident and your femur fracture. This can include emotional distress, anxiety, depression, and loss of enjoyment of life.
- Property damage – If your car was damaged in the accident, you may be able to recover damages for the cost of repairs or replacement of your vehicle.
As with any accident, what you’re able to recover in the form of damages depends on the unique circumstances of the accident and your claim itself. That’s why it’s important to work with our team of experienced Spokane car accident lawyers. We can help you navigate the claims process and make sure you’re pursuing every available avenue for damages.
CCD Law Will Help You On Your Road To Recovery
A broken femur is a serious injury that can sometimes happen in a Spokane car accident. When you’re facing one of these extremely unfortunate injuries, you’ll need the help of experienced and dedicated Spokane car accident lawyers to help guide you through the recovery process. At CCD Law, we believe that our approach sets us apart. We’ll help explain the legal process to you and be with you every step of the way as you get back on the road to recovery. To get started with a free consultation, contact us today.
