Arm, wrist, and hand injuries are common types of injuries that result from car accidents, but the toll they take is often underestimated. A broken arm, while not life-threatening, can alter your life in astounding ways. It can lead to substantial medical bills, reduce your independence, and impact your ability to work.
Physical therapy can require many hours of your time. Simple tasks such as getting dressed and driving can become difficult or even impossible without assistance.
Fractures to the arm often occur in a car accident due to gripping the steering wheel, being hit by an airbag, covering the face and head, or bracing for impact.
The major categories of arm fractures that are commonly sustained in car accidents include simple fractures, also known as closed fractures, which do not break through the skin; compound fractures, also known as open fractures, which involve the bone breaking through the flesh; and comminuted fractures, which means the bone is shattered. If you have suffered such injuries, consulting an Austin car accident lawyer can help you pursue the compensation you deserve.
Damages in Broken Arm Car Accident Settlements
Arm fractures can vary widely in severity, which means that every case is unique. Whatever the extent of your injury, you may be entitled to reimbursement for your losses. Obtaining financial support can greatly lessen the difficulty of your recovery.
If you believe the negligence of another driver contributed to your accident, you should consider pursuing a personal injury claim against their insurance. To do this successfully, you will be required to prove the other driver was at fault for your broken arm, as well as the short- and long-term financial and other harms and losses associated with your injury. The sooner you fully understand your rights after the accident, the better position you will be in to secure a successful recovery in your case.
What Factors Can Affect Your Broken Arm Car Accident Settlement in Austin, TX
Every car accident case is unique, and there is no way to determine the value of your settlement without having your case evaluated by a professional. However, there are factors that can tip the scales in your favor, including:
- Thorough medical documentation. You should always seek medical treatment as soon as possible. Never “wait and see” after an accident for which someone else is liable. The other party’s insurance provider will use your lack of urgency to claim that your injuries were not severe enough to warrant treatment, which could reduce your chances of receiving a settlement that covers your medical costs. Keep all medical records related to your injury, including X-rays and written medical evaluations. Previous medical records can help establish your state prior to the accident, which can also bolster your case.
- Permanence of the injury. Temporary injuries take their toll, but the entitlement amount tends to increase with the permanence of the injury. Loss of mobility, loss of ability to work, chronic pain, reliance on assistance, and an inability to resume normal activity are considered when determining the permanence of the injury.
- Insurance payout limits. Texas drivers are required to carry a minimum of $30,000 in liability insurance per injured person. But that amount can easily pale in comparison to medical costs for a serious injury, let alone the intangible costs and losses. An auto accident attorney can help you identify all sources and insurance amounts so you can make an educated decision about how best to bring your case to resolution.
How Long Do Broken Arm Car Accident Settlements Take?
While it’s difficult to say exactly how long your case will take, many broken arm accident cases are resolved in under a year. Some may even take just a few months. However, there are several factors that may impact how long your case takes.
- The amount of compensation you need. If your injury requires a higher level of compensation, it may take longer for your case to be resolved. The other driver’s insurance company and other liable parties may fight harder to devalue your settlement and disprove your claim. This can extend the length of your case.
- The number of parties involved. An accident with many injured victims will typically be much more complex and lengthier than one between just two individuals.
Why Hire a Lawyer to Help with Your Broken Arm Car Accident Settlement
In a more fair world, the at-fault party would admit liability and their insurance provider would willingly offer a payout commensurate to your losses, both tangible and intangible. Unfortunately, insurance companies are savvy at evading responsibility and casting doubt on the situation in order to avoid paying damages.
Your accident and injury attorney will identify these tactics and gather the evidence necessary to support your claim. This includes helping you understand and prove any long-term consequences, financial and otherwise, associated with your injury, so you can be sure you are not being taken advantage of by an insurance company.
If your accident involved more severe incidents or tragic outcomes, such as fatalities or commercial vehicles, having the right legal expertise is crucial. Consulting with an Austin wrongful death lawyer or an Austin truck accident lawyer can provide the specialized knowledge and support needed to navigate these complex cases.
How Auto Accident Lawyer in Austin Can Help
The seasoned lawyers at FVF Law Firm – Injury & Wrongful Death Lawyers can provide counsel and support in a confusing and painful time. We offer free, no-commitment evaluations so that you can speak with someone who has your best interests in mind before you communicate with insurance companies or commit to a lowball settlement. Our Austin personal injury attorneys take pride in our commitment to educating anyone who walks through our doors about the particulars of their case and how to proceed in a manner that will yield the most favorable outcome. Contact us today to schedule your consultation.