Every traffic collision is different. This simple fact makes determining the average settlement for a broken arm in a car accident impossible. Each crash has its own causes, damages, and other facts, all leading to a unique fair settlement value.
A personal injury lawyer has the knowledge and resources to investigate your accident and value it appropriately. When they determine the just worth of your claim, they could negotiate with the insurer on your behalf. They can fight for a fair financial recovery for you.
Expenses Related to a Fractured Bone in a Car Accident Case
The value of your case will depend heavily on the severity of your injuries and the treatment you require. Your broken arm will affect many of the recoverable damages in your case:
- Your medical bills
- Prescription medication and other pain management costs
- Physical therapy or rehabilitation expenses
- Lost income from the days you missed at work
- Pain and suffering
If your injuries are particularly severe, you could have a lasting disability. This disability could increase your potential settlement because of future medical care needs, diminished earning capacity, and other intangible losses.
For a free legal consultation, call (800) 537-8185
Additional Expenses that Affect the Value of Your Claim
While your injuries influence and directly lead to most of your accident-related losses, there are also other damages you likely suffered:
- Repair or replacement of your car
- Damage to other personal property
- Miscellaneous expenses, such as paying for a rental car
Documenting Your Out-of-Pocket Costs
Before you can negotiate a fair settlement, you must accurately value your damages. If you work with a lawyer, they handle this step for you. If not, you will need to:
- Gather evidence to show your costs and losses
- Put a price on possible future medical care needs
- Value your intangible losses, including pain and suffering
- Consider the effect of any contributory negligence alleged in your case
The evidence you may have to show your recoverable damages includes:
- Medical bills
- Paperwork showing your time away from work
- Previous check stubs from your job showing your income
- Estimates from car repair shops
- Other receipts or documents
Working with a Car Accident Lawyer on Your Insurance Claim
Having a personal injury law firm on your side could help you secure a fair settlement. They will handle all aspects of your claim, including investigating what happened and valuing your case. In addition, most work is done on contingency, meaning you do not pay a retainer or other upfront fees. Instead, your attorney gets paid from your financial recovery.
Most car accident cases do not go to trial, but filing suit is sometimes necessary. If you need to sue the at-fault motorist, you must meet the applicable deadline in your state:
- One year in Louisiana under La. Civ. Code Art. 3492
- Two years in Alabama per Ala. Code § 6-2-38
- Three years in Arkansas under Ark. Code Ann. § 16-56-105 or Mississippi per Miss. Code Ann. § 15-1-49
Exceptions exist that reduce or extend this time. Your attorney will ensure you understand the timeline for your lawsuit.
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Diagnosis and Treatment of a Broken Arm
If you have arm pain, swelling, bruising, deformity, or other concerns after a crash, you should see a doctor right away. They will examine your arm, order X-rays or other imaging, and prescribe treatment based on what they see.
If there is a fracture of one or more bones in your arm, a doctor must realign the bones properly and secure them in place while they heal. This process sometimes requires surgery in adults. When the bones break through the skin, more intensive surgery is necessary, and the risk of infection is high.
Recovering from Your Injuries
According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS), it could take weeks or months to heal fully. While the pain usually ends within a short time, the bone will not be strong enough to endure impacts for a while.
You will likely remain in a cast, brace, or splint for six weeks or longer. You may still need to restrict your activity after this period until your doctor clears you for activity. During this time, you may lose strength and range of motion in the wrist, elbow, or another area of the arm.
You may need physical therapy to rebuild your strength and endurance. Complete healing and recovery could take six months or more. All this treatment can lead to medical bills piling up, which could affect the value of your car accident claim.
Morris Bart, LLC Represents Accident Victims Across the Gulf South States
At the Morris Bart law firm, our team of attorneys provides free case reviews for injured accident victims. We are a contingency-fee firm, and the areas we serve include all counties in Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana, and Mississippi.
Call (800) 537-8185 today to discuss your legal options with a team member for free.
Questions?Call (800) 537-8185
to find a Morris Bart office near you.
