Protecting yourself after a displaced fracture caused by a car accident

Treatment for displaced fractures from a car accident

Displaced fractures caused by the impact of a car accident are a serious injury. The national institute of health describes a displaced fracture as when the bone has broken in one or more places and has shifted out of alignment. In most cases, surgery will be required to treat the fracture. This surgery may involve metal pins or other hardware to hold the bone in position as it heals. 

Long term effects of a displaced fracture from a car accident

Depending on where the displacement fracture occurred, your quality of life will be reduced in different ways. An injury to the dominant hand or arm can be incredibly detracting because everyday tasks such as eating, writing, or using the restroom now become difficult or impossible while you recover. It may be a period of months before the bone can bear weight, and physical therapy may be needed to fully recover. In extreme cases the surgery may need to be redone if proper healing does not occur.

Costs of treating a displaced fracture from a car accident

Treating a displaced fracture is complicated, involving many separate costs. In most cases, several medical providers will need to be paid for this treatment. For example, you may get a bill from the surgeon, the surgical facilities, the radiologist, and the anesthesiologist.

If your insurance covers you, your payment will depend on the specific terms of your coverage. However, if your injury was caused by a third party, some insurance companies reserve the right not to pay and may file a lien for repayment. This is called a right of subrogation. If you are working with the other party’s insurance, any money promised to you may be intercepted by companies that file a lien as payment for their bills. These liens can result in you pocketing nothing if not handled correctly.

How an accident injury attorney helps with a displaced fracture caused by a car accident

An experienced accident attorney can take the following actions for a client:

  • Negotiate with providers to reduce the amount of medical bills and liens
  • Ensure you have the correct documentation for holding the insurance company accountable
  • Ensure the insurance company takes everything into account for your claim’s value
  • Ensure you can access the treatment you need while managing costs
  • Ensure the insurance company takes future treatment costs into account
  • Work to help you get treatment on a lien if necessary

If you are concerned with healthcare costs associated with your car accident, accessing treatment, or making sure the insurance company is taking your injuries into account, Vrana Law Firm offers free consultations with an attorney to discuss your situation.

Kel Vrana and Chandra Lehn are personal injury attorneys with experience handling serious injuries such as displacement fractures. If you have been in a car accident with severe injuries in Scottsdale, Tempe, Mesa, Gilbert or elsewhere in the East Valley we can meet you in our Tempe office or over the phone.