Protecting yourself after a tibial fracture caused by a car accident
- Understanding tibial fracture treatment
- Long term effects of tibial fracture treatment caused by a car accident
- Paying for tibial fracture treatment caused by a car accident
- How an accident injury attorney helps with tibial fractures caused by a car accident
Treatment for tibial fractures from a car accident
Tibial fractures caused by the impact of a car accident are a serious injury. The tibia, or shin bone, is the largest bone in your lower leg. The American Association of Orthopedic Surgeons describes the extent of treatment for a tibial fracture. Surgery will most likely be necessary to set and secure the bone. The most common method involves the placement of pins and rods to hold the bone in a stable position so it can repair itself over time.
Long term effects of a tibial fracture from a car accident
The American Association of Orthopedic Surgeons states the treatment of a tibial fracture may take between 4 and 6 months, depending on the severity. And in this time, physical therapy may be needed to prevent the deterioration of muscle tissue. A cast will be used to secure the bone in place, and you’ll need to use crutches to move around.
The cast and crutches will be an inconvenience to your daily activities and routine. Activities such as getting dressed and moving about the house will be more difficult and time consuming. And, if your right leg is immobilized by the cast, your doctor may write an order not to drive. Four to six months without driving will cost time and money in the form of family members driving you or having to pay for taxis, Uber or Lyft.
Costs of treating a tibial fracture from a car accident
Treating a tibial 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. After the initial surgery, your physical therapy sessions may also require a copay at each appointment if covered by your health insurance.
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 tibial fracture caused by a car accident
An experienced accident attorney can take the following actions for a client:
- Find providers that treat on a lien and don’t require a copay
- 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.
If you’d like to schedule a free consultation, call us at 480-359-6002
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.