Any drive on Kentucky’s rural roads or on the busiest Lexington or Louisville streets can end in a scary instant. A careless driver can ram you head-on or from behind or sideswipe you.
The force of impact might be enough to break your arm bones, even the large bone in your upper arm called the humerus. It takes a lot to break this bone, but car crashes can, unfortunately, provide the force necessary.
That type of force can lead to severe fractures and recovery complications. Medical bills can reach into the tens of thousands of dollars over an accident that wasn’t your fault.
Schedule a Free Consultation with a Kentucky Humerus Fracture Lawyer
A traumatic arm fracture can take weeks to heal and lead to complications that might develop into a permanent disability.
You should never face the expense and emotional battles of a difficult Kentucky car accident recovery alone. To make sure you aren’t held responsible for the costs of your comeback from a humerus fracture, contact Kaufman & Stigger, PLLC, of Kentucky.
We offer a free, no-obligation case consultation to all Kentucky car accident victims. It’s an easy way to understand the benefits available to you and how to secure those benefits from an unhelpful car insurance company.
Humerus Fracture Dangers in Kentucky Traffic Impacts
The Cleveland Clinic reports that the humerus is the large bone that makes up the upper arm. Humerus fractures aren’t very common. Cases make up only 10% of all broken bones. Yet, the extreme forces of a car accident can easily cause a proximal humerus fracture (where the bone meets the shoulder) or a distal humerus fracture (where the bone meets the elbow).
Distal fractures and more serious proximal fracture cases often require surgical repair. Pins and screws may have to be inserted to hold the broken ends of the bones in place. Some car collisions leave arm bones crushed or cause bone loss. In these cases, a piece of bone from the victim’s body or a donor may be used to strengthen the humerus.
Cost Helper Health finds that non-surgical treatment for a humerus break can cost around $3,000 or more. That doesn’t include emergency room fees. When surgery is necessary, the costs can hit $15,000 or more. The surgeon’s fee would likely add an extra $2,000 to the cost.
These costs don’t include the physical therapy that may follow to restore full range of motion and use to the arm. These enormous and ongoing expenses should fall to the at-fault driver’s car insurance policy. It’s critical to make sure you receive everything you need to protect your finances by speaking with a Kentucky Car Accident Lawyer about what you should be demanding from insurance representatives.
What to Do After a Car Accident on a Kentucky Roadway
What you do in the minutes after fracturing your arm in a car crash will depend on the pain you are experiencing. You might only be able to call 911 and then wait for several difficult minutes until an ambulance arrives.
But if your humerus fracture allows, you should consider collecting the valuable evidence that will be found on the scene of your crash right up until the accident is cleared. Try to gather a few details on the scene or ask someone with you or a helpful witness to assist you.
- Call 911. Get checked out fully by EMT crews. Give a full report to the police officers or the Kentucky State Patrol on the scene so they can write up an accurate collision report that will stand as evidence in your favor later.
- Take photos. Once the scene is secure, get out and take pictures with your phone. Show the damage to the vehicles involved and show traffic signs and lane markings that relate to what happened. Take photos of any injuries that are visible, especially arm injuries. If at-fault drivers are behind the wheel while working for a rideshare or delivery company, take pictures of any signs for the company they work for.
- Talk to any witnesses and get their contact information.
- Exchange information with everyone involved but don’t make any statements about the accident. Insurance companies can use statements about who was at fault and how badly you are hurt against you later.
- Note any businesses or homes that might have security cameras that recorded your accident.
- Get examined by your own doctor in the days to come. See specialists and attend physical therapy if told to do so.
- Keep damaged or bloody clothing and personal items.
Contact a Kentucky Fractured Humerus Lawyer
Kentucky car accident victims who have suffered humerus fractures are given up to one year to file an injury claim against a careless driver. This may seem to be plenty of time, but you should bring your case to a skilled attorney as soon as possible. The longer you wait the harder it will be for your attorney to locate evidence and track down witnesses to get their testimony.
Talk to a Kentucky Traumatic Injury Lawyer you can trust to be on your side and fight for your fair compensation. To discuss your case in a free consultation with a real Kentucky lawyer, contact Kaufman & Stigger, PLLC today, by clicking here. If you decide we can help you earn the most for your car accident arm fracture injury claim, you won’t need any money. We don’t get paid unless we win your case.
