Not all car accidents in Illinois are mere fender benders. Collisions could total a vehicle and leave drivers or passengers with severe injuries. The human body can only take so much stress on impact, and bones may suffer major fractures. A car might not need to travel at high speed to cause bone fractures. A side swipe collision combined with a failed airbag may lead to fractures or worse. Lawsuits likely follow when negligence leads to such accidents.
Fractures and vehicle collisions
A fracture is known by its more common and more self-explanatory term, a broken bone. Fractures could be complete breaks or partial ones. Either way, the bone may require significant time to heal. In some cases, such as when an ankle suffers a severe fracture, surgery becomes necessary.
Both legs could even suffer a “comminuted” fracture, one where the fibula and tibia both end up with multiple fractures. Extensive surgery and the insertion of a rod might be necessary to fix the fracture. One extensive surgery might not even be the end. A patient may undergo several procedures.
A skull fracture may happen, leading to a traumatic brain injury. Ultimately, no one knows how serious a car accident is until after a doctor examines the victims. Some may refuse medical treatment not realizes how bad they are hurt. Choosing not to go to the emergency room may prove to be a fatal mistake.
Seeking compensation for injuries
Negligence may be the sole reason for a disastrous auto accident. Distracted, impaired, or fatigued drivers may operate a vehicle recklessly. Poorly-maintained cars and trucks also pose risks.
Health insurance might not pay for all the costs associated with the accident. Medical insurance certainly does not cover lost wages or pain and suffering. Auto liability and uninsured motorist coverage may do so, and settlements could require extensive negotiations.
Filing a lawsuit against a negligent driver could provide a way to recover losses after a motor vehicle accident . Victims might sue for amounts above the insurance limits, depending on their injuries and losses. An attorney could advise victims about their options.