Kankakee Attorneys for Broken and Fractured Bones from Pedestrian Accidents

Pedestrian accidents can be catastrophic. Jeans and a t-shirt are no protection against 3,000 pounds of fast-moving steel. Although the accident may not be your fault, it can feel like you, and not the careless driver, are paying the ultimate price.

At Spiros Law, P.C., we understand how a significant accident can change the course of your life, not just physically but financially as well. Broken or fractured bones are common injuries pedestrians suffer when hit by careless drivers. These injuries are not just painful. They can be life-changing and costly.

The experienced Kankakee pedestrian accident lawyers of Spiros Law, P.C. want to help you pursue the compensation you deserve after you were hurt in an accident caused by someone else. Reach out to our office by calling (815) 929-9292 to set up a free consultation to discuss your situation.

What Is a Bone Break or Fracture?

A bone fracture and a bone break are the same things. They are orthopedic injuries that change the shape of a bone. Although bones are strong, when enough force is applied, they can break or shatter. While the definition of a fracture may seem straightforward, there are several different types of bone fractures, ranging from minor to extreme.

Types of Fractures Caused by Pedestrian Accidents

A wide variety of medical terms can describe a broken bone. This terminology generally refers to the characteristics and features of the break. Common types of bone fractures include:

• Closed fracture – A closed fracture occurs when a bone breaks but does not break through the skin.
• Open fracture – When a bone breaks and punctures the skin, it is considered an open fracture. In an open fracture, the bone can break through the skin and then retreat underneath the soft tissue, or the bone can remain exposed. Open fractures are particularly vulnerable to infection.
• Complete fracture – A complete fracture occurs when a bone breaks into two pieces.
• Partial fracture – A partial fracture means the bone is broken, but the break does not go through the entire width of the bone.
• Displaced fracture – When a gap forms where the bone breaks, it is considered a displaced fracture. These types of breaks generally require corrective surgery.
• Stable fracture – When the broken ends of the bone are still in alignment, it’s a stable fracture.

There are other terms that healthcare providers will use to categorize fractures. Words you may hear used in conjunction with open, closed, partial, and complete fractures may include:

• Avulsion – When a piece of the bone is pulled off by the tendons or ligaments, it is called an avulsion.
• Compression – A compression fracture occurs when a bone is crushed or flattened.
• Comminuted – When a bone shatters into three or more pieces, it is called a comminuted break. These types of fractures typically require surgical intervention to repair.
• Transverse – A transverse fracture is a break that travels in a straight line across the bone.
• Spiral – A spiral fracture circles around the bone, often in a spiral pattern.
• Stress fracture – A stress fracture, also known as a hairline fracture, occurs when a crack develops in a bone. Stress fractures are more common in athletes or those performing repetitive motions.
• Oblique – An oblique break travels diagonally across the bone.
• Impacted – An impacted break happens when the broken ends of bones are jammed together.
• Greenstick – Greenstick fractures are common in children. Since a child’s bones are generally softer and more flexible, a bone may bend or break but not into two pieces.

Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents in Illinois

Why do pedestrian accidents happen? Most pedestrian accidents are the result of careless behavior. Both drivers and pedestrians are responsible for observing the rules of the road and avoiding distractions. When a driver is careless or throws caution to the wind, accidents can happen, and any nearby pedestrian could be injured as a result.

A few of the most common causes of pedestrian accidents in Illinois include:

• Driving under the influence
• Distracted driving
• Fatigued driving
• Speeding
• Failing to yield the right of way
• Left-hand turns at intersections
• Inclement weather conditions
• Poor visibility, especially at night

Data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the National Safety Council indicates that over 75 percent of fatal pedestrian accidents occur in the dark.

Complications from Broken Bones

Bone fractures can be significant injuries. Mending a broken bone is not always a case of setting it and putting it in a cast. Open fractures are at serious risk of infection because the bone is exposed to environmental hazards, like dirt, grime, and bacteria. Displaced and comminuted breaks often require surgery to repair. In many cases, metal hardware, like pins, screws, and rods, may be needed to stabilize the bone. The most severe fractures may even lead to amputation.

Complications from bone fractures may include:

• Infection
• Blood clots
• Hemarthrosis or bleeding into a joint
• Compartment syndrome or bleeding and swelling of the muscles surrounding the break
• Pressure ulcers and sores from wearing a cast
• Scarring

Unfortunately, broken bones can lead to life-long pain and disfigurement. Treating these injuries can also result in mounds of medical bills and lead to mental health problems, such as depression and post-traumatic stress disorder.

Compensation for Broken and Fractured Bones

Did a careless motorist hit you while you were walking? You may be able to recover compensation for your injuries, including your broken bones. Generally, there are two paths forward. The first option is filing an insurance claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance provider. The second path involves filing a personal injury lawsuit against the driver or the driver’s insurer if negotiations don’t result in an appropriate settlement.

An experienced car accident injury attorney will be able to assess your situation and determine which legal pathway offers you the best opportunity to recover the money you deserve. An attorney can also calculate the potential value of your case. Although each case is unique, you might be able to seek money for the following:

• Medical expenses
• Lost wages
• Loss of earning capacity
• Out-of-pocket expenses
• Emotional distress
• Pain and suffering

Having a knowledgeable pedestrian accident attorney on your side is the best way to pursue the full and fair compensation you deserve.

Speak to an Experienced Pedestrian Accident Attorney Now

Did a pedestrian accident leave you with broken bones? You may be due compensation for your injuries. Contact a skilled Kankakee pedestrian accident lawyer with Spiros Law, P.C. to discuss your situation. We want to help you recover every penny you deserve.

Set up a free legal consultation today by calling our office at (815) 929-9292.