Did You Break A Bone In A Georgia Truck Accident?
An Atlanta Truck Accident Lawyer Can Help You Recover After a Fracture
Any wreck can cause a broken bone, but truck accidents, due to the significant amount of force involved, can cause particularly severe breaks. Many fractures sustained in truck accidents are called comminuted fractures, which means the bone is broken into more than two pieces or completely crushed. Also common are compound fractures, which are injuries in which a broken bone pierces the skin, creating the risk of infection or other complications. These fractures can take many months to heal, and some can even cause permanent disability.
If you've been in a truck accident, you know firsthand just how much force is involved. When a commercial truck collides with a passenger car or motorcycle, the occupants of the smaller vehicle typically bear the brunt of the impact, and often, that's enough to break bones. Those injuries can be truly catastrophic, with a massive long-term impact on your life.
Fractures are among the most serious truck accident injuries that we handle at our Atlanta law firm. You need to take your case seriously. Reach out to an experienced truck accident lawyer at Gary Martin Hays & Associates, P.C.
"Gary and his team did an excellent job in representing me during a very difficult time. They got me a fair settlement without having to go to court. Awesome!"
– Norris G.
Aggregate Rating: 4.9/5 stars from 700 reviews
FAQs About Truck Accident Fractures
- What types of bone fractures are most common in Georgia truck accidents, and how serious are they?
- What are the most common bones that get broken in a commercial truck accident in Georgia?
- Who can be held legally responsible for fractured bones caused by a commercial truck accident in Georgia?
- What if my loved one suffered fatal complications from a fracture after a Georgia truck crash — do I have a wrongful death case?
- What types of truck accidents most often lead to broken bones and fracture injuries in and around Atlanta?
- What types of fracture injuries do children commonly suffer in Georgia truck accidents, and why are they different from adult injuries?
- How much compensation can I recover for surgeries, rehabilitation, and lost work after a fracture from a truck accident?
- Do insurance companies in Georgia undervalue fracture injuries in truck accidents — and how can a lawyer fight back?
- What role does comparative fault play in fracture injury cases involving truck collisions in Georgia?
- Can I still pursue a claim if I didn't go to the hospital immediately after the truck crash but later found out I had a fracture?
- How do trucking company safety violations contribute to high-impact crashes that cause broken bones?
- How long do I have to file a lawsuit for a truck accident fracture injury in Atlanta or anywhere in Georgia?
- What kinds of medical evidence help support a strong legal claim for fractured bones in a truck crash case?
- Is there a difference between a simple fracture and a complex or compound fracture when it comes to legal compensation?
- How can an Atlanta truck accident lawyer help victims with long-term complications from fractures, like permanent disability or chronic pain?
What types of bone fractures are most common in Georgia truck accidents, and how serious are they?
Fractures from truck accidents can range from relatively minor to life-altering. The severity often depends on the force of the impact, the point of contact, and the victim's position at the time of the crash. High-speed collisions or underride crashes tend to result in the most serious orthopedic trauma. Common types of fractures include:
- Displaced Fractures: Where the bone snaps into two or more parts and moves out of alignment.
- Comminuted Fractures: A bone is shattered into three or more pieces, often seen in high-impact crashes.
- Compound (Open) Fractures: The bone breaks through the skin, increasing the risk of infection.
- Hairline Or Stress Fractures: Small cracks in the bone that can worsen if untreated.
- Compression Fractures: Often occur in the spine and are common in rear-end or rollover crashes.
The more severe the break, the more costly and complex the recovery process becomes. A lawyer can ensure that your claim encompasses every stage of treatment and its long-term impact.
What are the most common bones that get broken in a commercial truck accident in Georgia?
Certain bones are more likely to break in a truck crash because of the intense forces involved. Victims are often hit while restrained in their vehicle, leading to predictable patterns of injury. Frequently broken bones include:
- Femur (Thigh Bone): One of the strongest bones in the body, it usually breaks in severe crashes.
- Tibia And Fibula (Lower Leg Bones): Often broken in side-impact or underride collisions.
- Pelvis: Can fracture from seatbelt pressure or dashboard impact.
- Ribs: Common in high-speed impact or when crushed by a collapsing vehicle frame.
- Clavicle (Collarbone): Often fractured from seatbelt restraint or impact with the steering wheel.
- Arm And Wrist Bones: Fractured when bracing for impact during rollovers or T-bone crashes.
- Spine And Vertebrae: Compression or burst fractures are possible in rear-end or cargo shift accidents.
Any of these injuries can require surgery, rehab, or long-term care — expenses that a lawyer can work to recover through a full and fair settlement.
Who can be held legally responsible for fractured bones caused by a commercial truck accident in Georgia?
Liability in Georgia truck accidents can extend far beyond the driver. Depending on how the crash occurred, multiple parties may share legal and financial responsibility for your injuries. Potentially liable parties include:
- The Truck Driver: For speeding, distracted driving, fatigue, or reckless behavior.
- The Trucking Company: For unsafe schedules, poor hiring practices, or failure to maintain vehicles.
- Cargo Loaders Or Shippers: If improperly loaded cargo caused the crash or intensified the impact.
- Truck Manufacturers: If a mechanical defect contributed to the crash or injury.
- Maintenance Providers: For negligent inspection or failure to fix known hazards.
A lawyer can investigate all potential defendants and make sure that no source of compensation is left unexplored.
What if my loved one suffered fatal complications from a fracture after a Georgia truck crash — do I have a wrongful death case?
Yes, you may have a wrongful death case if a loved one died from complications related to a fracture caused by a truck accident. This is common with pelvic, rib, or spinal fractures that lead to internal bleeding, infections, or respiratory failure. Georgia law allows surviving family members to file a claim against the negligent parties, which may include the truck driver, trucking company, or a third party involved in loading or maintenance. A lawyer can investigate the cause, determine fault, and pursue compensation for medical bills, funeral costs, and loss of support.
What types of truck accidents most often lead to broken bones and fracture injuries in and around Atlanta?
The type of truck accident plays a major role in the nature and severity of injuries. Around Metro Atlanta — especially on interstates like I-75 and in busy corridors like Buford Highway or Memorial Drive — high-impact truck crashes are common. Crash types that frequently result in broken bones include:
- Rear-End Collisions: These can lead to spinal compression fractures and head injuries.
- T-Bone Or Side-Impact Crashes: Often cause pelvic, rib, and leg fractures.
- Head-On Collisions: Result in some of the most catastrophic orthopedic injuries.
- Rollover Accidents: These may cause complex fractures from multiple impacts.
- Underride Crashes: When a car slides under a truck, leading to upper body and facial fractures.
- DUI Truck Driver Crashes: Impaired truck drivers often cause high-speed, reckless collisions with devastating impact forces that break bones throughout the body.
Understanding the dynamics of your crash helps a lawyer match the injury to the negligence — and fight for full compensation.
What types of fracture injuries do children commonly suffer in Georgia truck accidents, and why are they different from adult injuries?
When children are involved in truck accidents, the long-term implications can be even more severe. Children, because their bones are more flexible, often sustain bowing fractures - injuries in which the force of the crash bends or strains the bone but does not actually break it. These and other types of fractures may heal improperly, which may require extensive and painful medical treatment that may involve re-breaking bones.
How much compensation can I recover for surgeries, rehabilitation, and lost work after a fracture from a truck accident?
Fractures can lead to steep medical costs, particularly when surgery or physical therapy is required. In Georgia, victims are entitled to recover both economic and non-economic damages, depending on the severity of the injury and its long-term impact. Compensation may cover:
- Hospital Bills And Surgical Costs: Including orthopedic hardware and follow-up care.
- Rehabilitation And Physical Therapy: Often necessary for achieving full range of motion recovery.
- Lost Wages: Including time missed from work and diminished earning capacity.
- Pain And Suffering: For physical pain, mental anguish, and lifestyle changes.
- Disability Or Disfigurement: When the injury causes permanent limitation or scarring.
A lawyer can assess the full scope of your damages and negotiate for a settlement that reflects your real losses — not just what the insurance company wants to pay.
Do insurance companies in Georgia undervalue fracture injuries in truck accidents — and how can a lawyer fight back?
Yes, insurance companies often downplay fractures, especially if they're non-displaced or didn't require surgery. They may overlook long-term complications such as arthritis, nerve damage, or permanent mobility loss. A skilled attorney collaborates with medical experts to thoroughly document the injury's full impact and effectively counters lowball settlement offers. Without legal pressure, the insurer has no incentive to offer the full value of your claim.
What role does comparative fault play in fracture injury cases involving truck collisions in Georgia?
Georgia follows a modified comparative fault rule, which means you can still recover damages if you're less than 50% at fault — but your percentage of fault reduces your compensation. Trucking companies often try to shift blame onto the victim; this is common in urban crash zones like Marietta, Lithonia, or Roswell, where traffic conditions are dense. Even something as minor as lane position or reaction time might be used against you. A lawyer can gather evidence to minimize your share of fault and protect your claim from being unfairly reduced or denied.
Can I still pursue a claim if I didn't go to the hospital immediately after the truck crash but later found out I had a fracture?
Yes, delayed medical treatment doesn't disqualify you from filing a claim, but it can make the case more complicated. Some fractures, such as hairline or compression fractures, may not exhibit symptoms immediately and are often diagnosed days later. Insurance adjusters may argue your injury isn't related to the crash. An attorney can connect the diagnosis to the accident through medical records, crash reports, and expert testimony to protect your rights.
How do trucking company safety violations contribute to high-impact crashes that cause broken bones?
Safety violations are a leading cause of severe truck accidents in Georgia. Companies that cut corners on inspections, overload trailers, or push drivers past legal limits put everyone on the road at risk. Common violations that lead to bone fractures include:
- Failure To Maintain Brakes Or Tires: Leads to loss of control or inability to stop.
- Exceeding Legal Load Limits: Increases impact force during a crash.
- Ignoring Hours-Of-Service Rules: Fatigued drivers are more likely to be involved in crashes.
- Unsecured Cargo: Can shift or fall, causing rollovers or jackknife accidents.
- Inadequate Driver Training: Results in dangerous maneuvers or poor decision-making.
These violations may not be immediately apparent, but a lawyer can uncover them through thorough investigation and hold the company accountable.
How long do I have to file a lawsuit for a truck accident fracture injury in Atlanta or anywhere in Georgia?
In most Georgia personal injury cases, including truck accidents, the statute of limitations is two years from the date of the crash. That deadline applies whether your accident happened in downtown Atlanta, on I-20 near Lithonia, or in smaller communities like Jonesboro or Brookhaven. If a government vehicle was involved or a minor was injured, different rules may apply. A lawyer can help you act quickly to meet all deadlines and preserve critical evidence before it's lost.
What kinds of medical evidence help support a strong legal claim for fractured bones in a truck crash case?
Clear, documented medical evidence is crucial in proving the severity of your injury and establishing a connection between it and the crash. The more thorough the records, the harder it is for insurance companies to downplay your claim. Useful medical evidence includes:
- Emergency Room Records and Imaging: X-rays, MRIs, and CT scans.
- Surgical Reports and Follow-Up Notes: From orthopedic surgeons and specialists.
- Physical Therapy Logs: Showing length and intensity of rehab.
- Pain Journals and Medication Records: Documenting ongoing symptoms.
- Expert Testimony: From doctors who can explain the long-term impact.
A lawyer can gather and present this evidence in a way that strengthens your case and maximizes your recovery.
Is there a difference between a simple fracture and a complex or compound fracture when it comes to legal compensation?
Yes — more severe fractures often lead to higher compensation. That's because the costs, risks, and recovery time increase significantly with complex breaks. Key differences that affect legal claims include:
- Medical Complexity: Compound and comminuted fractures require more treatment.
- Recovery Time: Severe fractures result in a longer time away from work.
- Risk of Complications: Like infection, nerve damage, or loss of function.
- Long-Term Limitations: May affect mobility, job duties, or daily living.
- Pain and Disfigurement: Higher in complex cases, impacting non-economic damages.
A knowledgeable attorney will document these differences and present them clearly to insurers or a jury to justify a higher settlement or verdict.
How can an Atlanta truck accident lawyer help victims with long-term complications from fractures, like permanent disability or chronic pain?
Fractures don't always heal cleanly. In many cases, victims suffer from reduced mobility, nerve pain, or lifelong physical limitations. An experienced lawyer can help by:
- Documenting The Full Medical Picture: Including long-term outcomes.
- Calculating Lifetime Costs: For care, equipment, and lost earnings.
- Bringing In Experts: To testify about future medical needs and impairment.
- Negotiating Strategically: To ensure permanent damages aren't undervalued.
- Taking The Case To Trial If Necessary: To fight for every dollar you deserve.
Without legal guidance, long-term complications are often overlooked or dismissed. An attorney makes sure your future is factored into your recovery.
Our Truck Accident Attorneys Can Help You Put Your Life Back Together
Some of the most serious injuries in truck accidents involve fractures to the biggest load-bearing bones in the body - arms, legs, hips, and so on. However, even a seemingly minor injury, such as a broken finger, can have significant implications for your life. You may be out of work for weeks or months while your injury heals, and your ability to care for children or complete tasks around the home may also be reduced. Those are real losses that demand full and fair compensation.
A broken bone is a serious injury that can lead to serious complications. And legal cases arising from a broken bone injury can be just as complicated. If your broken bone was due to a trucking company's negligence, contact an experienced truck accident attorney from our firm as soon as possible. The trucking companies won't hesitate to go to work and build a strong case, and neither should you. Remember, you have nothing to lose by talking to an attorney. We offer a free consultation to all potential clients, and there's no obligation - we just want you to be aware of your legal rights. If your mobility is limited or your schedule doesn't allow you to visit our office, we're happy to meet with you at home, at work, or in your hospital room. And we offer a zero fee guarantee, meaning you don't owe us a cent unless we win your case.
