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Treating Fractures and Joint Injuries After a Car Accident

Fracture and Joint Injury

A car accident can turn life upside down in an instant, and broken bones and joint injuries are common results. Accident Help Zone can connect you with car accident doctors in CT and NY who specialize in this kind of care. In this guide, the team explains what treating injuries after a car accident typically involves and what you should be aware of as you recover.

Assessing Your Bones and Joints in a Car Accident Injury

According to the Journal of Research in Health Sciences, the average frequency of fractures to the lower extremities, including the tibia and femur, in car crashes was significantly higher for drivers (43.5) and passengers (46.5) compared to pedestrians (29.9). An injury to the bones or joints happens because the body is not built to absorb sudden force well. Even a modest-speed crash can send enough energy through your limbs and spine to crack a bone or tear connective tissue. 

Doctors recommend an exam straight after any of these types of car accidents, even if you walk away feeling fine. Fractures range from stable breaks that stay aligned to displaced or open fractures needing more involved care. Joint injuries are just as common in the knees, shoulders, and wrists. 

Potential Treatments After a Car Accident

According to the World Health Organization, wearing a seat belt can reduce the risk of death for vehicle occupants by up to 50%. If you survive, the right fracture treatment after a car accident depends on the severity and the type of break. Minor to moderate fractures may use a cast or brace to immobilize the area, whereas severe fractures, especially in the femur or pelvis, may need plates or rods to hold the bone in place while it heals.

Common fractures that car accident doctors treat include:

  • Wrist fractures when a driver grips the wheel or braces for impact
  • Rib fractures that make breathing painful 
  • Femur and hip fractures from dashboard impact
  • Ankle fractures when the feet are jammed against the pedals

Joint injury treatment after a car accident often starts with rest, ice, heat, and anti-inflammatory care. Doctors may recommend bracing, joint injections, or arthroscopic surgery for more significant damage, such as a torn ligament.

Why People Should See Car Accident Doctors Right Away

According to the National Roadway Safety Strategy from the U.S. Department of Transportation, Quarter 2 of 2024 represented the ninth consecutive quarterly decline in roadway deaths. Despite this trend, if you get hurt, you should see a doctor promptly. Insurance companies may consider how quickly someone sought treatment when weighing settlement offers.

Rehabilitation for fractures and joint injuries after an accident might include physical therapy to rebuild strength and range of motion. Stretching, resistance training, and techniques like ultrasound or electrical stimulation may aid your recovery and return to work.

Getting the Right Care With Accident Help Zone

Orthopedic care for car accident injuries isn’t something to put off. Accident Help Zone can connect people in Connecticut and New York with doctors who understand the medical and legal complexities of these injuries. 

Anyone interested in visiting a doctor after a car accident may call Accident Help Zone at (888) 412-8488. The directory can help you find a car accident doctor near you in Connecticut or New York.

Doctors listed in our directory accept most insurance plans, including workers’ compensation, no-fault, and PIP (personal injury protection). Same-day appointments may be available.

Frequently Asked Questions

Below are some common questions people ask about fractures and joint injuries after a crash.

How Long Does It Take To Recover From a Fracture After a Car Accident?

Fractures can take anywhere from six weeks to several months to heal, depending on the bone involved and whether surgery was required.

Do I Need Surgery for a Joint Injury After a Car Accident?

Many joint injuries respond well to rest, physical therapy, bracing, and similar nonsurgical interventions. Severe tears or dislocations, however, may require surgery.

What Happens if I Don’t See a Doctor After a Minor Car Accident?

Delaying or skipping care can allow hidden injuries, such as soft-tissue damage or small fractures, to worsen. You may also have a harder time linking the injury to the crash for insurance purposes.

How Do I Find a Car Accident Doctor Near Me?

A directory like Accident Help Zone makes it easy to find a car accident doctor near you. Our providers in Connecticut and New York specialize in treating fractures, joint injuries, and other crash-related conditions.