Average Settlement For a Broken Bone in a Car Accident GA

Nov 28, 2024 - Car Accidents

In Georgia, the average settlement for a broken bone resulting from a car accident typically ranges from $50,000 to $900,000

The settlement you receive will vary based on several factors, including:

  • Extent of the fracture
  • Necessary medical treatment
  • Disruption to daily life
  • Available insurance coverage
  • Pain and suffering
  • Loss of income
  • Ongoing or future medical complications

Do You Have Grounds for a Claim?

If you’ve suffered a broken bone in a car accident, you may have grounds to file a claim, but certain conditions must be met to pursue compensation successfully:

  • You Must Be Injured as a Result of the Crash
    To file a claim, you need to demonstrate that the car accident directly caused your injuries. Medical records, accident reports, and other documentation can help establish this vital link.
  • Your Claim Must Be Filed Within Georgia’s Statute of Limitations
    In Georgia, personal injury claims, including those for car accidents, must generally be filed within two years from the date of the accident. Missing this deadline can mean losing your right to seek compensation.

With our free consultation, our Michael and his team of experienced car accident lawyers can provide you with advice specific to your situation. At The Gumprecht Law Firm, we understand the nuances of Georgia car accident laws and will help you navigate the claims process to maximize your final settlement.

Accident cases involving broken bones often lead to higher settlements compared to minor injuries. However, different factors determine the amount of your compensation. Call our Atlanta car accident lawyer today for guidance!

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Our Auto Accident and Broken Bone Settlement Amounts

  • $6,721,762: Spine injuries after a DUI hit-and-run – 2018, Woodstock, GA.
  • $1,025,000: Hangman’s fracture of the cervical spine for a rear passenger in an auto collision – 2015, Commerce, GA.
  • $750,000: Lumbar fracture resulting in surgery – 2017, Elberton, GA.
  • $485,000: Clavicle fracture and knee damage in a T-bone collision – 2016, Ellijay, GA.
  • $300,000: Leg and arm fractures in a head-on collision – 2016, Euharlee, GA.
  • $100,000: Thoracic hairline fracture – 2017, Covington, GA.
$6.7 million

Spine Injuries from DUI/Hit Run (Woodstock, GA 2018)

$3.1 Million

Fall from a Tipping Flatbed Tow Truck (Decatur, GA 2022)

$3 Million

Serious Injuries in a Motorcycle Accident (Grantville, GA 2020)

$2.5 Million

Spine Surgery after a Tractor Trailer Collision (Dallas, GA 2022)

$1.6 Million

Injuries after rear-ended on GA-400 (Dahlonega, GA 2017)

$1.5 million

Spine Surgery from Head-On Collision (Griffin, GA 2018)

$6.7 million

Spine Injuries from DUI/Hit Run (Woodstock, GA 2018)

$3.1 Million

Fall from a Tipping Flatbed Tow Truck (Decatur, GA 2022)

$3 Million

Serious Injuries in a Motorcycle Accident (Grantville, GA 2020)

$2.5 Million

Spine Surgery after a Tractor Trailer Collision (Dallas, GA 2022)

$1.6 Million

Injuries after rear-ended on GA-400 (Dahlonega, GA 2017)

$1.5 million

Spine Surgery from Head-On Collision (Griffin, GA 2018)

 

Broken Bone Compensation Amounts in More Detail

When it comes to broken bone injuries from auto accidents the average car accident settlement can vary based on the type of common car accident injuries and severity of the injury. From fractures in the spine to broken limbs, the treatment required and the long-term impact on your life can all influence the compensation you may be entitled to.

Broken Clavicle

The average settlement amount for a broken clavicle in a car accident in Georgia typically ranges from $150,000 to $500,000, depending on the severity of the injury and the medical treatment required. Clavicle fractures can vary in complexity, from simple fractures that heal with rest to more severe breaks that require surgery.

In cases where surgery or physical therapy is needed, the settlement amount may be higher due to increased medical expenses and a longer recovery period. The compensation can also factor in lost wages and the impact the injury has on your daily life.

Broken Leg

In Georgia, the average settlement amount for a broken leg in a car accident is from $200,000 to $700,000, depending on the severity of the fracture and the medical treatments required. More complex fractures that require surgery, rehabilitation, or long-term care typically lead to higher compensation amounts.

If the injury results in permanent disability, ongoing medical needs, or loss of mobility, the settlement amount may be significantly higher to account for the long-term impact on the individual’s quality of life.

Broken Leg

In Georgia, the average settlement amount for a broken leg in a car accident is from $200,000 to $700,000, depending on the severity of the fracture and the treatment required. Less severe fractures may heal with rest and minor medical care, leading to lower compensation amounts.

However, if the fracture requires more extensive treatment, such as a cast or additional therapy, the settlement may be on the higher end of this range. Compensation typically covers medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

Broken Leg with Surgery

A typical Georgia settlement amount for a broken leg with surgery in a car accident is from $300,000 to $900,000, depending on the complexity of the injury and the surgery performed. Surgery often indicates a more severe fracture that requires specialized medical intervention, leading to higher compensation.

This type of injury often involves significant medical expenses, including surgery, post-operative care, and rehabilitation. Long-term impacts, such as permanent disability or loss of mobility, can also increase the settlement amount, reflecting the extended recovery time and diminished quality of life.

Broken Arm

The average settlement amount for a broken arm in a car accident in Georgia typically ranges from $150,000 to $500,000, depending on the severity of the fracture and the medical treatment needed. Simple fractures that heal with rest and a cast may result in lower settlements.

However, more complicated breaks that require surgery or long-term rehabilitation may lead to higher compensation amounts. The settlement can also factor in lost wages, pain and suffering, and the impact of the injury on your daily activities and quality of life.

 Ribs

In Georgia, the average settlement amount for broken ribs in a car accident ranges from $50,000 to $250,000, depending on the severity of the fracture and the treatment required. Rib fractures can cause significant pain and may take weeks or months to fully heal.

More severe rib fractures that lead to complications, such as punctured lungs or other internal injuries, may result in higher compensation amounts. Settlements typically cover medical expenses, pain and suffering, and lost wages, along with the impact on your daily activities during the recovery period.

What is the Average Settlement for a Broken Foot?

The average settlement for a broken foot in a car accident usually ranges from $100,000 to $400,000, depending on the severity of the fracture and the required treatment. Less severe fractures that heal with a cast may lead to lower compensation amounts.

However, more complex fractures that require surgery or result in long-term complications, such as chronic pain or mobility issues, may result in higher settlements. Compensation typically includes medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and any impact the injury has on your ability to work or perform daily activities.

Average Payout for a Broken Hip

The average settlement amount for a broken hip in a car accident in GA typically ranges from $200,000 to $600,000, depending on the severity of the injury and the necessary treatment. A broken hip often requires surgery and lengthy rehabilitation, which increases the settlement value.

In cases where the injury results in permanent disability, such as limited mobility or the need for ongoing care, the payout can be higher. Compensation factors include medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and the long-term effects on the individual’s quality of life.

Sacrum Fracture Settlement

The average settlement amount for a sacrum fracture in a car accident in GA typically ranges from $150,000 to $500,000, depending on the severity of the fracture and the required medical treatment. Sacrum fractures can cause significant pain and may require surgery or long-term rehabilitation.

In cases where the injury leads to complications, such as nerve damage or permanent disability, the settlement amount may be higher. Compensation can also account for lost wages, medical expenses, and the impact on daily life and mobility during the recovery process.

Broken bones from car accidents can lead to significant injury settlements, including pain and suffering damages. Reach out to our Duluth car accident lawyer and find out how much your case could be worth. 

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How to Maximize a Settlement Amount

  1. Seek Immediate Medical Attention: It’s essential to get prompt medical care after an accident. Proper documentation of your injuries and treatments is vital to establishing the severity of your condition and ensuring a fair settlement.
  2. Keep Detailed Records: Keep track of all medical bills, prescriptions, and any other expenses related to your injury. This helps us ensure that your full costs are covered.
  3. Don’t Settle Too Quickly: Insurance companies may offer a quick settlement, but it might not fully reflect the extent of your injuries. We will help you evaluate whether the initial offer is fair or if it’s better to negotiate for a larger payout.
  4. Work with our Experienced Personal Injury Attorneys: By partnering with Michael and his team, you can benefit from our knowledge of the law and negotiation skills. We can leverage our experience to get the maximum compensation you deserve for your injuries.
  5. Consider Long-Term Effects: We will take into account how your injury may affect your future. Long-term care, pain, and lost earning potential should be factored into your settlement amount.

Factors Influencing Settlement Values

Several factors come into play when determining the value of a settlement for a car accident injury. These include:

  • Extent of the fracture
  • Necessary medical treatment
  • Disruption to daily life
  • Available insurance coverage
  • Pain and suffering
  • Loss of income
  • Ongoing or future medical complications

Extent of the Fracture

Simple fractures that heal with minimal treatment typically result in lower compensation. More severe fractures, such as comminuted or compound fractures, often require surgery and extended recovery, which increases the settlement amount. These injuries also tend to cause longer-term pain, disability, and higher medical costs.

In cases where the fracture causes permanent complications, such as nerve damage or ongoing physical limitations, the settlement amount will be higher. For instance, a broken leg that leads to a permanent limp or inability to walk without assistance will result in more compensation compared to a simple fracture that heals fully.

Necessary Medical Treatment

Injuries requiring extensive treatment—such as a compound fracture needing surgery—will result in higher settlements. The longer the recovery period and the more intensive the treatment, the greater the compensation amount.

Additionally, future medical needs, such as long-term therapy or follow-up surgeries, will also be included in the settlement. An injury that requires ongoing medical attention, like a spine fracture needing physical therapy, can increase the settlement to cover these anticipated costs.

Disruption to Daily Life

Injuries that prevent you from working, driving, or taking care of yourself can lead to higher compensation. A broken foot, for example, may prevent you from performing basic activities or holding down a job, increasing the settlement amount to cover the impact on your lifestyle.

If the injury causes permanent limitations, such as the inability to return to work or engage in hobbies, the compensation will increase. A person who suffers a fractured hand and can no longer type or perform physical tasks will receive more compensation than someone whose injury is less disabling.

Available Insurance Coverage

If the responsible party has a high insurance policy limit, you may be able to recover a larger settlement to cover medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages. However, if the at-fault party has minimal coverage, your compensation may be limited unless you have adequate underinsured or uninsured motorist coverage.

In situations where the responsible party is uninsured, your own insurance may help cover the difference, but only if you have the right coverage. Insurance coverage is a key factor in how much you can recover, as the policy limits can restrict or expand your potential settlement.

Pain and Suffering

Injuries that result in chronic pain or permanent disability generally lead to higher compensation for pain and suffering, which falls under the category of non-economic damages. For example, a broken back that causes ongoing pain will yield more compensation than a minor fracture that heals without issue.

Pain and suffering also include emotional and psychological impacts, such as trauma, anxiety, or depression resulting from the injury. If the injury leads to long-lasting emotional distress, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), the settlement will reflect the mental burden in addition to the physical pain, all of which contribute to the non-economic damages portion of your claim.

Loss of Income

If your broken bone requires time off work, the settlement will compensate you for the wages lost during that period. For example, if a broken leg keeps you out of work for several months, your settlement will include lost earnings.

If the injury results in permanent disability that prevents you from returning to your previous employment, the settlement will account for future lost wages. A person who can no longer work in their chosen profession due to a broken bone may receive compensation for the long-term financial impact of that disability.

Ongoing or Future Medical Complications

Injuries that lead to long-term issues, such as chronic pain, the need for surgery, or permanent disability, will be included in the settlement. For example, a broken hip may require future joint replacement surgery, which will be factored into the compensation.

Long-term medical care, including physical therapy, medications, or follow-up surgeries, is also considered in the settlement. The more likely the injury is to require future medical attention, the higher the compensation will be to cover these future costs.

Georgia Car Accident Laws Affecting Settlements

No-Fault/Comparative Fault

Georgia follows a comparative fault system, which can significantly affect the amount of compensation you receive after a car accident. If you are partially at fault, your compensation will be reduced based on your percentage of fault.

For example, if you are found to be 30% at fault for the accident, your settlement will be reduced by 30%. This system ensures drivers are accountable for their actions while still allowing compensation if they are not entirely at fault.

However, if you are found to be more than 50% at fault, you may not be entitled to any compensation. The comparative fault rule can limit recovery in cases where both parties share fault.

Gathering strong evidence to demonstrate the other party’s liability is essential. This will help maximize your compensation and avoid a reduction based on shared responsibility.

Statute of Limitations

The statute of limitations is the time limit within which you must file a personal injury claim. In Georgia, this limit is two years from the date of the accident.

If you fail to file a lawsuit within this timeframe, you may lose your right to seek compensation. The statute of limitations highlights the importance of acting quickly after an accident to protect your claim.

As time passes, evidence may be lost, and witnesses may forget important details. Waiting too long could also lead to arguments that your injuries are not as severe or that your claim is invalid.

Starting your claim early allows you to preserve evidence and fully assess the extent of your injuries. This ensures that you have the necessary time to pursue the compensation you deserve.

Mandatory Insurance Coverages, such as UM/UIM

In Georgia, all drivers are required to carry minimum liability insurance. The minimum coverage includes $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident for bodily injury, plus $25,000 for property damage.

This coverage ensures that injured parties are compensated for their medical bills and expenses. However, if your injuries are severe or the at-fault party has little insurance, this coverage may not be enough.

In addition to liability coverage, Georgia law also requires drivers to carry Uninsured Motorist (UM) and Underinsured Motorist (UIM) coverage. This coverage protects you if the at-fault driver has no insurance or insufficient coverage to fully compensate your injuries.

The minimum required UM/UIM coverage in Georgia is $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident. This can be critical if you’re involved in an accident with a driver who lacks sufficient insurance.

If your damages exceed the at-fault driver’s insurance limits, UM/UIM coverage can make up the difference. This ensures you are fully compensated, even if the other driver’s coverage falls short.

PIP (Personal Injury Protection)

Georgia is not a no-fault state, meaning drivers are not required to carry Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance. However, they may choose to purchase it for additional coverage.

PIP insurance covers medical expenses, lost wages, and other related costs, regardless of who was at fault for the accident. This coverage can be especially helpful for those who want immediate access to medical treatment.

Although not mandatory, PIP insurance can influence your settlement by covering medical bills early in the process. If you don’t have PIP coverage, you may need to rely on other sources, such as health insurance or UM/UIM coverage.

PIP coverage helps alleviate financial burdens while your claim is pending. This can make the claims process smoother by covering immediate expenses.

Wrongful Death Claims

If a loved one is killed in a car accident, Georgia law allows family members to file a wrongful death claim. The statute of limitations for wrongful death claims is also two years from the date of the accident.

In wrongful death claims, family members can seek compensation for medical expenses, funeral costs, and the loss of companionship, support, and income. These claims can result in significant compensation due to the emotional and financial toll on the surviving family members.

The damages in a wrongful death claim are often higher, especially if the deceased was the primary breadwinner. This compensates the family for the financial impact of the loss.

However, proving wrongful death requires clear evidence of negligence. 

Have you been involved in a car accident that resulted in a broken bone? Call our Lawrenceville car accident lawyer and learn how to calculate pain and suffering settlement you deserve.

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The Settlement Process for Broken Bone Claims

As a car accident attorney, Michael understands that the settlement process for broken bone claims can be overwhelming. Here’s a general outline of the steps involved in seeking compensation for your car accident claim:

  1. Initial Consultation: We start with a free consultation with our personal injury lawyer to evaluate the details of your case and help determine whether you have a strong claim.
  2. Investigation and Evidence Gathering: Our team will gather evidence, including medical records, accident reports, and witness statements, to build a strong case.
  3. Demand Letter: We will send a demand letter to the responsible party or their insurance company, outlining your injuries and the compensation we are seeking.
  4. Negotiation: After the demand letter is sent, we will enter into negotiations with the insurance company to secure a fair settlement.
  5. Settlement Offer: If an acceptable settlement is offered, we will review it with you and, if agreed, proceed with the settlement process.
  6. Litigation (if necessary): If a fair settlement cannot be reached, we are prepared to take your case to court and litigate for the compensation you deserve.

How We Can Help

At The Gumprecht Law Firm, we are committed to helping you get the car accident settlement in Georgia you deserve for your broken bone injury. Our experienced team will guide you through every step of the legal process, ensuring that your rights are protected and your personal injury case is handled with the utmost care.

If you’ve been injured in a car accident and suffered a broken bone, don’t wait—contact us today to schedule a free consultation. We’re here to answer your questions and provide personalized legal advice tailored to your situation.

If you’ve been an accident victim, call us at 470-975-7193 or visit our Contact Us page to schedule your free consultation.