A broken arm is one of the most painful and limiting injuries you can suffer in a car accident. It affects your ability to work, take care of yourself, and perform daily tasks. Recovery can take weeks or even months, depending on the severity of the break. For many victims, medical bills and lost wages pile up quickly.
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At Davidoff Law Personal Injury Lawyers, we help people who suffer broken arms in car accidents get the compensation they deserve. Our competent team understands the physical, emotional, and financial toll these injuries bring.
Whether the crash was caused by distracted driving, reckless driving, or a failure to follow traffic laws, we are ready to help. We focus on holding the at-fault party and their insurance company accountable. If you or a loved one suffered a broken arm in a crash, our Queens car accident lawyers are here to fight for your rights.
How Car Accidents Cause Broken Arms
A broken arm is a common result of the violent force involved in a car accident. During a crash, your body may be thrown forward, sideways, or slammed against hard surfaces inside the vehicle. Many people instinctively brace for impact with their arms, which puts them at high risk for fractures. Seat belts can also trap the arms awkwardly, causing breaks on impact.
Airbags can help reduce injury but may still contribute to broken bones, especially in high-speed collisions. The steering wheel, window, or dashboard can become direct points of contact. Even passengers in the back seat are at risk, especially if they are not wearing a seat belt.
At Davidoff Law Personal Injury Lawyers, we see many clients who suffer arm fractures in these situations. We help them recover compensation for medical care, lost income, and long-term damage. These injuries are serious, and they deserve strong legal support.
Symptoms and Impact of a Broken Arm
Broken arms can be extremely painful and make daily life difficult. Some symptoms appear right away, while others show up over time.
Some of the common collision types and injuries that can lead to arm fractures are:
Common Types of Collisions That Lead to Arm Injuries
- T-bone accidents – Side impacts force the driver or passenger’s arm into the door or frame.
- Head-on collisions – Drivers may extend their arms during impact, leading to wrist, forearm, or elbow fractures.
- Rear-end accidents – Passengers bracing for impact often suffer fractures to the wrist or forearm.
- Rollover accidents – Arms may get crushed or twisted if they are extended during the rollover.
- High-speed collisions – More force increases the chance of severe breaks and multiple fractures.
Types of Arm Injuries in Car Accidents
- Hairline fractures – Small cracks in the bone that may not be visible but cause pain and swelling.
- Displaced fractures – The bone breaks into two or more pieces and moves out of alignment.
- Compound fractures – The bone pierces through the skin, increasing the risk of infection.
- Comminuted fractures – The bone shatters into several pieces, often requiring surgery.
- Joint injuries – Elbow or wrist damage that may limit the range of motion permanently.
Symptoms and Impact of a Broken Arm
A broken arm from a car accident can change your daily life in many ways. Even a simple fracture may cause long-term problems if not treated correctly. The pain, stress, and recovery process affect more than just your physical health.
A few of the common symptoms and long-term effects you may face include:
Pain, Swelling, and Loss of Mobility
A broken arm can cause intense pain right after the crash. The pain often gets worse with movement or touch. The swelling usually appears quickly around the injury site. This swelling can make the area stiff and tender.
You may not be able to move your arm or fingers as you normally would. Some people lose grip strength or feel numbness due to nerve pressure. The pain may prevent you from lifting, typing, or doing everyday tasks.
Bruising often shows up within a few hours. In more serious cases, you might feel a grinding sensation when you try to move the arm. If you were hurt in a crash caused by someone else, you may be entitled to compensation. Davidoff Law Personal Injury Lawyers can help you seek fair compensation for these kinds of injuries.
Need for Surgery or Long-Term Physical Therapy
Some broken arms need more than a cast. If the bone is shattered or misaligned, surgery may be required. Pins, screws, or plates are used to hold the bone in place. This kind of surgery requires anesthesia, hospital time, and recovery at home.
Even after surgery, many people need physical therapy. Rebuilding strength and flexibility can take months. You may need to attend therapy multiple times per week, adding more time and expense to your recovery.
Medical bills add up fast, and insurance companies may try to avoid paying full value. A Queens car accident lawyer can help you recover compensation for all your medical needs, including surgery and long-term care.
Time Off Work and Impact on Earning Ability
A broken arm can keep you from doing your job. If you work with your hands (typing, lifting, driving, or building), you may be forced to take time off. Even office jobs become hard when you can’t move your dominant arm.
Missed work leads to lost income. If recovery takes weeks or months, those financial losses grow. Some people may not be able to return to the same job if the injury affects their strength or movement long-term.
Losing income adds more stress during an already difficult time. If your injury was caused by someone else’s mistake, you deserve to be paid for your time lost. Davidoff Law Personal Injury Lawyers works to recover these losses for clients across Queens and New York.
Emotional Distress and Lifestyle Limitations
Injuries like broken arms don’t just hurt your body, but they also affect your peace of mind. You might feel frustrated, anxious, or even depressed while healing. Losing your freedom to work, drive, or enjoy daily life can take an emotional toll.
Some people lose the ability to do the things they love. Playing sports, carrying children, or doing simple household tasks may no longer be possible. This creates stress at home and in personal relationships.
You deserve to be compensated not only for medical bills but also for the pain and emotional distress caused by the crash. A skilled personal injury lawyer can help make sure those damages are not overlooked in your case.
What to Do After a Car Accident With a Broken Arm
If you've suffered a broken arm in a car accident, what you do next matters. The right steps can protect your health and your legal rights.
Here are important actions to take after the crash to support your recovery and strengthen your car accident claim:
Seek Immediate Medical Attention
Always get medical help right after the accident. Even if the pain seems mild, a broken bone can worsen without treatment. Delaying care may lead to more damage or complications.
Emergency care can confirm the break with an X-ray. You may need a splint, cast, or even surgery right away. Quick treatment also helps reduce swelling and pain.
Getting care right away also creates a medical record. This record shows that your injury came from the crash. It helps connect the accident to your injury if an insurance company tries to deny your claim. Don’t try to “tough it out” or wait to see a doctor.
Follow Your Treatment Plan Closely
Once your doctor gives you a treatment plan, follow it carefully. This might include rest, medication, physical therapy, and follow-up appointments. Skipping steps can delay healing or make your injury worse.
Insurance companies often watch what you do after the crash. If they see missed appointments or ignored advice, they may claim you aren’t truly hurt. That can hurt your case and reduce the amount of money you receive. Keep track of all doctor visits, therapy sessions, and prescriptions. Save receipts and take notes on how you feel each day. These small steps show that you’re doing your part to recover.
If something doesn’t feel right or you can’t follow a part of the plan, let your doctor know. Staying honest and committed to your care shows you’re taking your injury seriously, and it can help your lawyer fight for full compensation.
Document the Injury and Its Effects on Your Life
To strengthen your claim, you need more than just medical records. You also need to show how the injury has affected your daily life. Start a simple journal where you write down what you feel, what you can’t do, and how your routine has changed.
Take photos of your cast, scars, or swelling. Keep notes about missed work, canceled plans, or struggles with basic tasks like cooking or driving. If your injury affects sleep, stress levels, or your mood, write that down, too.
These records show the full impact of your injury, not just the pain but the stress, the setbacks, and the limits placed on your life. Insurance companies look for proof. The more detailed your notes are, the harder it is for them to deny your losses.
Contact a Queens Car Accident Lawyer Before Speaking With Insurance
After the accident, you may hear from an insurance company quickly. They may ask you to give a statement or accept a settlement. Don’t do it without speaking to a lawyer first. Insurance adjusters work to save the company money. They may offer a low amount before you even know the full cost of your injury.
Once you accept a settlement, you may not be able to ask for more, even if your condition gets worse. A Queens car accident lawyer can protect you. They can talk to the insurance company on your behalf and make sure your rights are respected. They’ll also help you understand if the offer you’re getting is fair or not.
How a Queens Car Accident Broken Arm Lawyer Can Help
A broken arm from a car accident can leave you dealing with medical bills, missed work, and pain. A skilled lawyer can make the legal process easier. They protect your rights and work to secure fair compensation while you focus on healing.
Investigate the Crash and Gather Evidence
A strong case starts with the right evidence. Your lawyer will begin by investigating the crash scene, speaking to witnesses, and collecting all available reports. This includes the police report, photos of the accident, and traffic camera footage, if available.
They may also work with accident reconstruction specialists. These experts can help show exactly how the crash happened and why it caused your broken arm. Every detail matters.
The goal is to build a clear picture of what occurred. This evidence not only supports your story but can also prove the other party was at fault. At Davidoff Law Personal Injury Lawyers, we use these details to hold negligent drivers accountable and strengthen your personal injury case.
Prove Liability and Identify All Responsible Parties
More than one person or company can be responsible for your injury. Your lawyer will review the facts and determine who should be held accountable. This could be the other driver, a rideshare company, or even a vehicle manufacturer if a defect contributed to the crash.
They will use evidence from the investigation to show that the other party’s actions caused your injury. For example, if the driver was speeding or distracted, your lawyer will highlight that behavior in your claim.
Proving liability is a key step in any personal injury case. Without it, insurance companies may refuse to pay what you deserve. That’s why working with an experienced car accident lawyer matters. They know how to prove fault and make sure no liable party avoids responsibility.
Work With Medical Experts to Show the Severity of Your Injury
Insurance companies often try to downplay how serious your injury is. To counter this, your lawyer may bring in medical experts. These professionals can explain the full implications of your broken arm, both now and in the future.
The expert might review your X-rays, treatment records, and recovery timeline. They may also provide a report that describes long-term issues you could face, such as reduced strength or limited motion. This medical evidence makes a big difference in your case. It gives the insurance company or jury a clear view of what you're going through.
Handle All Insurance Communications and Negotiations
Dealing with insurance companies after a car accident can be stressful. Adjusters may call often, ask tricky questions, or pressure you into a quick settlement. Your lawyer steps in to handle all of that for you.
They respond to calls, manage the paperwork, and push back against low offers. You won’t have to speak directly with the insurance company or worry about saying the wrong thing. A lawyer understands what your claim is worth. They won’t let the insurance company undervalue your injuries or ignore your pain.
Fight for Maximum Compensation or Take Your Case to Court
If the insurance company does not offer a fair settlement, your lawyer can take your case to court. Going to trial might sound intimidating, but having the right legal team makes a big difference.
Your lawyer will present your case clearly and powerfully. They’ll show the evidence, question witnesses, and explain how your injury has affected your life. The goal is to secure full compensation, not just for your medical bills but also for your lost income, pain, and future limitations.
Sometimes, the threat of trial is enough to make insurers raise their offers. Other times, it’s the only way to get justice. Either way, Davidoff Law Personal Injury Lawyers is ready to fight for you in court if needed.
Compensation for a Broken Arm After a Car Accident
A broken arm can lead to more than just physical pain. It can affect your finances, your ability to work, and your quality of life. If someone else’s actions caused your injury, you may be entitled to compensation in several areas.
Here are the types of compensation you can receive for a broken arm after a car accident:
Medical Bills (Emergency Care, Surgery, Rehab)
Medical costs can add up quickly after a car accident. You may need emergency room care, X-rays, surgery, or physical therapy. A broken arm may also require follow-up visits, medication, or even mobility aids.
If you suffered car accident injuries due to another driver’s carelessness, you shouldn’t have to pay these costs alone. Compensation may cover all past and future medical bills related to your arm injury. Insurance companies often try to offer low amounts. An experienced car accident attorney can push back and demand full repayment for your treatment.
Lost Wages and Future Earning Capacity
A broken arm can keep you from working. If your job requires physical effort or typing, even a temporary injury can cause income loss. If the injury leads to long-term limitations, it may affect your career entirely.
You may be compensated not just for the paychecks you missed but also for lost future earnings. This includes reduced ability to return to your job or lost opportunities for advancement. To calculate this, your attorney may work with financial or employment experts. They’ll show how the injury burdens your ability to earn a living.
Pain and Suffering
Not all injuries are visible. Pain from a broken arm can be intense and long-lasting. It can make everyday tasks difficult or impossible. You may struggle to sleep, drive, or even hold a cup of coffee. Compensation for pain and suffering helps address these personal hardships. This is separate from your medical bills. It covers the physical discomfort and the inconvenience you endure during recovery.
Insurance companies don’t always take this seriously. They may use formulas that don’t reflect your true experience. A car accident lawyer can explain how much your pain is worth under the law.
Emotional Distress and Loss of Enjoyment of Life
Beyond pain, many accident victims experience emotional distress. A broken arm can make you feel frustrated, anxious, or even depressed. You may not be able to enjoy hobbies, social outings, or time with family like you used to.
This type of damage is called "loss of enjoyment of life." It recognizes how your injury changes your day-to-day life. You may also be dealing with emotional trauma from the crash itself. Your personal injury lawyer can help show how your mental and emotional health has been affected. They may use journal entries, therapist notes, or testimony from family members.
Permanent Disability or Disfigurement (If Applicable)
Some broken arms heal without problems. Others don’t. You might be left with reduced strength, limited movement, or permanent pain. In severe cases, the injury can lead to visible scarring or deformity.
If your broken arm results in a lasting disability or disfigurement, you may receive additional compensation. This helps account for the lifelong repercussions on your work, self-image, and lifestyle. Proving these effects often involves medical records and expert opinions. A skilled car accident attorney will gather this proof and show how the injury has changed your life.
FAQs
What are the most common car accident injuries?
Common car accident injuries include whiplash, broken bones, soft tissue injuries, and head trauma. More severe cases can involve spinal cord injuries or traumatic brain injuries. These injuries often require long-term treatment. If you’ve been hurt in a motor vehicle accident, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical bills and suffering.
When should I contact a Queens car accident attorney?
You should contact a Queens car accident attorney as soon as possible after the crash. Early legal help can protect your rights. It also ensures the evidence is preserved. If you wait, the insurance company might try to reduce your claim. A lawyer can deal with the insurer while you focus on healing.
Can I file a personal injury lawsuit for a broken arm after a car crash?
Yes. If someone else caused the crash through negligence, like speeding or distracted driving, you may have grounds for a personal injury lawsuit. A broken arm is considered a serious injury. Your lawyer can help prove the other driver was at fault and fight for fair compensation in your car accident case.
What if my symptoms didn’t show up right away?
That’s common. Soft tissue injuries, back pain, and even traumatic brain injuries may not appear immediately after a motor vehicle accident. Always see a doctor after a crash, even if you feel fine. Delayed symptoms could be signs of serious injuries that need treatment and legal attention.
How long do I have to file a claim after a car accident in Queens?
In New York, the deadline to file most car accident cases is three years from the date of the accident. However, certain situations, like cases involving government vehicles, may have shorter time limits. A Queens car accident attorney can review your case and make sure your lawsuit is filed on time.
Contact Our Car Accident Lawyer for a Free Consultation
If you suffered a broken arm in a car accident, you don’t have to face this alone. Davidoff Law Personal Injury Lawyers understands how painful and stressful these injuries can be. Our team is here to guide you every step of the way.
We know how insurance companies work, and we won’t let them take advantage of you. Our Queens car accident lawyer will listen to your story, answer your questions, and explain your options clearly. There’s no pressure, just honest legal advice tailored to your situation.
We handle serious injury cases every day, including those involving spinal cord injuries, soft tissue damage, and traumatic brain injuries. Our goal is to get you fair compensation, whether through a settlement or trial.
Call us today to schedule your free consultation. You pay nothing unless we win your case.
