The heavy impact of a car accident may lead to broken bones. Understanding your injury and its implications for your future helps you prepare for the healing process.
There are different levels of severity of broken bones, but the stages of healing remain similar.
Diagnosing the problem
Directly following a car crash you should see a doctor. Depending on the severity and type of injury you experienced, you may miss signs of a broken bone. A healthcare provider is the only person qualified to assess your injuries and create a treatment plan for your specific situation.
Understanding the healing process
Your body begins the healing process almost as soon as the injury occurs, but proper care helps avoid complications and speed your recovery. A cast helps keep things in place while a clot forms around the injured bone and things begin to mend.
Over six to twelve weeks a new bone forms. You should avoid unnecessary movement of the injured area this whole time, as shifting the injury may reopen the wound and slow the healing process.
Preparing for any lasting effects
While in the best case scenario your bone heals perfectly, often some lasting effects of the injury remain for years. The area that broke may remain weakened or have recurring pain.
Hospital bills add up, not to mention any damages done to your vehicle. While healing remains your first priority you should not ignore your right to compensation. Stay aware of deadlines for filing a lawsuit should you decide to take that course of action.