In Texas, the average settlement for a broken bone resulting from a car accident typically ranges from $15,000 to $250,000.
The specific amount varies based on several factors, including the severity of the break, the type of bone injury, whether surgery is required, and the long-term impact on the victim’s ability to work and perform daily activities.
More serious cases, such as those involving multiple fractures or long-term rehabilitation, can even result in settlements that exceed $250,000.
Working with an experienced attorney from our firm can help ensure that all factors, including future medical needs and ongoing care, are properly considered in your case.
If you’ve experienced a broken bone in a car accident, our Abilene car accident lawyers at Keith & Lorfing will accurately assess the value of your claim and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Find out moreBroken bone compensation amounts in more detail
Injuries from car accidents often result in broken bones, with settlement amounts varying based on the severity of the fracture, necessary treatments, and the overall impact on your life.
Let’s take some time to examine the compensation ranges for specific types of fractures in an injury claim to give you a clearer picture of what to expect.
Broken clavicle
The average settlement amount for a broken clavicle in a car accident in TX typically ranges from $15,000 to $50,000. This amount can vary based on whether the break is displaced or non-displaced, as well as the recovery time.
A clavicle fracture often limits arm movement and can affect daily tasks and employment, especially for manual labor jobs, which may increase the settlement amount. Prolonged recovery times, physical therapy, or potential surgeries to repair the fracture may also push the settlement higher.
Broken leg
The average settlement amount for a broken leg in a car accident in TX generally ranges from $30,000 to $100,000. Factors influencing this range include the severity of the fracture, whether one or both legs are affected, and how much time the injured party is unable to work.
Broken leg with surgery
The average settlement amount for a broken leg with surgery in a car accident in Texas typically ranges from $100,000 to $250,000. Surgical intervention, such as inserting metal plates or rods and the severity of the injury, dramatically increases the settlement value because of the high cost of surgery, the potential for longer recovery times, and the risk of permanent disability.
Broken arm
The average settlement amount for a broken arm in a car accident in Texas typically ranges from $20,000 to $90,000, depending on whether the break is simple or compound, whether surgery is required, and how the injury affects the victim’s ability to work and perform daily activities.
Ribs
The average settlement amount for broken ribs in a car accident in Texas typically ranges from $15,000 to $50,000. Rib fractures can be incredibly painful and may lead to complications such as punctured lungs or internal bleeding, which could raise the settlement, especially if complications arise further down the line.
What is the average settlement for a broken foot?
The average settlement for a broken foot in a car accident usually ranges from $25,000 to $75,000. A broken foot can make walking and performing daily activities difficult, often requiring casts, crutches, and rehabilitation.
The severity of the break, any necessary surgeries, and the impact on the victim’s ability to work will influence the final settlement amount.
Average payout for a broken hip
The average settlement amount for a broken hip in a car accident in TX typically ranges from $50,000 to $250,000. Barring any potential complications, a broken hip often requires surgery and extensive rehabilitation, which can lead to long-term mobility issues or permanent disability.
Sacrum fracture settlement
The average settlement amount for a sacrum fracture in a car accident in TX typically ranges from $40,000 to $150,000. Since the sacrum is part of the lower spine, a fracture in this area can result in significant pain and mobility issues.
Treatment often requires extended rehabilitation, and the long-term impact on mobility and quality of life can lead to higher compensation amounts, particularly if the injury results in chronic pain or limits the victim’s ability to work.
No matter the type of bone fracture or break you’ve experienced, our Midland car accident attorney is available today for a free consultation
Find out moreHow to maximize a settlement amount
To get the most from your settlement after a car accident, take these important steps:
- Get Medical Treatment Right Away: Make sure to see a doctor as soon as possible, even if you don’t feel badly injured. Immediate care connects your injuries to the accident, which is key for your claim.
- Gather Evidence: Collect everything related to the accident, such as photos, police reports, and witness details. Strong evidence helps build a more solid case when seeking compensation.
- Hire a Skilled Lawyer: A knowledgeable lawyer from Keith & Lorfing can negotiate on your behalf and ensure that you get the best possible settlement. We know how to maximize compensation for pain, suffering, and future medical costs in an injury case.
- Keep All Medical Records: Hold onto all your medical bills, treatment details, and doctor’s notes. These documents are essential in determining how much your claim is worth.
- Stick to Your Treatment Plan: Follow your doctor’s instructions and go to all follow-up appointments. Skipping treatments could make the insurance company question the seriousness of your injuries.
- Document Lost Income and Extra Costs: Keep track of any wages you’ve lost because of the accident and any extra expenses, like travel for medical visits. This information adds to the total value of your claim.
- Don’t Accept the First Offer: Insurance companies often make low initial offers. It’s important to wait and review the offer with your attorney to ensure it covers all your expenses.
- Be Patient: Settlements can take time, especially if your injuries are complicated. Patience is key to ensuring you get fair compensation that reflects the full extent of your losses.
Factors influencing settlement values
Several key factors can influence the settlement value for your car accident claim. These factors are essential in calculating the total compensation you can expect to receive.
- Severity of Injuries
- The Cost of Medical Treatment
- Impact on Daily Life and Work
- Future Medical Needs
- Legal Representation
Injury Severity
More severe injuries generally result in larger settlements due to increased medical treatment and longer recovery times. Serious conditions, such as fractures or spinal injuries, will likely lead to higher compensation compared to minor injuries.
The Cost of Medical Treatment
These expenses include not only immediate treatments like emergency room visits and surgeries but also ongoing costs such as physical therapy, medications, and follow-up doctor appointments. Future medical care is also considered if the injury requires long-term treatment, rehabilitation, or potential surgeries down the line.
Impact on Work and Daily Life
When injuries prevent you from working or make daily activities difficult, either temporarily or permanently, the settlement amount will increase to account for these losses. Compensation covers lost wages during recovery, reduced future earning capacity if you cannot return to the same job, and any changes in your quality of life.
Ongoing Medical Needs
Injuries that require extended care, such as rehabilitation or multiple surgeries, can significantly increase settlement amounts. These long-term medical needs must be carefully calculated and documented to ensure your compensation reflects future costs.
This includes estimating the cost of physical therapy, home care, or any medical devices you may need in the future to accommodate the type of injury.
Attorney Involvement
Working with our experienced personal injury attorneys can significantly enhance your settlement outcome. We specialize in negotiating directly with insurance companies to ensure that every aspect of your case—whether it’s pain and suffering, future medical needs, or lost wages—is fully addressed.
Our legal team knows how to build a compelling case and leverage our knowledge of the legal system to maximize your compensation. By partnering with us, you benefit from working with a team well-versed in personal injury law and the tactics insurance companies use to minimize payouts.
We handle the entire process, from gathering evidence and calculating damages to negotiating and, if necessary, taking the case to trial. With our expertise, our clients often receive significantly higher settlements compared to those who handle their claims on their own.
Reach out to a San Angelo car accident lawyer today for tailored advice after a collision that has resulted in bone breaks or fractures
Find out moreTexas car accident laws affecting settlements
Several laws in Texas directly impact how car accident settlements are calculated and what compensation you can expect:
Comparative Fault System
Texas operates under a modified comparative fault system, meaning that if you are found partially at fault for the accident, your settlement will be reduced by the percentage of your fault. If you are 51% or more at fault, you are barred from recovering any compensation.
For example, if you are deemed 20% at fault, your settlement will be reduced by 20%. This rule makes it key to present strong evidence to minimize your fault in the accident.
Statute of Limitations
In Texas, you have a two-year statute of limitations to file a personal injury claim after a car accident. This means you must either settle your claim or file a lawsuit within two years from the date of the accident.
Failing to act quickly can prevent you from recovering any compensation.
Mandatory Insurance Coverage
Texas law requires all drivers to carry minimum liability insurance. The minimum requirements are:
- $30,000 for bodily injury per person
- $60,000 per accident for bodily injury (if multiple people are injured)
- $25,000 for property damage
These limits are the minimum, and in many serious accidents, damages can exceed these amounts. If the at-fault driver only has minimum coverage and your damages exceed those limits, you may need to rely on uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage, provided you have it.
Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage (UM/UIM)
Texas requires insurance companies to offer UM/UIM coverage, but drivers can choose to reject it in writing. This coverage is highly recommended because it protects you if you are involved in an accident with a driver who either doesn’t have insurance or has insufficient coverage.
It can cover your medical bills, lost wages, and other damages that exceed the at-fault driver’s insurance limits.
Minimum Policy Limits
If the at-fault driver’s insurance coverage is insufficient to cover your damages, you might be able to pursue additional compensation through your own insurance (if you have UM/UIM coverage) or by filing a personal injury lawsuit.
Texas allows personal claims against the at-fault driver if the damages exceed the insurance policy limits, though collecting on these claims can be difficult if the driver lacks assets.
Damages for Pain and Suffering
In addition to compensating for medical expenses, lost wages, and property damage, Texas law also allows accident victims to seek damages for pain and suffering. These are non-economic damages and are typically harder to calculate but can significantly increase your overall settlement amount.
Additional reading: what is the average settlement for nerve damage in Texas
Punitive Damages
Punitive damages may be awarded in cases where the at-fault party’s actions were particularly reckless or malicious, such as in cases of drunk driving. However, these damages are capped.
The limit is set at either two times the amount of economic damages plus non-economic damages (up to $750,000), or $200,000, whichever is greater. Punitive damages are awarded to punish the at-fault driver and deter similar behavior in the future.
For how these factors can affect how much compensation you could receive, speak to a Lubbock car accident lawyer today.
Find out moreThe settlement process for broken bone claims
When dealing with a car accident that results in broken bones, following the proper settlement process is key to securing a fair settlement amount. Let’s take a look at what to do and when to do it:
1. Seek Immediate Medical Attention
Getting medical care right after the accident is critical.
Medical records provide clear documentation of the injury’s severity and help substantiate your claim. The type of treatment you receive, whether it’s surgery, casting, or physical therapy, plays a major role in determining the final settlement amount for the injury.
2. File a Personal Injury Claim
Once medical treatment is underway, filing a personal injury claim within the statute of limitations (two years in Texas) with the at-fault driver’s insurance company is essential. Your claim should cover medical costs, lost wages, and other damages.
3. Collect and Present Evidence
Strong evidence is necessary for maximizing your settlement amount. Gather medical records, accident reports, and photographs of the scene and injuries.
The nature of the fracture—whether it’s a femur, fibula, or other bone—along with any complications will influence how much you may recover.
4. Calculate the Settlement Amount
Working with our attorney, you’ll evaluate medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering to calculate the full value of your claim. The complexity of the injury, such as a displaced fracture or comminuted break, along with any required surgeries or long-term rehabilitation, significantly affects the settlement.
5. Negotiate the Settlement
After assessing the injury, we will negotiate with the insurance company. Insurance companies often start with a low offer, especially in severe cases like a broken leg settlement.
We will push for a higher amount to account for all damages, including long-term impact on your quality of life.
6. Accept or Reject the Settlement Offer
Once negotiations are complete, you’ll receive a settlement offer. Reviewing this with your attorney ensures that it covers all costs, including future medical needs and lost earnings.
If the offer is insufficient, you can continue negotiating or consider litigation for a fair settlement.
7. Finalize the Settlement
Once you agree to the offer, the final paperwork is completed, and you receive compensation with the help of your experienced personal injury lawyer. This payout should cover your medical bills, lost wages, and other costs associated with the injury, ensuring you’re fully compensated for the impact of the car accident.
How we can help
If you’ve suffered from a broken leg or other broken bones in a car accident, we are here to fight for the settlement you deserve. Our experienced attorneys understand the difficulties of personal injury cases and will work diligently to ensure your settlement amount reflects the true cost of your injuries.
Whether you’re dealing with a simple fracture or more severe injuries like a femur or fibula break, we’ll guide you through the entire process, from filing the claim to negotiating for the best outcome. By working with us, you’ll benefit from personalized attention and expert legal representation.
We handle all aspects of the case, including gathering evidence, calculating settlement compensation, and negotiating with the insurance companies. Don’t leave your injury case to chance—schedule a free consultation today to discuss your settlement for broken bones, and let us fight for the compensation you deserve, including pain and suffering and future medical expenses.
