Broken Bones and Fractures in Motorcycle Crashes: Treatment Costs and Compensation

Broken bones and fractures represent some of the most common motorcycle accident injuries. The exposed nature of motorcycle riding means impacts transfer directly to riders' bodies, frequently causing multiple fractures. Understanding these injuries helps victims pursue appropriate compensation.

Common Fracture Types in Motorcycle Crashes

Simple fractures involve clean breaks where bones remain aligned. While serious, these often heal well with proper treatment and immobilization.

Compound (open) fractures occur when broken bone penetrates skin. These injuries carry high infection risk and typically require surgical repair.

Comminuted fractures involve bones shattered into multiple fragments. Common in high-energy motorcycle impacts, these complex fractures often require extensive surgery.

Crush fractures happen when bones are compressed between objects - being pinned between motorcycle and pavement or another vehicle.

Commonly Fractured Bones

Leg fractures - femur, tibia, fibula, ankle - occur frequently because legs contact the ground first when motorcycles go down. Lower extremity fractures often require surgical fixation.

Arm and wrist fractures result from riders bracing against falls. Colles fractures (wrist), radial fractures, and elbow injuries are common defensive injury patterns.

Pelvic fractures from direct impacts are serious injuries. The pelvis protects vital structures, and fractures often involve significant bleeding and organ injury.

Rib fractures from impact with handlebars, tanks, or pavement can puncture lungs or damage internal organs. Multiple rib fractures create "flail chest" requiring intensive care.

Treatment for Motorcycle Fractures

Closed reduction involves setting bones without surgery. Casts or splints immobilize the bone while healing. Simple fractures may heal with this conservative approach.

Surgical fixation (ORIF - Open Reduction Internal Fixation) uses plates, screws, rods, or external fixators to stabilize complex fractures. Hardware often remains permanently.

Bone grafts may be necessary when bone is lost or severely damaged. Grafts from the patient's own body or donor bone fill gaps and promote healing.

Physical therapy follows bone healing to restore strength and mobility. Prolonged immobilization causes muscle atrophy and joint stiffness requiring rehabilitation.

Complications from Fractures

Malunion occurs when bones heal in improper alignment, causing deformity and functional problems. Corrective surgery may be necessary.

Nonunion happens when fractures fail to heal despite treatment. Additional surgery, bone grafts, or bone stimulators may be needed.

Infection is particularly concerning in open fractures. Deep bone infections (osteomyelitis) require prolonged antibiotic treatment and may necessitate additional surgery.

Arthritis frequently develops in joints near fractures. Cartilage damage and alignment changes accelerate degenerative joint disease.

Compartment syndrome occurs when swelling increases pressure within muscle compartments, threatening blood supply. This emergency requires immediate surgery.

Long-Term Effects

Many fracture victims experience permanent limitations - reduced range of motion, chronic pain, or weakness. These deficits affect work ability and daily activities.

Hardware removal is sometimes necessary when plates and screws cause discomfort or complications. Additional surgery adds recovery time.

Some fractures cause visible deformity - shortened limbs, angulation, or scarring from surgery. These changes have cosmetic and functional impacts.

Damages for Fracture Injuries

Medical expenses include emergency care, surgery, hardware, hospital stays, physical therapy, and follow-up care. Complex fractures requiring multiple surgeries accumulate substantial costs.

Lost wages during recovery can be significant. Fractures requiring surgery often mean weeks or months away from work, especially for physical labor jobs.

Pain and suffering damages reflect the significant pain of fractures and treatment. Bone pain is severe, and recovery involves prolonged discomfort.

Permanent impairment damages address lasting limitations. Reduced function, chronic pain, and disability affect quality of life and earning capacity.

Multiple Fractures

Motorcycle accidents commonly cause multiple simultaneous fractures. Managing several broken bones complicates treatment and extends recovery.

Multiple fractures may require staged surgeries - prioritizing life-threatening injuries first, then addressing other fractures as the patient stabilizes.

Cumulative impact of multiple fractures exceeds the sum of individual injuries. Combined limitations affect function more than isolated fractures.

Documenting Fracture Claims

Obtain all medical records including imaging studies, surgical reports, and physical therapy notes. Complete documentation supports damage claims.

Photograph injuries throughout treatment - initial presentation, surgical incisions, and final appearance. Visual evidence demonstrates injury severity.

Keep records of out-of-pocket expenses - medications, medical equipment, transportation to appointments, and assistance with daily tasks.

Pursuing Fracture Compensation

Follow all treatment recommendations completely. Gaps in care or failure to complete therapy undermines claims.

Document how fractures affect daily life - activities you cannot perform, assistance you require, and limitations you experience.

Consult a motorcycle accident attorney who understands full fracture compensation including future medical needs and permanent impairment.