Broken ribs are among the most common injuries that Miami car accident victims suffer. If you or someone you love suffered broken ribs in a car accident, you have the right to seek legal counsel for your injuries. Establishing fault in an auto collision can be challenging, but a Miami broken ribs caused by a car accident lawyer can review your accident’s details and advise you on legal options you may have.
The Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine are ready to fight for your rights. We understand the turmoil you are experiencing after being involved in a serious car accident. We will handle every detail of your case, from evaluating the accident scene to speaking to witnesses to helping you navigate the legal process so that you are always up-to-date on the progress of your case. Call 1-800-747-3733 today to schedule a complimentary case review.
Possible Causes and Complications Associated with Car Accident Rib Injuries
Rib injuries result from an impact against the driver or passenger’s chest. If the driver is hurt, it is usually because their chest hit the steering wheel or a deploying airbag’s force caused their ribs to crack. If the passenger suffered broken ribs, it is likely because the collision’s force caused their chest to hit the dashboard. In either case, rib injuries may have been due to the stress inflicted by the seat belt.
Health issues can quickly ensue after a rib injury, especially if left untreated. If you felt any pain in your chest after your car accident but did not seek medical attention, do so immediately. If a loved one experienced chest injuries or was diagnosed with broken ribs after a car accident, make sure they get medical treatment right away to prevent life-threatening complications.
The Mayo Clinic explains the dangers of leaving broken ribs untreated, which include but are not limited to:
- Aortic tears or punctures: If your car accident caused a break in one or more of the ribs located at the upper end of your rib cage, the jagged edge of the broken bone may puncture your aorta or another major blood vessel. Aortic damage is a serious, life-threatening medical emergency. Time is of the essence when preventing this kind of internal damage, but it can be nearly impossible to predict. If you lost a loved one because of an undetected aortic tear or puncture, a Miami broken ribs caused by a car accident lawyer could help you pursue wrongful death damages against the negligent driver.
- Lung tears or punctures: The same way a broken rib can tear or puncture an aorta, the fissured end of the rib can damage the victim’s lungs. The damage may cause pulmonary fatigue, pneumonia, or more serious issues, such as lung collapse or bleeding. Unlike an aortic tear or puncture, those injuries to the lung are easier to diagnose because the victim will start to have trouble breathing. However, it is important that you don’t let it get to that point. Consult with a medical professional immediately to avoid this complication.
- Other organ injuries: If a car accident causes ribs to break on the lower half of the rib cage, several other vital organs may be punctured or torn, such as the spleen, liver, or kidneys. These internal injuries may also take time to manifest, which is why car accident victims should obtain medical care. They may also consider if they want to speak to a legal professional for guidance about recovering damages for their injuries as soon as possible after the accident.
If you have suffered any of these injuries in your car accident, give Anidjar & Levine a call today to discuss your accident. You may be able to recover awards that can help you pay for medical bills for your broken ribs injury. We can manage your case and seek compensation that could help restore peace of mind. Call 1-800-747-3733 to schedule a free consultation.
Establishing Comparative Fault
Car accident victims in Miami may be eligible for compensation if a negligent motorist caused the crash. However, proving the driver was actually at fault may not be so easy, especially if they fled the accident scene or rear-ended you.
Florida is a “no-fault” state, which means that fault does not have to be proven in a car accident. Injured parties can usually file a claim through their insurance provider. This becomes much more challenging when the negligent driver backed up into the vehicle behind them. The at-fault driver may leave the scene or try to blame the victim for following too closely.
If you took photos of the accident scene, including the vehicles involved and the area where the crash occurred, you could provide this evidence to a car accident lawyer, who can then use it as a base for establishing comparative fault, as explained in Florida Statutes § 768.81.
Fault can be challenging to prove in Florida, but an attorney can obtain concrete evidence, such as video footage from traffic cameras and testimonials from those present at the accident scene, to demonstrate that the front driver exhibited negligent actions, like backing up without looking in their rearview mirror.
Potential Compensation for Rib Injury Car Accident Victims
If a negligent driver was responsible for your accident, and they are found at fault, there is a significant chance that you could be eligible for awards. Typically, a personal injury award will provide victims with compensation for any medical costs, such as surgery, medication, physical therapy, and loss of income, if another person’s negligence caused the accident.
If your injury is so severe that you must take an extended leave of absence from your job, cannot regain full range of motion, or your quality of life is significantly diminished, you may also seek compensation for future loss of income.
You could also receive compensatory damages for your current and future inconveniences and general pain and suffering. The award may additionally compensate you if you lost a loved one due to the negligent driver’s actions.
Turn to a Car Accident Lawyer in Miami to Determine Your Legal Options
Car accident victims can experience lifelong trauma after the crash, especially when the collision results in serious injuries or health complications. A Miami broken ribs caused by a car accident lawyer can help you determine if you qualify for damages, and if so, guide you through the process of pursuing awards along with your other options.
The Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine is here to help you if you were hurt in a Miami-area car accident. Let us take on the legal tasks while you focus on recovering from your injuries. Call 1-800-747-3733 today to schedule your free consultation and get started on your case review.
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