Normal vs Post Accident Forearm FX

Fractured forearms are among the most painful results of a car accident. As a Seattle car accident attorney working at a personal injury law firm in Bellevue, I know the dangers associated with being involved in a Seattle auto accident. Traveling at high speeds in a 3,000 lbs vehicle is like having control of a highly dangerous missile. Distractions such as texting while driving, talking on a cell phone or reaching for an object in the back seat, can all lead to life-threatening collisions. Every licensed driver in the Seattle area needs to be aware of the potentially disastrous outcomes associated with distracted driving.

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In a Washington auto accident, the areas of the body most susceptible to fractures are the wrist and forearm. The forearm is one of the most vulnerable limbs in a car accident because it is normally outstretched, and tensed with anticipation of a collision. There are two major bones that make up the forearm; the radius and the ulna. These bones attach to the upper extremities of the body and allow the mobility of the elbow and wrist joints. It takes a strong force or direct trauma to these bones to cause a fracture. The most common cause of a forearm fracture is in-line skating and skateboarding accidents, but there have been many cases of forearm fractures involving high speed car accidents.

Victims of radial or ulnar fractures experience symptoms such as pain, swelling and deformity in the forearm such as the bone bulging in extreme cases. The extent of the injury can be determined through a physical examination by a doctor and an X-ray administered by a trained physician. Depending on the severity, a fracture can hinder the growth and mobility of the limb, so proper treatment is important. The treatment for an injury of this nature depends on the degree of displacement. Non-surgical treatments for mild injuries include wearing a cast or simply allowing a doctor to “set” the bone back into place. More complicated injuries may require surgery that results in a recovery period lasting up to 10 weeks.

If you have fallen victim to a severe auto accident and have experience bone fractures, head trauma, or any other types of injury please do not hesitate to contact an attorney. For more information on Seattle auto accidents, what to expect in an auto accident case and whether or not your case requires a lawyer click on the preceding link for a FREE copy of the Straight Talk Law book: The Truth About Washington Auto Accidents.