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Although traffic accidents happen in the blink of an eye, drivers often have a second to brace for impact. Typically, this involves drivers gripping the wheel harder, which locks their arms, hands, and wrists against the steering wheel. Additionally, passengers sometimes lunge for the dash or door, and the force of the impact is absorbed in their wrists.
When cars and trucks collide, drivers and occupants who grip the steering wheel or brace for impact tend to suffer hand and wrist injuries that can be very painful. Usually hand and wrist injuries are often obvious and felt immediately due to the pain and swelling. However, some injuries aren’t fully known without an x-ray and thorough physical examination. This is why it is essential to seek medical treatment after every Sarasota car and trucking accident, even if you are only feeling minimal pain in your hand.
Wrist injuries are some of the most complicated injuries to treat because the wrist is a complex joint with numerous bones. There are many different types of wrist injuries sustained in car and truck accidents in Florida. While some wrist injuries can be minor, others may require many different surgeries and physical therapy.
Types of Wrist Injuries That Occur in Sarasota Motor Vehicle Accidents
- Torn ligaments – wrist ligaments can be partially torn or completely torn. This can result in loss of function to the wrist or hand. Ligament injuries can be extremely painful and often require surgery followed by a cast or splint and occupational therapy.
- Broken wrist – when the wrist is forcefully bent, one of its eight smaller bones or two bones from the forearm could suffer a fracture.
- Scaphoid fracture – the scaphoid is the smallest of the eight wrist bones, and is located where the wrist bends, on the thumb side. Because of its size and placement, it is most susceptible to fracture, which is why a scaphoid fracture is the most frequently broken bone in the wrist.
Due to the amount of stress and pressure applied from the steering wheel on the wrist, a scaphoid fracture or other wrist injury is common in Sarasota car crashes. Depending on the specific injury, a victim’s life can be impacted for six to twelve months or more due to surgery, casting, and therapy. In some cases unfortunately, victims’ hands and wrists may never fully unionize and recover.
If a crash has seriously impacted your life due to the negligence of another driver, you may be entitled to compensation. Has a wrist injury in a Sarasota, Venice, or Bradenton car accident left you without the ability to work and earn a living? You may have rights to recover for lost wages, medical expenses, and other damages. To find out more, call Mallard Perez to speak with a knowledgeable Sarasota accident attorney. Contact us today at 888-409-3805 for a free consultation.
