Depending upon where you are seated and how the collision takes place it is not at all uncommon to suffer fractures as a result of a road traffic accident.
Because of the steering wheel and the pedals, drivers are particularly exposed to the risk of these types of injuries. Finger, hand and arm injury are commonly caused by steering wheels as are fractured ribs. Pedals and steering wheels on the other hand can cause fractures to legs and feet.
A common side effect of a fracture is osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis is a long-term complication caused by a fracture. You can suffer a fracture and experience pain for a few years and think that you are fully recovered only to discover that ten years later osteoarthritis sets in which can cause you pain for the rest of your life.
Different fractures are more likely to cause osteoarthritis than others. It is therefore essential that if you suffer a fracture you discuss this issue in details with your doctor or consultant to find out whether you are at risk
If you are, and if you are making a claim for compensation, it is vital that your lawyer takes full account of the possibility of long term suffering.