What Causes A Broken Wrist In An Accident In Virginia?

What Causes A Broken Wrist In An Accident In Virginia?

Your wrist is made up of eight small bones called carpals, which connect to the two larger bones in your forearm, the radius and ulna. These bones allow your wrist to move and bend, but they can easily break if too much force is applied.

A wrist fracture happens when one or more of these bones crack or break due to a hard impact or too much pressure. The most common type is a distal radius fracture, which occurs when the larger forearm bone (radius) breaks near the wrist. Other types include scaphoid fractures, which affect a small bone near the base of the thumb, and ulnar fractures, which involve the smaller forearm bone. No matter the type, a broken wrist can be painful and make it hard to use your hand normally.

Common Causes Of Wrist Fractures 

Whether you’re in an accident, take a hard fall or get injured during sports, your wrists are especially vulnerable. A strong impact can easily crack or displace the bones.

• Car Accidents. Wrist fractures are common in car accidents because your first instinct is to brace yourself with your hands. If your wrists slam into the steering wheel, dashboard or airbag, the force can be enough to break the bones. While airbags help prevent serious injuries, they deploy with such force that they can also contribute to wrist fractures, especially if your hands are on the steering wheel at the moment of impact. Passengers are also at risk, particularly if they brace against the dashboard or side panel during a crash.
• Motorcycle Accidents. Riders are highly vulnerable to wrist fractures since they have little protection in an accident. If you are thrown from your bike, your natural reaction is to extend your hands to break the fall. However, this often results in a hard impact that can snap the bones or push them out of place. Wrist fractures can also happen when the handlebars twist suddenly on impact, forcing your wrists into an unnatural position.
• Pedestrian Accidents. If a car hits you while you are walking or crossing the street, the force can throw you off balance and cause you to land hard on your hands. The weight of your body pressing down on your wrists can be enough to cause a fracture. High-speed accidents are especially dangerous because the impact can send you flying before you hit the ground. Wrist fractures in pedestrian accidents often happen alongside more serious injuries, such as broken ribs, head trauma or spinal damage.
• Slips, Trips, And Falls. Falling is one of the most common ways to break a wrist. Whether you slip on a wet floor, trip over an uneven sidewalk or fall from a height, your first reaction is to extend your hands to catch yourself. If the impact is strong enough, the wrist bones can crack under the pressure. This type of injury is especially common in older adults, whose bones may be weaker due to osteoporosis. However, falls can happen to anyone, particularly in places with slippery surfaces, poor lighting or uneven terrain.
• Household Accidents. You can break your wrist at home if you slip, trip or fall on a hard surface. Wet floors, clutter or rushing down the stairs can make you lose balance and land on your hands. Even dropping something heavy or falling while carrying things can put too much pressure on your wrist.
• Sports And Recreational Injuries. Many wrist fractures happen during sports or recreational activities that involve sudden movements or high-impact falls. Football, basketball, and soccer players often suffer wrist injuries from collisions, falls or direct blows to the hand. Extreme sports like skateboarding, snowboarding, and cycling also put a lot of stress on the wrists. If you lose control and fall, your wrist may take the brunt of the impact, leading to a fracture. Wearing protective gear like wrist guards can help lower the risk, but they do not fully prevent injuries.

Symptoms Of A Broken Wrist 

If you break your wrist in an accident, you will likely feel a sharp, intense pain almost immediately, especially when trying to move your hand. Swelling usually starts right away and can worsen within hours, making your wrist appear larger and more sensitive to touch. Bruising may also develop, spreading across the wrist and hand as blood vessels in the area become damaged. Even the simplest movements, like picking up a glass, turning a doorknob or making a fist, can feel nearly impossible due to pain and weakness.

In more serious fractures, you might notice that your wrist looks deformed or bent at an unnatural angle. If the break is severe, the bone could be visibly misaligned under the skin or even puncture through it. Some people report hearing a cracking or popping sound at the moment of impact, which can be a clear sign of a break. If your wrist feels loose, unstable or looks out of place, avoid moving it and seek medical help right away.

Delaying treatment can lead to complications that may affect your mobility in the long run. Without proper care, the bones might heal incorrectly, causing chronic pain, stiffness or weakness in the wrist. In some cases, untreated fractures can even lead to arthritis, making everyday activities harder. Getting medical attention as soon as possible is the best way to make sure you get a full and smooth recovery.

Treatment Options For A Broken Wrist 

The treatment for a wrist fracture depends on how severe your injury is and whether the bones have shifted out of place. If the bones are still aligned, your doctor may recommend non-surgical treatment to help your wrist heal properly. You will likely need to wear a cast or splint to keep your wrist stable, and pain relievers, either over-the-counter or prescribed, can help manage discomfort. Resting and keeping your wrist elevated can also reduce swelling and speed up recovery. Most wrist fractures take about six to eight weeks to heal, but full recovery may take longer depending on the severity of your injury.

If your bones are severely displaced, shattered or have broken through the skin, surgery may be necessary. Your surgeon may use metal plates, screws or pins to hold the bones in place to make sure they heal correctly. Recovery from surgery can take longer, and physical therapy is often recommended to help you regain strength and mobility in your wrist. In severe cases, it may take several months before your wrist fully heals, and you could experience some long-term stiffness or weakness.

Did You Break Your Wrist In An Accident?

If you or a loved one has been severely injured, don’t delay – call (800) 529-0804 right now for a free consultation with an expert car accident lawyer. When dealing with a stressful situation, you need a knowledgeable personal injury team to guide you through the recovery process. Contact Tatum & Atkinson, PLLC right away! There is no obligation, and it will not cost you anything to learn about your legal possibilities for pursuing compensation.

CALL THE HEAVY HITTERS AT 1-800-LAW-0804 TODAY!