From grasping the steering wheel to switching gears, your hands are in constant motion while operating a vehicle. For this reason, hand injuries are common in car accidents. Even a minor accident can cause a debilitating hand injury.
Hand injuries range from minor to severe. Some common accident-related hand injuries include:
- Broken bones: Even a simple broken bone can take up to eight weeks to heal. If you have multiple broken bones or require surgery followed by extensive physical therapy, you may need months to recover from a break.
- Dislocations: A dislocation occurs at a joint in your hand, such as a knuckle. A dislocation may require medical intervention.
- Soft tissue and nerve injuries: Any muscle, ligament, tendon, or nerve can be damaged in a car accident. Soft tissue injuries of the hand can warrant months of physical therapy or even require surgery.
- Crushed hands: Fingers or hands can become lodged between machinery and crushed. In catastrophic crashes, the driver may end up losing a finger or even a hand.
What Should I Do After a Car Accident Caused My Hand Injury?
Immediately after a car accident, you may not know you have injured your hands. If you realize that you have suffered trauma to any part of your hands or wrists, accept medical attention at the scene, or go to the nearest emergency room right away. You cannot afford to wait because injuries that are not treated right away can get worse over time.
Immediately after an accident that was not your fault, your mind might be consumed with thoughts of insurance claims or lawsuits. Do not allow this to distract you from getting your treatment. Continue to attend doctor appointments, and follow through with recommended treatments. Remaining compliant will help you get better sooner. Also, doing all of this will strengthen a personal injury claim.
You may want to pick up the phone to set up a consultation with a lawyer before giving any statements to an insurance company representative. A lawyer who works with personal injury clients can assist in filing a claim. A lawyer can also protect your legal rights.
Even if you are not sure if you want to hire a lawyer to represent you, getting advice gives you more knowledge. You will feel more assured moving forward after speaking with a legal professional.
West Chester Car Accident Lawyers at Eckell Sparks Can Help You if You Have a Debilitating Accident-Related Hand Injury
Are you dealing with a painful hand injury after a car accident that was not your fault? Our West Chester car accident lawyers at Eckell, Sparks, Levy, Auerbach, Monte, Sloane, Matthews & Auslander, P.C. can help. Call us at 610-565-3701 or contact us online for an initial consultation. Located in Media and West Chester, Pennsylvania, we serve clients throughout Delaware County, Chester County, and Montgomery County.