The average settlement for broken bones in a car accident in Fresno often falls between $15,000 and $150,000 or more. Simple fractures treated without surgery typically cost $15,000–$40,000; fractures requiring surgery cost $40,000–$100,000; and multiple or complex fractures cost $75,000–$150,000+. Your amount varies with fracture severity, treatment costs, time off work, long-term limits, and comparative fault.
Breaking a bone in a car accident in Fresno can instantly disrupt your life and ability to function normally. Simple activities like working, driving, or caring for your family may become painful or impossible. Many victims face weeks or months in a cast, limited mobility, and ongoing discomfort, while serious fractures require surgery and extended rehabilitation.
Medical bills and lost income often begin piling up before you know how long recovery will take. Most people have no clear idea what a fair settlement should be for a broken bone injury.
The challenge is that settlement amounts for broken bones vary widely, and insurance companies often exploit that uncertainty. Adjusters may downplay the severity of your fracture, question medical treatment, or reduce payouts by arguing shared fault under California law.
Quick settlement offers are common and rarely account for future medical needs or long-term limitations. Once a settlement is accepted, you cannot go back, even if complications develop.
In this article, you will discover the average settlement for a broken bone in a Fresno car accident, what factors most affect compensation, and how a Fresno car accident attorney can help you pursue full and fair recovery.
What Is the Typical Settlement for a Broken Bone in Fresno
There is no single average settlement for a broken bone in a Fresno car accident because every case is different. However, settlement amounts vary widely depending on the severity of the fracture, whether surgery is required, recovery time, and other case-specific factors.
The final amount depends on the specific details of your injury and how it affects your life.
Several key factors determine your settlement value:
- Type of fracture: A simple break heals differently than a compound fracture.
- Surgery requirements: Operations increase medical costs and recovery time.
- Recovery timeline: Longer healing periods mean more lost wages.
- Future complications: Some breaks cause permanent problems.
- Insurance coverage: The at-fault driver’s policy limits can cap your recovery.
The location of your fracture matters too. A broken finger won’t impact your life the same way as a shattered hip or leg bone.
See also: Average Truck Accident Settlements in Lancaster, CA
What Are Typical Settlement Ranges by Fracture Type
Different bones require different treatments and cause varying levels of disability. Some fractures heal quickly with minimal intervention, while others require extensive surgery and months of rehabilitation.
Broken Arm Settlements
A simple arm fracture will generally result in a lower settlement than more severe fractures, with the exact amount depending on treatment, recovery time, and how the injury affects your daily life and work. If you need surgery or the break involves your dominant arm, the settlement often increases significantly.
Your dominant arm affects your ability to work, write, and perform daily tasks like cooking or dressing.
Complex arm fractures requiring plates, screws, or rods often result in substantially higher settlements. Recovery time varies depending on the severity of the fracture and whether surgical repair is required.
Broken Leg Settlements
Settlements for leg fractures can vary widely depending on the severity of the injury, the treatment required, recovery time, and other case-specific factors. Your legs bear your body weight and are essential for walking, standing, and mobility.
A broken leg severely limits your ability to work, especially in jobs requiring physical activity.
Compound leg fractures that break through the skin often require emergency surgery and carry infection risks. Such cases often result in higher settlements because they require extensive treatment.
Tibia and Fibula Fractures
The tibia and fibula are the two bones in your lower leg. Tibia and fibula fractures can result from high-impact car accidents and often require surgery and lengthy rehabilitation. These injuries frequently require surgery to implant metal rods or plates.
Complications can include nerve damage, infection, or hardware-related problems. Some people develop chronic pain or arthritis in the affected area years later.
Femur Fractures
The femur is the strongest bone in your body. Breaking it requires tremendous force and indicates a severe collision. Femur fractures typically require major surgery and lengthy rehabilitation, which can result in substantial settlements.
This injury almost always requires major surgery and extensive physical therapy. Recovery can take a full year, and some people never regain their previous level of mobility.
Clavicle Fractures
A broken clavicle or collarbone can result in significant compensation, especially if it requires surgery or causes long-term limitations. Simple breaks can heal with a sling, but displaced fractures often need surgical repair. The injury limits shoulder movement and can affect your ability to lift objects or work overhead.
Athletes and manual laborers face particular challenges returning to their previous activities after clavicle fractures.
Rib and Sternum Fractures
Settlements for broken ribs vary widely depending on the severity and any complications, with simple fractures generally resulting in more modest awards. However, multiple rib fractures or complications like punctured lungs increase the value significantly.
A broken sternum is a serious injury that can cause severe complications and often requires extensive medical treatment. This injury indicates severe chest trauma and can cause breathing difficulties, heart problems, or internal organ damage.
Hip Fractures
Settlements for hip fractures can vary widely depending on the severity of the injury and the treatment required. These injuries are particularly serious for older adults and frequently require hip replacement surgery. Recovery is lengthy and may result in permanent mobility limitations.
Even younger people with hip fractures face the possibility of developing arthritis or needing future surgeries.
Foot and Ankle Fractures
Simple foot or ankle fractures can lead to a settlement that depends on the injury’s severity, required treatment, and how it affects your ability to work and perform daily activities. However, complex fractures affecting multiple bones or joints can result in much higher compensation. These injuries are particularly problematic for people whose jobs require standing or walking.
Complications can include chronic pain, arthritis, or the need for ankle fusion surgery later in life.
What Factors Increase or Reduce Settlement Value
Two people with identical fractures can receive vastly different settlements. The specific circumstances of your injury, treatment, and recovery determine the final value of your case.
Medical Treatment Complexity
Surgery automatically increases your settlement value because it indicates a more severe injury. Operations also result in higher medical bills, longer recovery times, and greater pain and suffering.
Multiple surgeries or complications like infections can push settlements into six figures even for relatively common fractures.
Economic Impact on Your Life
Your settlement must cover all wages you lost while recovering from your injury. If the fracture prevents you from returning to your previous job or reduces your earning capacity, this significantly increases the settlement value.
For example, a carpenter who can no longer use power tools due to a wrist fracture may receive compensation for retraining costs and reduced future earnings.
Pain and Suffering Damages
Pain and suffering compensation covers the physical discomfort and emotional distress caused by your injury. California doesn’t cap these damages in car accident cases, and they often represent the largest portion of your settlement.
Factors that increase pain and suffering awards include:
- Chronic pain: Ongoing discomfort that lasts months or years.
- Scarring: Visible reminders of the accident and surgery.
- Lost activities: Inability to enjoy hobbies, sports, or family activities.
- Emotional trauma: Anxiety, depression, or PTSD related to the accident.
California’s Comparative Fault Rules
California follows pure comparative negligence, which means your settlement gets reduced by your percentage of fault for the accident. If you’re found 20% responsible, your $100,000 settlement becomes $80,000.
Insurance companies often try to blame accident victims to reduce payouts. Common tactics include claiming you were speeding, distracted, or not wearing a seatbelt.
Available Insurance Coverage
The at-fault driver’s insurance policy limits can cap your recovery. California’s minimum liability coverage is $30,000 per person, which rarely covers the full cost of a serious fracture.
If the other driver has insufficient insurance, your own Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist coverage may provide additional compensation.
How Fresno Location Affects Your Case Value
Where your accident happened influences your settlement in several important ways. Local factors can either help or hurt your case depending on the circumstances.
Fresno County Jury Attitudes
Juries in Fresno County tend to be more conservative than those in major metropolitan areas like Los Angeles or San Francisco. This means you need strong evidence and clear documentation to maximize your settlement.
However, Fresno juries are fair and will award appropriate compensation when the evidence supports your claim.
Local Medical Costs and Treatment
Fresno-area hospitals like Community Regional Medical Center and Saint Agnes Medical Center provide excellent trauma care. However, these facilities may place liens on your settlement, meaning they must be repaid from your recovery.
Your attorney can negotiate these liens to maximize your net settlement amount.
Employment and Wage Loss Considerations
Fresno’s economy relies heavily on agriculture, logistics, manufacturing, and construction. These physically demanding jobs make broken bone injuries particularly devastating for workers.
If your fracture prevents you from performing manual labor, your lost wage claim may be substantial. Vocational rehabilitation experts can help calculate the cost of retraining for a less physical career.
How Insurance Companies Handle Broken Bone Claims
Insurance companies are businesses focused on minimizing payouts. Understanding their common tactics helps you protect your rights and avoid costly mistakes.
Quick Settlement Offers
Insurers often make fast, low settlement offers before you understand the full extent of your injuries. They hope you’ll accept this money and give up your right to seek additional compensation later.
Never accept an insurance settlement without consulting an attorney first. What seems like a lot of money initially may not cover your long-term medical needs.
Recorded Statement Requests
An insurance adjuster may ask for a recorded statement about the accident. They’re hoping you’ll say something that hurts your claim, like admitting partial fault or downplaying your injuries.
You’re not legally required to give a recorded statement to the other driver’s insurance company. Always speak with an attorney before providing any information beyond basic facts.
Pre-existing Condition Arguments
Insurance companies frequently claim your pain comes from arthritis, old injuries, or other pre-existing conditions rather than the car accident. They use this argument to reduce or deny your claim entirely.
Consistent medical treatment and clear documentation of how the accident worsened your condition are crucial for countering this defense.
Understanding the Settlement Process and Timeline
Securing fair compensation takes time because it involves several distinct phases. Rushing the process often results in inadequate settlements that don’t fully cover your damages.
Reaching Maximum Medical Improvement
You should continue medical treatment until reaching Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI). MMI means your condition has stabilized and further recovery is unlikely.
Settling before MMI is dangerous because you might need additional treatment that won’t be covered. Most broken bones reach MMI within six months to two years depending on the severity.
Demand Package and Negotiations
Once you reach MMI, your attorney assembles a demand package that includes all medical records, bills, wage-loss documentation, and evidence of pain and suffering. This package goes to the insurance company with a settlement demand.
The negotiation process can take weeks or months. Insurance companies often make multiple counteroffers before reaching a fair settlement amount.
Litigation Timeline
If talks don’t go well, your lawyer might suggest suing. This doesn’t mean that your case will go to trial. More than 95% of personal injury cases settle before trial.
Litigation lets your lawyer use discovery tools like depositions and document requests to make your case stronger. This puts more pressure on the other side to settle, which is why more than 95% of personal injury cases settle.
Steps to Maximize Your Broken Bone Settlement
Taking the right actions after your accident protects your legal rights and helps build the strongest possible case for maximum compensation.
Immediate Medical Attention
Seek medical care immediately after the accident, even if your injuries seem minor. Some fractures, particularly stress fractures or hairline breaks, may not cause severe pain initially.
Emergency room doctors will order X-rays or CT scans to identify all fractures. This creates crucial documentation linking your injuries directly to the accident.
Follow All Medical Advice
Attend every medical appointment and follow your doctor’s treatment recommendations exactly. Insurance companies look for gaps in treatment to argue that your injuries aren’t serious.
Keep detailed records of all medical expenses, including prescription costs, physical therapy, and medical equipment like crutches or braces.
Document Everything
Take photos of your injuries, the accident scene, and vehicle damage if possible. Get contact information for witnesses who saw the accident happen.
Keep a daily journal documenting your pain levels, limitations, and how the injury affects your daily activities. This information helps prove pain and suffering damages.
Preserve Important Evidence
Don’t repair or dispose of your vehicle until your attorney has inspected it. Modern cars contain event data recorders that store crucial information about the collision.
Save all clothing you were wearing at the time of the accident, as damage patterns can help reconstruct what happened.
Use Your Own Insurance When Necessary
Check your auto insurance policy for Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) coverage. This protection provides compensation when the at-fault driver has insufficient insurance.
UM/UIM coverage is particularly important in Fresno, where many drivers carry only minimum liability insurance that won’t cover serious injuries.
California Laws That Affect Your Case
Several important California laws govern car accident claims and can significantly impact your settlement amount.
Statute of Limitations
In California, you have two years from the accident date to file a personal injury lawsuit. Missing this deadline means losing your right to compensation forever.
However, waiting until the last minute is dangerous because evidence disappears and witnesses forget important details. Contact an attorney as soon as possible after your accident.
Pure Comparative Negligence
California’s comparative negligence law allows you to recover damages even if you were partially at fault for the accident. Your settlement simply gets reduced by your percentage of responsibility.
For example, if you’re 30% at fault and your damages total $100,000, you’ll receive $70,000. This law makes it important to minimize your percentage of fault with strong evidence.
Minimum Insurance Requirements
California law requires drivers to carry at least $30,000 in liability coverage per person injured in an accident. This amount rarely covers the full cost of a serious broken bone injury.
Many drivers carry only this minimum coverage, making your own UM/UIM insurance crucial for full compensation.
Real Settlement Examples from Fresno Cases
These examples show how different factors affect settlement amounts. Remember that every case is unique, and past results don’t guarantee similar outcomes.
Construction Worker Leg Fracture
A Fresno construction worker suffered a broken tibia when rear-ended on Highway 99. The fracture required surgery with rod insertion and six months off work. The case settled to compensate him for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
The settlement amount reflected his inability to return to heavy construction work and the need for future medical monitoring.
Multiple Fractures from T-bone Collision
A driver sustained broken ribs, a fractured arm, and a hip fracture when T-boned at a Fresno intersection. The multiple injuries required several surgeries and a year-long recovery. The case settled after litigation was filed.
The high settlement reflected the severity of multiple fractures and the victim’s extended recovery period.
Elderly Pedestrian Hip Fracture
An elderly pedestrian suffered a hip fracture when struck in a crosswalk. The injury required hip replacement surgery and resulted in permanent mobility limitations. The case resolved with consideration given to the victim’s age and life expectancy.
Contact Kuzyk Personal Injury & Car Accident Lawyers Today
If you’ve suffered a broken bone in a Fresno car accident, don’t wait to protect your rights. Evidence disappears quickly, and insurance companies start building defenses immediately.
At Kuzyk Personal Injury & Car Accident Lawyers, we’ve helped thousands of accident victims recover fair compensation for their injuries. We handle all the legal work while you focus on healing and getting your life back on track.
Our team works on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we win your case. We also advance all case costs, so you don’t have to worry about upfront expenses for medical records, expert witnesses, or court fees.
We’re available 24/7 to discuss your case and answer your questions. Our attorneys speak both English and Spanish and understand the unique challenges facing Fresno accident victims.
Broken Bone Car Accident Settlement Frequently Asked Questions
What if the At-fault Driver Has No Insurance or Fled the Scene?
If the other driver has no insurance or left the scene, your own Uninsured Motorist coverage can provide compensation. We’ll also investigate whether any other parties might be responsible, such as the vehicle owner or an employer if the driver was working at the time.
How Long Does It Take to Settle a Broken Bone Car Accident Case?
Settlement negotiations typically occur after you reach maximum medical improvement, but the timeline varies depending on the specifics of the case. Complex cases involving multiple surgeries or disputed liability may take longer, especially if litigation becomes necessary.
Can I Still Get Compensation if I Was Partially at Fault for the Accident?
Yes, California’s comparative negligence law allows you to recover damages even if you share some fault for the accident. Your settlement will be reduced by your percentage of responsibility, but you can still receive substantial compensation.