The average settlement for a broken bone in a car accident in Lancaster is between $15,000 to $100,000 depending on severity. Simple fractures that don’t need surgery settle for less, while fractures that do need surgery, have multiple breaks, or take a long time to heal are worth more. Compensation depends on the medical care you receive, the income you lose, the pain and suffering you endure, and the insurance you have.
A car accident in Lancaster that causes a broken bone can disrupt your life immediately. Everyday activities like working, driving, or caring for your family may become difficult or impossible. Many victims spend weeks in a cast dealing with pain, limited mobility, and constant discomfort. More serious fractures require surgery and long periods of rehabilitation. Medical bills and missed paychecks often start piling up before you even know how long recovery will take. Most people have no clear idea what a fair settlement should be for their injury.
The problem is that broken bone settlements vary widely, and insurance companies use that uncertainty to their advantage. Adjusters often minimize fractures, argue shared fault under California law, or push quick, low settlement offers before the full severity of the injury is known. Once you accept a settlement, your claim is permanently closed, even if complications or long term effects appear later. Many victims later discover they settled for far less than their case was worth.
In this article, you will discover the average settlement for a broken bone in a Lancaster car accident, what factors most affect compensation, and how a car accident attorney can help you protect your rights and pursue full recovery.
What Is the Average Settlement for a Broken Bone in a Lancaster Car Accident?
Broken bone settlements in Lancaster can vary widely depending on the severity of your fracture and other key factors. A settlement is money paid to resolve your claim without going to trial, meaning you and the insurance company agree on an amount rather than having a jury decide.
The wide range exists because every case is different. Your settlement depends on factors like the type of fracture, whether you needed surgery, how long you were out of work, and the impact on your daily life.
| Fracture Type | Typical Settlement Range |
| Simple fracture (no surgery) | $15,000 – $40,000 |
| Fracture requiring surgery | $40,000 – $100,000 |
| Multiple or complex fractures | $75,000 – $150,000+ |
Why Settlement Amounts Vary So Much
No two accidents are exactly the same, which is why relying on a single “average” can be misleading. Your compensation is calculated based on your specific losses and circumstances. Insurance companies look at the details of your case to determine what they’re willing to pay.
Several key variables affect your settlement amount:
- Fracture complexity: Simple breaks heal faster than compound fractures, where bone pierces skin.
- Treatment required: Surgery with plates and screws will significantly increase your case value.
- Recovery timeline: Longer healing periods lead to greater lost wages and higher medical bills.
- Insurance coverage: The at-fault driver’s policy limits can cap your potential recovery.
What Factors Determine Your Settlement Value in California?
Insurance adjusters use specific criteria to evaluate broken bone claims in California. Understanding these factors helps you assess how your case compares and what compensation you might expect.
Each element contributes to your total settlement amount. The more severe your injury and its impact on your life, the higher your potential compensation.
Injury Severity and Medical Treatment Needed
The type of fracture you suffered is one of the biggest factors in determining your settlement value. More serious breaks that require invasive procedures, such as surgery, typically result in higher compensation amounts.
Insurance companies pay more for injuries that involve:
- Open fractures: Bone breaks through the skin, increasing the risk of infection and requiring immediate surgery.
- Comminuted fractures: Bone shatters into multiple pieces, often needing complex reconstruction.
- Joint damage: Fractures affecting the knees, shoulders, or ankles can lead to long-term arthritis.
- Surgical hardware: Plates, screws, or rods permanently implanted to stabilize the bone.
Your medical records and doctor’s notes about your prognosis play a crucial role in proving the severity of your injury. The more documentation you have, the stronger your case becomes.
Lost Wages and Future Earnings Impact
Your settlement should cover all the income you lost while recovering from your broken bone. This includes wages from missed work days, vacation time used for medical appointments, and any bonuses or commissions you couldn’t earn.
If your fracture affects your ability to do your job long-term, you may also recover damages for lost earning capacity. For example, a construction worker with a permanent arm injury may be unable to return to heavy lifting.
Proper documentation is essential for these claims:
- Pay stubs: Show your regular income before the accident.
- Employer statements: Confirm time missed and impact on your work duties.
- Medical restrictions: Doctor’s notes limiting your activities or work capacity.
Pain and Suffering Compensation
Pain and suffering refer to the physical discomfort and emotional distress you experience because of your broken bone. California doesn’t have a set formula for calculating these damages, but they’re often substantial in fracture cases.
Factors that increase pain and suffering awards include the intensity of your pain, the length of recovery, and how the injury affects your daily activities. Keeping a journal of your pain levels and limitations can help document these damages.
Fault and Comparative Negligence Rules
To receive compensation, you must prove that another party caused your accident through negligence. California follows pure comparative negligence rules, which means you can still recover money even if you were partially at fault.
Your settlement gets reduced by your percentage of blame. If you’re found 20% at fault for the accident, your $100,000 settlement becomes $80,000. Insurance companies often try to shift more blame to you to reduce their payout.
Available Insurance Coverage Limits
The amount of insurance the at-fault driver carries often determines the maximum you can recover. California law requires a minimum level of bodily injury liability insurance, which can be insufficient to cover the high costs of treating serious fracture injuries.
If the other driver has insufficient coverage, your own insurance may help:
- Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist coverage: Protects you when the other driver lacks adequate insurance.
- Medical Payments coverage: Pays initial medical bills regardless of who caused the accident.
Settlement Ranges by Type of Broken Bone
Different bones in your body carry different settlement values based on their importance to daily function and the complexity of treatment required. Understanding typical ranges for your specific fracture can help set expectations.
Leg Fractures: Femur, Tibia, and Fibula
Leg fractures are among the most serious bone breaks because they affect your mobility. The femur (thigh bone) is the largest bone in your body, and breaks often require surgery with metal rods or plates.
Femur fractures often lead to substantial settlements because they typically require lengthy hospital stays and months of physical therapy. Tibia and fibula breaks in the lower leg also carry significant value, especially if they affect your ability to walk or work.
Arm and Shoulder Fractures
Arm fractures vary in value depending on whether your dominant arm is affected and your occupation. A broken arm might be more devastating for a carpenter than an office worker.
Shoulder fractures often require surgery and can cause permanent range-of-motion problems. Settlement amounts vary significantly based on the severity of the injury and other case-specific factors.
Wrist and Hand Injuries
Hand and wrist fractures can be deceptively serious, especially for people who rely on fine motor skills for work. Even “minor” breaks can result in chronic pain, stiffness, and reduced grip strength.
These injuries can result in substantial settlements and may be worth more if they significantly impact your earning capacity.
Spine and Back Fractures
Vertebrae fractures are among the most serious bone breaks because they can affect your spinal cord. These injuries can lead to substantial settlements because they can cause paralysis or chronic pain.
Compression fractures without spinal cord damage can still result in substantial settlements because of their potential long-term impact on quality of life.
Rib and Chest Fractures
Broken ribs cause intense pain and can lead to complications like punctured lungs. While they often heal without surgery, the pain can be excruciating and affect your ability to work for weeks.
Settlement amounts for rib fractures vary widely and depend on factors such as the number of fractured ribs and whether complications occur.
How California Law Affects Your Fracture Claim
California has specific laws governing personal injury claims, including deadlines you must meet and fault rules. Understanding these laws helps protect your right to compensation.
Statute of Limitations Deadlines
You have two years from the date of your accident to file a lawsuit in California. This deadline is strict, and missing it means you lose your right to compensation forever.
If your claim involves a government entity like a city bus or county vehicle, you have only six months to file a formal claim. These shorter deadlines make it crucial to contact a lawyer quickly after your accident.
Comparative Negligence Impact
California’s comparative negligence law allows you to recover damages even if you share some blame for the accident. However, your settlement gets reduced by your percentage of fault.
Insurance companies often try to increase your percentage of fault to reduce their payout. Having a lawyer who can challenge these tactics and present evidence in your favor is essential.
Uninsured Driver Limitations
If you were driving without insurance when the accident happened, California’s Proposition 213 limits your ability to recover non-economic damages like pain and suffering. You can still claim economic damages for medical bills and lost wages.
Important exceptions exist, such as when the other driver was under the influence of alcohol or drugs. An experienced attorney can determine if any exceptions apply to your case.
Steps to Take After a Lancaster Car Accident with a Broken Bone
The actions you take immediately after your accident can significantly impact your settlement amount. Following these steps helps protect both your health and your legal rights.
Immediate Medical Care
Seek emergency medical treatment right away, even if your pain seems manageable. Some fractures aren’t immediately apparent, and delaying treatment can worsen your injury and hurt your case.
Emergency room doctors will X-ray your injuries and create the first medical records linking your fracture to the accident. These records become crucial evidence in your claim.
Document Everything at the Scene
If you’re able, take photos of the accident scene, vehicle damage, and your visible injuries. Get contact information from the other driver and any witnesses who saw what happened.
Don’t admit fault or apologize, even if you think you might have contributed to the accident. These statements can be used against you later during settlement negotiations.
Preserve Important Evidence
Keep all medical records, bills, and receipts related to your injury. Take photos of your casts, surgical scars, or medical devices, such as crutches or wheelchairs.
Save documentation of missed work, including emails to your boss about your absence and any doctor’s notes restricting your activities.
Avoid Quick Settlement Offers
Insurance companies often make low settlement offers within days of your accident, hoping you’ll accept before understanding the full extent of your injuries. These offers are almost always far below what your case is actually worth.
Don’t sign anything or give recorded statements to insurance adjusters without first consulting with a lawyer. Once you accept a settlement, you can’t ask for more money later.
Timeline for Broken Bone Settlement Cases
Most people want to know how long their case will take to resolve. The timeline depends on the complexity of your injuries and the insurer’s willingness to negotiate a settlement.
Simple fracture cases that heal well typically settle within 6 to 12 months. More complex cases involving surgery, permanent disability, or disputed fault may take considerably longer to resolve.
Your case can’t fully settle until you reach “maximum medical improvement,” meaning your condition has stabilized, and doctors can predict your long-term prognosis. Settling too early often means leaving money on the table.
Why You Need a Lancaster Car Accident Lawyer for Your Fracture Case
While you can handle a claim yourself, having an experienced lawyer typically results in significantly higher settlement amounts. Insurance companies know when you’re represented and take your case more seriously.
We work on a contingency-fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we win your case. This arrangement allows you to get quality legal representation without upfront costs.
How We Maximize Your Settlement
Our lawyers know the tactics insurance companies use to minimize payouts, and we know how to counter them effectively. We gather all necessary evidence, work with medical experts, and negotiate aggressively on your behalf.
We also prepare every case as if it might go to trial. Insurance companies offer higher settlements when they know you have a lawyer ready to fight in court.
Local Lancaster Experience Matters
Our team knows the Lancaster area, including common accident locations and local traffic patterns. We’re familiar with area hospitals, doctors, and the judges who might hear your case if it goes to trial.
When to Contact a Lawyer After Your Accident
Don’t wait to get legal help after suffering a broken bone in a car accident. Evidence disappears quickly, and witness memories fade. The sooner we can begin working on your case, the better your chances of maximum compensation.
Insurance companies have teams of lawyers working to minimize what they pay you. You deserve to have experienced advocates fighting for your rights, too.
Broken Bone Car Accident Settlement Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Still Get Compensation if I Was Partially at Fault for the Lancaster Accident?
Yes, California’s comparative negligence law allows you to recover damages even if you share some blame for the accident. Your settlement will be reduced by your percentage of fault, but you can still receive compensation for your injuries and losses.
What if the Other Driver Doesn’t Have Enough Insurance to Cover My Broken Bone Injuries?
If the at-fault driver has insufficient insurance, your own Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist coverage can provide additional compensation. We’ll help you navigate claims with both the other driver’s insurance and your own policy to maximize your recovery.
Will My Settlement Include Future Medical Costs for Hardware Removal or Complications?
A comprehensive settlement should include all reasonably necessary future medical care related to your fracture. If doctors determine you’ll likely need surgery to remove plates or screws, or treatment for complications, these costs should be included in your settlement calculation.
Contact Kuzyk Personal Injury & Car Accident Lawyers Today
If you’ve suffered a broken bone in a Lancaster car accident, don’t face the insurance companies alone. Our experienced team has been helping injury victims in Lancaster and throughout the Antelope Valley recover the compensation they deserve.
At Kuzyk Personal Injury & Car Accident Lawyers, our personal injury attorneys have the experience and proven case results needed to help you seek the compensation and justice you deserve.
We offer free consultations to evaluate your case and explain your legal options. You pay nothing unless we win your case, so there’s no financial risk to getting the legal help you need.
Contact us today to get started on your path to recovery and fair compensation. The sooner we begin working on your case, the better we can protect your rights and maximize your settlement.