Spiral Fractures From Car Wrecks Can Have Long-Term Consequences

Spiral Fracture from a Car Wreck? Here’s What You Need to Know

A spiral fracture from a car wreck is a serious bone injury caused by a twisting force, often during high-impact collisions. These fractures commonly affect the arms or legs and usually require surgery and months of rehabilitation. Victims may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, pain and suffering, and lost income.

What Is a Spiral Fracture?

A spiral fracture is a type of broken bone that occurs when a strong, rotating force causes the bone to twist apart. Unlike a clean break, a spiral fracture coils around the bone like a corkscrew. These injuries are especially common in situations where one part of the body is stationary while the rest is violently forced in another direction — such as in a car crash.

What Is The Difference Between A Standard Fracture And A Spiral Fracture?

In a standard fracture scenario, lateral force or blunt force trauma to the body results in a break in the bone underneath. When a spiral fracture occurs, it is the result of a powerful twisting or rotating force at the time of the crash, possibly due either to the motion of the body or the vehicle itself.

This twisting force causes worse fractures in many cases, sometimes with multiple small pieces of bone instead of just two. Unlike most other fractures, which tend to have a somewhat flat, horizontal edge, spiral fractures often have diagonal edges.

The bone itself will have twisted, like a corkscrew or a spiral staircase, which is how the injury gets its name. Typically, spiral fractures affect longer, slender bones, including the femur, tibia, fibula, ulna, radius and humerus bones which comprise the arms and legs.

How Car Accidents Cause Spiral Fractures

In a car wreck, spiral fractures can happen when a limb is braced or caught during impact. A driver might instinctively tense their arms on the steering wheel or have a leg positioned awkwardly during a collision. When the vehicle twists or jolts, the force can spiral up the bone, causing this specific type of break.

Even lower-speed crashes can produce enough rotational energy to lead to a spiral fracture, especially if the impact causes the body to twist unnaturally. These injuries can affect the thigh, shin, arm, or forearm — and they’re often accompanied by soft tissue damage.

Treatment and Recovery

Spiral fractures rarely heal on their own. They often require surgery, where metal rods, screws, or plates are used to stabilize the bone. After the procedure, the limb may be immobilized in a cast or brace while the body heals. Recovery may include:

• Physical therapy to regain strength and mobility

• Pain management

• Limited weight-bearing or activity for several months

Every recovery journey is different. Some people regain full function, while others may struggle with stiffness, weakness, or lingering discomfort long after the bone has healed.

Long-Term Effects of a Spiral Fracture

Spiral fractures can have a lasting impact on daily life, especially when the injury is severe or complications develop during healing. You might face difficulty walking, lifting, or returning to certain types of work. Some people live with chronic pain or reduced mobility long after the initial treatment ends.

These types of injuries can affect more than just your physical health — they can interfere with your job, your independence, and your emotional well-being. If your spiral fracture was caused by a car accident, it’s important to understand how your injury may affect your future and how to seek help when needed.

Why a Spiral Fracture Automatically Qualifies for a Lawsuit in New York?

New York is a No-Fault auto insurance state, meaning crash victims are generally restricted to their own Personal Injury Protection (PIP) policy for medical bills and lost wages. To sue the at-fault driver for non-economic damages like pain and suffering, your injury must meet New York’s “Serious Injury Threshold” under New York Insurance Law § 5102(d).

The good news for your legal claim is that the law explicitly lists “a fracture” as a qualifying serious injury. Because a spiral fracture is a severe broken bone, it automatically meets this threshold. You do not have to prove that you were disabled for 90 days to step outside the No-Fault system—your diagnosis alone gives you the right to pursue maximum financial compensation against the negligent driver.

Do I Need a Lawyer After a Car Wreck That Caused a Spiral Fracture?

If you’ve suffered a serious injury in a car wreck, speaking with a lawyer can help you understand your options. Spiral fractures often lead to long recovery times and significant medical care. An experienced personal injury attorney can help you explore how to recover compensation for your injuries, your lost income, and the disruption to your life.

FAQs

Does a spiral fracture meet the New York serious injury threshold?

Yes. Under New York Insurance Law § 5102(d), any bone fracture automatically meets the definition of a “serious injury.” This means if you sustain a spiral fracture in a car accident, you are legally permitted to step outside New York’s No-Fault insurance system and sue the at-fault driver for pain and suffering, regardless of how quickly the bone heals.

Who pays for my surgery if I get a spiral fracture in a car crash in NY?

Your initial medical bills, including orthopedic surgery and hospitalization, are covered by the Personal Injury Protection (PIP) No-Fault insurance of the vehicle you were in (or the vehicle that struck you, if you were a pedestrian). PIP typically covers up to $50,000. However, you must file a No-Fault application within 30 days of the crash to receive these benefits. Costs exceeding $50,000 are typically recovered through a personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault driver.

How much is a spiral fracture car accident settlement worth?

There is no set average, as settlements depend heavily on the severity of the break. Cases involving spiral fractures that require open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) surgery—where metal plates, rods, or screws are implanted—typically result in higher compensation than fractures treated with just a cast. The final value accounts for medical bills, lost wages, permanent mobility limitations, and physical pain and suffering.

Can I sue if I was partially at fault for the crash that broke my leg?

Yes. New York is a pure comparative negligence state (CPLR § 1411). Even if you were partially to blame for the accident—for example, if you were speeding slightly when another car ran a red light and hit you—you can still pursue a lawsuit. Your final compensation will simply be reduced by the percentage of fault the court assigns to you.