What to Do if You Suffered Broken Ribs in a New Jersey Car Crash

If you’ve been in a car accident in New Jersey and suffered broken ribs, you’re likely facing severe pain, difficulty breathing, and a lengthy recovery period. Beyond the physical discomfort, you may also be burdened with medical bills, lost wages, and other financial losses.

In this guide, we’ll break down how broken ribs occur in car crashes, what you can expect during recovery, how New Jersey’s laws impact your compensation, and why working with an experienced New Jersey personal injury lawyer can make all the difference.

Common Causes of Broken Ribs in Car Accidents

Car accidents generate immense force, and the human body often takes the brunt of the impact. Here are the primary ways ribs get fractured in a crash:

• Direct Impact – A driver or passenger hitting the steering wheel, dashboard, or door can suffer broken ribs due to the sheer force of the collision. This is especially common in head-on collisions or high-speed crashes where the momentum propels occupants forward.
  
• Seat Belt Pressure – While seat belts save lives, they can also exert extreme pressure on the ribcage during a sudden stop, sometimes causing fractures. The force of the restraint can push against the chest so forcefully that it leads to cracked or broken ribs.
  
• Airbag Deployment – Although airbags are designed to cushion the impact, the force at which they deploy can be strong enough to break ribs, especially in high-speed collisions. In some cases, the airbag can also push the victim into another object, such as the steering wheel or dashboard, increasing the risk of injury.
  
• Secondary Trauma – In severe crashes, victims may be thrown against other parts of the car or even ejected, leading to rib injuries. Being struck by loose objects inside the vehicle, such as purses, laptops, or car seats, can also contribute to rib fractures.

The way an injury occurs can significantly impact the severity of the fracture. Some people suffer a single broken rib, while others may sustain multiple fractures, which can lead to more serious complications.

How Long Does It Take for Broken Ribs to Heal After a Car Crash?

Broken ribs typically take six weeks to three months to heal, depending on the severity. Unlike other broken bones, ribs can’t be put in a cast. Instead, treatment focuses on pain management and proper breathing techniques to prevent complications like pneumonia.

Here’s what you can expect:

• Mild fractures (hairline cracks) may heal within 6-8 weeks with rest and pain medication. These types of fractures usually do not require extensive medical intervention, but they can still be painful.
  
• Moderate fractures may take up to 10 weeks, requiring physical therapy and breathing exercises. Patients may need ongoing pain management and may have difficulty returning to normal activities during the healing process.
  
• Severe fractures (multiple ribs or flail chest) can take several months, sometimes requiring surgery and intensive rehabilitation. If ribs break in multiple places, they may no longer be able to provide the necessary support for the chest, which can make breathing difficult.

To speed up recovery and prevent complications, patients are often advised to follow these guidelines:

• Avoid strenuous activity – Too much movement can delay healing and cause further pain.
  
• Practice deep breathing – This helps prevent pneumonia and keeps the lungs fully functional.
  
• Use pain management techniques – This may include over-the-counter medication or prescribed pain relievers.
  
• Follow up with your doctor – Regular medical checkups ensure that healing is progressing as expected.

How Much Compensation for Broken Ribs in a Car Accident?

The amount of compensation you can recover depends on factors like medical expenses, lost income, and pain and suffering. In New Jersey, your claim may involve multiple types of damages:

Economic Damages (Easily quantifiable losses)

Economic damages are as follows:

• Medical bills – X-rays, pain medication, hospital visits, or surgery costs.
• Lost wages – If you’re unable to work due to your injuries.
• Rehabilitation costs – Physical therapy, breathing therapy, and follow-up treatments.
• Future medical expenses – Future medical expenses may arise if complications require long-term medical care.

Non-economic Damages (Subjective losses)

Non-economic damages are as follows:

• Pain and suffering – Compensation for the physical pain and emotional distress caused by your injury.
• Loss of quality of life – If your injury affects daily activities or causes long-term discomfort.
• Emotional trauma – Anxiety, PTSD, and other psychological effects of the accident.

Punitive Damages (In cases of extreme negligence)

• Punitive damages may be awarded if the at-fault driver was intoxicated or engaged in reckless driving.

New Jersey-Specific Compensation Rules:

• No-Fault Insurance: New Jersey has a no-fault insurance system, which means your Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance covers medical expenses regardless of fault.
  
• Threshold for Lawsuits: You may only sue the at-fault driver if your injury meets the serious injury threshold, such as permanent disfigurement, significant scarring, or displaced fractures.
• Statute of Limitations: Under New Jersey law (N.J.S.A. 2A:14-2), you have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. Missing this deadline can bar you from recovering compensation.

New Jersey Case Example: Compensation for Rib Fractures

One notable New Jersey case involved a rear-end collision in Newark, where the victim suffered multiple broken ribs and a punctured lung. The at-fault driver’s insurer initially offered a low settlement that wouldn’t cover all medical expenses. After legal intervention, the case settled for $450,000, covering medical costs, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

Hire a Professional New Jersey Car Accident Lawyer

If you suffered broken ribs in a car accident, you shouldn’t have to fight insurance companies alone. A skilled New Jersey car accident lawyer from Rosengard Law Group is dedicated to helping car accident victims secure maximum compensation.

• Proven Track Record – We’ve won millions for injured clients across New Jersey.
• No Upfront Fees – We only get paid if we win your case. 
• Aggressive Negotiation – We don’t settle for lowball offers. 
• Trial-Ready Representation – If necessary, we’ll take your case to trial and fight in court for what you deserve.