Injuries
Fractures & Broken Bones After a Car Accident
Understanding fractures & broken bones
Fractures from motor vehicle accidents result from high-energy impacts and commonly involve the wrists, ribs, collarbone, and vertebrae. Unlike a simple fall, MVA fractures often occur alongside other injuries — soft tissue damage, concussion, and psychological trauma — which means recovery requires more than just waiting for the bone to heal. Structured rehabilitation after the fracture has stabilised is critical for restoring strength, mobility, and confidence. Many people underestimate how much work goes into recovering full function after a fracture.
Common symptoms
Symptoms can take hours or days to appear after a crash. If you notice any of these, it's worth being assessed.
Immediate severe pain at the injury site
Visible deformity or abnormal positioning
Swelling and bruising around the fracture
Inability to move or bear weight on the affected area
Pain that worsens with any movement or pressure
Tenderness along the bone
Grinding sensation or instability at the fracture site
Quick check
Not sure if it's serious?
How we help
We coordinate the full pathway from acute fracture management through to rehabilitation and return to full function. This includes liaising with emergency departments and orthopaedic surgeons for the initial fracture care, then building a structured rehab program with physiotherapy and exercise physiology once the fracture has stabilised. We also address any co-existing injuries — soft tissue, psychological, or otherwise — so your recovery plan covers everything. All CTP documentation and treatment approvals are managed for you.
Treatment approach
CTP medical assessment and coordination with acute care teams
Orthopaedic referral for surgical review or fracture management
Physiotherapy for post-fracture range of motion and mobility
Exercise physiology for progressive strengthening and reconditioning
Psychology referral where trauma or adjustment difficulties are present
Staged return-to-work and return-to-activity planning
When to see a doctor
If you have sustained a fracture in a motor vehicle accident, you need a CTP-experienced doctor involved early — not just for the acute fracture care, but to coordinate the rehabilitation that follows. The bone healing is only the first phase. Structured rehab is what gets you back to full function.
Not an emergency? Book an assessment. If symptoms are severe or worsening, call 000.
Frequently asked questions
Next step
See a CTP doctor about it
Often seen within the week. Telehealth across NSW, or in person where appropriate. No claim number needed to start.