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Driving with Broken leg

  • 01-10-2013 05:53PM
    #1
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,471 ✭✭✭


    Hi, I'm wondering where I'm fixed regarding driving with a broken leg.. I mashed my left fibia & tibia recently in a bike accident. I've had surgery and do not have a cast on it. But its very much broken for now. It will take 3-6monts to heal. I'm thinking of getting an automatic car to drive. My doctor or surgon have not mentioned anything about driving so far. So is it legal. I'm plsnning n driving an auto with my righ foot but will need a pillow to support my left one ?..I've no problem getting in and out of car.
    Thoughts


«1

Comments

  • Closed Accounts Posts: 2,504 ✭✭✭bbability


    You must inform your insurance company. I don't think they will cover you whilst your in plaster


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 5,031 ✭✭✭Bpmull


    My mother broke her elbow last year and the doctors told her she wouldn't be aloud near a car regardless if it was an auto or manual. The insurance company also said they wouldn't cover her. Maybe it's different for a leg but me and my dad had to chauffeur her around for all those months. Might be worth ringing your insurance company.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,471 ✭✭✭Notch000


    bbability wrote: »
    You must inform your insurance company. I don't think they will cover you whilst your in plaster

    As above I don't have plaster on now


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 943 ✭✭✭Big C


    I drive an automatic using hand controls, insurance company have no problem once told


  • Moderators, Education Moderators, Sports Moderators, Paid Member Posts: 11,724 Mod ✭✭✭✭artanevilla


    A pillow under your left? Is there not a danger of it getting jammed under the brake?


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 12,718 ✭✭✭✭galwaytt


    With an auto you're only supposed to use your right foot anyway, so what difference does it make what shape/condition your left one is ?

    Ode To The Motorist

    “And my existence, while grotesque and incomprehensible to you, generates funds to the exchequer. You don't want to acknowledge that as truth because, deep down in places you don't talk about at the Green Party, you want me on that road, you need me on that road. We use words like freedom, enjoyment, sport and community. We use these words as the backbone of a life spent instilling those values in our families and loved ones. You use them as a punch line. I have neither the time nor the inclination to explain myself to a man who rises and sleeps under the tax revenue and the very freedom to spend it that I provide, and then questions the manner in which I provide it. I would rather you just said "thank you" and went on your way. Otherwise I suggest you pick up a bus pass and get the ********* ********* off the road” 



  • Moderators, Business & Finance Moderators, Science, Health & Environment Moderators, Society & Culture Moderators Posts: 51,685 Mod ✭✭✭✭Stheno


    Notch000 wrote: »
    As above I don't have plaster on now

    Probably won't matter, you need to talk to your insurance company tbh.

    Can't imagine you'd be covered, I damaged my knee last year and was not allowed drive by my doctor.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,471 ✭✭✭Notch000


    galwaytt wrote: »
    With an auto you're only supposed to use your right foot anyway, so what difference does it make what shape/condition your left one is ?

    That's what I'm thinking


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 7,478 ✭✭✭wexie


    I've a family member who recently queried this with her insurance company and was told very clearly she would NOT be covered driving with a broken leg (ankle in her case), cast or no cast, automatic or not. Now, admittedly this was in a different country but I wouldnt imagine they'll think much different about it here.

    OP, are you on crutches?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 7,295 ✭✭✭Supergurrier


    Tbh OP

    You wouldn't have a leg to stand on in court if anything happenned.

    (Runs away giggling)


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,202 ✭✭✭0ph0rce0


    Bah, If you crash, just say you broke your leg in the crash.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 35,954 ✭✭✭✭Larianne


    Ask your insurance company and surgeon to clarify.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,471 ✭✭✭Notch000


    Larianne wrote: »
    Ask your insurance company and surgeon to clarify.

    Yes boss


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,471 ✭✭✭Notch000


    wexie wrote: »

    OP, are you on crutches?

    yes


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 4,754 ✭✭✭oldyouth


    You can't drive if it is against medical advice. As others have said, refer it to your insurers and they will require you to get a cert from your doctor


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,436 ✭✭✭kasper


    not sure if you are allowed to drive if you have a broken leg but you sure are not if your plastered


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 12,718 ✭✭✭✭galwaytt


    wexie wrote: »
    I've a family member who recently queried this with her insurance company and was told very clearly she would NOT be covered driving with a broken leg (ankle in her case), cast or no cast, automatic or not. Now, admittedly this was in a different country but I wouldnt imagine they'll think much different about it here.

    OP, are you on crutches?

    Crutches? They're for walking, not driving.

    You still don't use your left leg for driving an auto so can't see why it matters.

    Ode To The Motorist

    “And my existence, while grotesque and incomprehensible to you, generates funds to the exchequer. You don't want to acknowledge that as truth because, deep down in places you don't talk about at the Green Party, you want me on that road, you need me on that road. We use words like freedom, enjoyment, sport and community. We use these words as the backbone of a life spent instilling those values in our families and loved ones. You use them as a punch line. I have neither the time nor the inclination to explain myself to a man who rises and sleeps under the tax revenue and the very freedom to spend it that I provide, and then questions the manner in which I provide it. I would rather you just said "thank you" and went on your way. Otherwise I suggest you pick up a bus pass and get the ********* ********* off the road” 



  • Moderators, Business & Finance Moderators, Science, Health & Environment Moderators, Society & Culture Moderators Posts: 51,685 Mod ✭✭✭✭Stheno


    galwaytt wrote: »
    Crutches? They're for walking, not driving.

    You still don't use your left leg for driving an auto so can't see why it matters.

    My physio (:() wouldn't sign me off to drive, as he felt that if I got a sudden spasm of pain due to the injury it would affect my ability to concentrate on driving, even if I was driving an auto, I had a long argument with him about it. The pillow idea of the OPs sounds a bit dodgy too, even in an auto if it's going to be in the footwell, I'm not even figuring out how it would work!

    Was off the road about six weeks iirc


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,063 ✭✭✭Greenmachine


    That Casts the dream away.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 7,478 ✭✭✭wexie


    galwaytt wrote: »
    Crutches? They're for walking, not driving.

    You still don't use your left leg for driving an auto so can't see why it matters.

    I happen to agree with you, but that doesn't matter as neither of us make the rules. Insurance companies make the rules and they say you can't drive with a broken leg. (from what I've heard anyway).

    Either way, I wouldn't risk it without having spoken with the insurance company and getting confirmation in writing.


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 51,697 ✭✭✭✭bazz26


    You are really putting yourself out on a limb with this OP. :D

    Seriously though, you really need to speak with your doctor/surgeon and insurance company. Anything offered here is only opinion.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 12,718 ✭✭✭✭galwaytt


    wexie wrote: »
    I happen to agree with you, but that doesn't matter as neither of us make the rules. Insurance companies make the rules and they say you can't drive with a broken leg. (from what I've heard anyway).

    Either way, I wouldn't risk it without having spoken with the insurance company and getting confirmation in writing.

    Not saying don't ask. Interesting to find out tbh. ..

    Ode To The Motorist

    “And my existence, while grotesque and incomprehensible to you, generates funds to the exchequer. You don't want to acknowledge that as truth because, deep down in places you don't talk about at the Green Party, you want me on that road, you need me on that road. We use words like freedom, enjoyment, sport and community. We use these words as the backbone of a life spent instilling those values in our families and loved ones. You use them as a punch line. I have neither the time nor the inclination to explain myself to a man who rises and sleeps under the tax revenue and the very freedom to spend it that I provide, and then questions the manner in which I provide it. I would rather you just said "thank you" and went on your way. Otherwise I suggest you pick up a bus pass and get the ********* ********* off the road” 



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,409 ✭✭✭Kevhog1988


    broke my right ankle a few months back, drove from manchester to holyhead that evening in a automatic using my left foot... Sons first bday party was the next day.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 81,060 ✭✭✭✭biko


    We can offer many opinions here (as you can't get legal advice on boards) but at the end of the day only one matters, your insurance company's opinion.
    They are the ones to talk to and will probably refer to your doctor.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 7,478 ✭✭✭wexie


    galwaytt wrote: »
    Not saying don't ask. Interesting to find out tbh. ..

    It would, the reason I think they'll say know is that my sister who broke her ankle was told she wouldn't be insured driving.

    I told her to just rent an automatic for a few weeks, she rang back the insurance company and was told it wouldn't make a difference.

    Doesn't make sense to me either.

    Aside from spasm Stheno mentioned, but you could argue you could get those with a headache, cracked ribs (actually probably more likely to get them with cracked ribs) etc. etc.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6,845 ✭✭✭Noccy_Mondy


    A friend of mine had her left hip done there a few years back. She drives a school bus and was back driving 9 weeks afterwards!, I'm sure bus regulations and insurance is more specific than that for a normal car...


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 38,227 ✭✭✭✭Guy:Incognito


    Just get the leg amputated. Youll already have made the switch to auto so just stay with it.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,952 ✭✭✭aujopimur


    I met a disabled guy on the Rosslare/Pembroke ferry a few years ago who had only enough use of his right foot to press the accelerator, he had a bit of 2X1 in his hand to operate the brakes.


  • Moderators, Business & Finance Moderators, Science, Health & Environment Moderators, Society & Culture Moderators Posts: 51,685 Mod ✭✭✭✭Stheno


    wexie wrote: »

    Doesn't make sense to me either.

    Aside from spasm Stheno mentioned, but you could argue you could get those with a headache, cracked ribs (actually probably more likely to get them with cracked ribs) etc. etc.

    In fairness looking back, my physio was right.

    I was in fairly severe pain, taking painkillers containing up to 240 mg of codeine each day, and still had constant spasms/pain in my leg, or having my leg stiffening up considerably, so it wasn't safe for me to drive.


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 38,227 ✭✭✭✭Guy:Incognito


    aujopimur wrote: »
    I met a disabled guy on the Rosslare/Pembroke ferry a few years ago who had only enough use of his right foot to press the accelerator, he had a bit of 2X1 in his hand to operate the brakes.

    You'd think someone would come up with some sort of system to help disabled drivers operate cars safely. Maybe theres a business opportunity there...........


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