Pelvic injuries are common in auto accidents. Minor pelvic injuries can be very painful and take weeks to heal. Severe pelvic injuries can damage internal organs and major blood vessels and can be fatal. Those who survive have a long and painful recovery ahead and may experience permanent impairment. And, it is not unusual to suffer from other injuries along with pelvic injuries in a severe crash. If you have suffered pelvic injuries in an auto accident, talk to an experienced car accident attorney right away.
Symptoms of Pelvic Injury After a Crash
Pelvic fractures may go unnoticed after an auto accident, and they can cause dangerous internal injuries that need immediate medical treatment. This is one of many reasons why you should seek medical attention immediately after an accident, even if you do not believe you are injured. Whether you skipped the medical exam or went to the ER and received a clean bill of health, you need to see a doctor right away if you experience pelvic fracture symptoms within the first few weeks after an accident.
Symptoms of pelvic fracture include:
- Numbness or tingling in the groin or legs
- Abdominal pain
- Bleeding from the vagina, urethra or rectum, which may indicate damage to internal organs
- Difficulty urinating
- Bruising or swelling in the hip area
- Pain when standing
- Difficulty walking or not being able to walk
- Difficulty standing
Causes of Pelvic Injuries in Car Crashes
Vehicle occupants in the front seat are more likely to suffer pelvic fractures for several reasons. The position of the front seat in relation to a car’s frame mean that a large portion of the energy of the impact is dispersed to those int the front seats. In frontal impacts, front seat occupants are subject to being crushed by the vehicle’s engine, dashboard and steering wheel.
Airbags can deploy with enough force to cause pelvic fractures. Seatbelts can also crush the pelvis.
The medical expenses and other costs of pelvic injuries can be substantial, and you may suffer from permanent injuries. To learn more about how you can recover compensation for you auto accident pelvic injuries, call McPhillips Fitzgerald & Cullum, LLP, or contact us online and schedule a free consultation.