An auto accident can cause various injuries, with crush injuries ranking as some of the most severe. Crush injuries occur when an impact compresses or traps a body part between two or more objects.
Following an accident, you may want to seek compensation for the damages associated with crush injuries.
Causes
The force generated by a high-impact collision can cause the vehicle to collapse, deform and trap the driver and passengers. Most crush injuries occur due to high-impact collisions, such as t-bone accidents and head-on collisions. Additionally, rollover accidents can cause the roof to collapse, leading to potential crush injuries to the vehicle’s occupants.
If the accident causes a person to eject from the vehicle, it typically results in some of the most catastrophic injuries. Crush injuries happen when a person becomes trapped under the car or between objects.
Consequences
Up to 15% of trauma patients experience crush injuries. Among the common consequences of crush injuries include:
- Acute kidney failure
- Fractures and dislocations
- Internal bleeding
- Nerve damage
Often, the immediate injuries can turn into chronic problems. For example, many patients with crush injuries experience ongoing pain despite treatment and surgery. Those who suffer bone injuries or limb loss may have impaired mobility for the rest of their lives. In addition to physical ailments, the trauma from the accident can cause symptoms of PTSD, depression and anxiety.
Following an accident, crush injuries can wreak havoc on your emotional and physical health, leading to consequences that can affect your professional and personal life.