What Are the Risks of Crush Injuries After a Sacramento Crash?

Crush injuries from a collision are particularly dangerous as they can lead to secondary complications that are sometimes fatal. Depending on the body part that was crushed in the impact, victims could lose limbs or worse. Immediate medical treatment is vital and offers victims a better chance for recovery.

Below, the attorneys at Arnold Law Firm discuss crush injuries and why even trained first responders may be unable to recognize a crush injury. A lot of the damage takes place beneath the surface and may not be immediately visible.

Injured in a crash in California? If so, our experienced Sacramento car crash attorneys may be able to help you seek compensation for your medical costs and other losses. You can find out if you have a case at no cost or risk to you. If we represent you, there are no upfront costs or fees to pay.

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How Do Collisions Cause Crush Injuries?

Collisions cause crush injuries when parts of the vehicle collapse inwards, compressing the occupants. This can happen due to the following reasons:

• High-Speed Collisions: Vehicles hitting each other head on generate extreme force. Often the vehicles’ may get crumpled at impact. Depending on the amount of damage, occupants could get crushed
• Side Impacts: T-bone accidents, where one vehicle hits the side of another, often cause significant intrusion into the passenger compartment. Since this part of the vehicle provides protection, occupants are more likely to suffer crush injuries.
• Rollovers: If the roof caves in during a rollover crash, occupants could get crushed. This is especially likely if the impact compromises the vehicle’s structural integrity.
• Head-On Collisions: The force at impact could push the front of the vehicle backward into the cabin. This damage could crush the driver and front-seat passengers.
• Multi-Vehicle Pile-Ups: In accidents involving multiple vehicles, a car can be caught between two other vehicles, resulting in severe crush injuries.
• Heavy Loads: If a vehicle carrying heavy cargo is involved in a crash, the cargo can shift and crush the occupants.
• Vehicle Defects: Structural weaknesses or design flaws in a vehicle can lead to a higher risk of crush injuries during a crash.

These injuries are often severe and require immediate medical attention to prevent life-threatening complications. However, you can suffer crush injuries from a car crash even if you are not inside one of the vehicles involved.

For instance, a pedestrian could be hit by another vehicle and pinned against a stationary object. If you are riding your bike and get hit by a vehicle, you could land on the ground hard enough to cause a crush injury.

What Physical Damages May Result From a Crush Injury?

Crush injuries can cause catastrophic physical damage. Bones can break or shatter under such intense pressure. Internal organs and blood vessels may sustain enough damage to cause internal bleeding. Crush injuries cause severe trauma to soft tissues, muscles and ligaments as well. Swelling within a muscle compartment increases pressure, causing muscle and nerve damage, a condition known as compartment syndrome.

The force of the crash may compress or even sever nerves, which causes the victim to suffer a loss of sensation or functionality. The victim’s internal organs, such as the liver, spleen, kidneys or lungs, may be crushed or punctured.

If a limb, such as an arm or leg, gets crushed in a car crash, victims may have to undergo a surgical amputation of the affected limb. Open wounds from a crush injury could become infected without proper medical treatment.

Prolonged pressure can lead to crush syndrome. This situation occurs when the victim’s body releases toxins into the bloodstream. If this happens, the victim could be at risk of kidney failure and other serious complications.

Immediate and intensive medical treatment is crucial to manage these injuries and reduce their effects.

How Do Doctors Treat Crush Injuries After a Crash?

Doctors treat crush injuries through a combination of immediate and ongoing medical interventions to manage damage and prevent complications.

Stabilize the Victim

First, they stabilize the patient. This step includes stopping severe bleeding and ensuring the patient has adequate airway and breathing support. Doctors will also administer intravenous (IV) fluids to maintain blood pressure and prevent shock.

Surgical Repair May Be Needed

Surgical intervention is often required. This can include procedures to repair broken bones, reattach severed nerves, and address internal injuries. Surgeons might perform fasciotomies. This procedure is where doctors cut open the skin and fascia to relieve pressure and prevent compartment syndrome.

Pain Management and Infection Prevention

To manage pain and prevent the onset of infection, doctors administer both pain relief medications and antibiotics. They also need to clean and debride (remove dead tissue from) any open wounds to reduce the risk of infection.

In severe cases, doctors may have to amputate the crushed limb. However, this decision is only made if the limb is too damaged to be saved and poses a risk of further complications.

Rehabilitation and Physical Therapy

Post-surgery, doctors focus on rehabilitation. Physical therapy helps restore movement and strength, while occupational therapy assists patients in regaining daily living skills. Regular follow-up appointments are crucial to monitor healing and address any long-term complications.

Why Seek Legal Help After Suffering a Serious Crash Injury

Once your injuries have been stabilized, it is vital that you seek legal help. The costs of treatment alone for a crush injury are costly, and insurance companies will be seeking to pay you as little as possible. Having an attorney seek compensation on your behalf helps ensure your best interests are protected throughout the legal process.

Arnold Law Firm advocates for injured victims every day, something we have been doing for over 40 years. We have a proven history of success and are committed to recovering the full and fair compensation you deserve.

Contact our law offices for a free initial consultation. If we take your case, there are no upfront costs to hire our services. We do not get paid unless you do.

Arnold Law Firm. We get justice for you. (916) 777-7777