Pelvic and abdominal injuries are a very serious consequence of many car accidents. While today’s cars and trucks are safer than ever, even a million-dollar car can cause severe bodily injuries in the event of a car crash.
Statistics from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) show that approximately 5% of serious injuries sustained in car crashes are abdominal. In Texas, that amounts to over 875 serious abdominal and pelvic injuries each year.
Although traffic fatalities have decreased by 50% since the introduction of the three-point seatbelt, according to the NHTSA, seatbelts and air bags designed to protect us can cause significant risk to the pelvis and abdomen. These painful injuries can result in an extensive monetary loss due to medical bills and costly physical therapy.
At Patterson Law Group in Forth Worth, we will assist you during this trying time and make sure that you make a full recovery, both medically and financially.
Here is a breakdown of Texas’ car accident numbers in 2016:
Texas Accident Injury Statistics for 2016
|
Dallas |
Texas |
|
| Total Crashes | 16,422 | 551,971 |
| Incapacitating Injuries | 659 | 17,582 |
| Non-incapacitating injuries | 2,662 | 81,704 |
| Unknown severity injuries | 2,955 | 84,576 |
| Fatalities | 84 | 3,773 |
Courtesy of the Texas Department of Transportation
What are Pelvic and Abdominal Injuries?
The human pelvic bones, composed of the sacrum, coccyx, and hips, form a delicate and vulnerable structure. Furthermore, the abdominal area itself contains many vital organs, including the liver, spleen, pancreas, kidneys, bladder, intestines, and stomach cavity.
A car can cause significant injury to the pelvic and abdominal regions because of how it is designed. Bumpers, seatbelts, steering wheels, and airbags can all cause severe bodily damage, and no safety device is foolproof. When a driver is seated in a car, the pelvis and abdomen are directly at the level of the car’s bumper. This means that in the event of a car crash, the victim will absorb the force of the bumper itself against their pelvic and abdominal regions.
In addition, the car’s seatbelt is placed right over these vulnerable regions, so the force of the crash’s impact can translate directly to the pelvis and abdomen, causing bone fractures and internal injuries. Airbags and steering wheels can also pose great threats when the body collides with these objects at high speeds. The faster the vehicle was traveling before the crash, the more likely a pelvic fracture will occur. Moreover, people who have osteoporosis may suffer a pelvic fracture even in a low-speed collision.
Types of Pelvic and Abdominal Injuries
There are two types of abdominal and pelvic injuries sustained during a car crash: blunt force and penetrating.
- Blunt force injuries impact the abdomen and pelvic area but do not penetrate the skin. This type of injury can occur if an object such as the airbag, steering wheel, or seatbelt hits the body hard during a high-impact car crash.
- Penetrating injuries, on the other hand, break the skin, resulting in severe blood loss and damage to internal organs.
Both types of injuries can be life-threatening and may require serious medical attention.
Symptoms of Pelvic and Abdominal Injuries
Pelvic and abdominal injuries are a common concern after a car accident; if you experience any of these symptoms following a car crash, seek medical attention immediately.
- Minor soreness
- Bruising
- Blood loss
- Intestinal rupture
- Internal hemorrhage of organs
- Fractured or broken bones
Secondary complications range from the onset of infection to internal abscesses and obstructed intestines. Another secondary risk is a condition known as Abdominal Compartment Syndrome, a build-up of pressure in the abdomen that can adversely affect the functions of the heart, blood vessels, and stomach.
What is Seatbelt Syndrome?
Seatbelt syndrome refers to internal organ injuries caused by the seatbelt hitting the body during a high impact crash. Seatbelt injuries can occur whether the seatbelt is being worn properly or not, i.e. when the shoulder portion of the belt is not placed in front of the chest. The impact of the belt against the body can cause ruptured organs, internal bleeding, perforated bowels, and other serious complications.
Children are at risk of developing seatbelt syndrome because the belt may be less likely to fit their bodies properly, but essentially EVERYONE is at risk. This means that even though seat belts are designed to reduce injuries, this common safety device can pose a real threat to passengers during a high-speed crash.
Where Can I Receive Medical Treatment?
There are many hospitals in the Fort Worth, Texas area that can assist you if you are suffering from a pelvic or abdominal injury. Here are some local hospitals that can help you get the proper treatment and diagnosis:
Texas Health Harris Methodist Hospital Southwest Fort Worth
6100 Harris Pkwy
Fort Worth, TX 76132
(817) 433-5000
Medical City Fort Worth
900 8th Ave
Fort Worth, TX 76104
(817) 877-5292
John Peter Smith Hospital
1500 S Main St
Fort Worth, TX 76104
(817) 702-3431
Baylor All Saints Hospital
1400 8th Ave
Fort Worth, TX 76104
(817) 926-2544
What Will the Doctor do?
If you feel any pain or discomfort in the pelvis or abdomen after a car accident, it is imperative that you see a specialist as soon as possible.
The doctor may perform diagnostic tests, X-rays, or even exploratory surgery to assess the extent of the damages. “Hard” pelvic injuries, such as fractured and broken bones, will require X-rays. These tests will assist doctors in understanding the extent of the pelvic or abdominal problem.
After testing and diagnostics, the doctor will recommend either physical or emotional therapy, surgery, or other forms of rehabilitation.
What Kind of Compensation Will I Receive?
Compensation will depend on the extent of the pelvic or abdominal injuries sustained. X-rays and other diagnostic tests can be used as physical evidence to back up a claim. Police reports and eye witness accounts can also be used to determine how the accident occurred and who was at fault so you can receive the maximum monetary compensation. Finally, the effect these injuries have on your personal life will also be taken into account. If the injury gets in the way of your enjoyment of your day-to-day life, then it is your right to receive fair compensation.
Other Injuries Sustained After a Car Accident
- Psychological Problems
- Head and Brain Injuries
- Neck and Back Injuries
- Chest Pain and Injuries
- Leg and Knee Injuries
- Foot Injuries
How can I Receive Fair Compensation for Abdominal and Pelvic Injuries?
Call Patterson Law Group today for a free consultation concerning your pelvic or abdominal injuries. Our legal experts will fight for you! We’ve helped hundreds of accident victims get the medical attention and monetary compensation they’re entitled to, so call today for a free consultation.
