What is a Crush Injury in an Auto Accident?

Auto accidents are an unfortunate reality of modern life and can result in various injuries, including crush injuries. A crash injury occurs when a body part is subjected to significant force or pressure, leading to tissue damage, organ dysfunction, and potential loss of limb or life.

If you suffer a crush injury due to someone else’s negligence on the road, a car accident attorney from Dudley DeBosier can protect your rights and fight to get you compensation to aid your recovery.

How a Crush Injury Occurs in a Car Accident

Car accidents are a leading cause of crush injuries in adults. These injuries occur when a vehicle collides with another object or when a person’s body is trapped or compressed within the car’s cabin or between two objects. Some of the most common crush injuries include:

• Limb Crush Injuries: A limb crush injury is the most common type of crush injury. It occurs when a limb is trapped or compressed between two objects, such as a car door and the ground. Limb crush injuries can result in fractures, nerve damage, muscle and tissue damage, and amputation.

• Chest Crush Injuries: Chest injuries can occur when the steering wheel, dashboard, or seatbelt compresses the chest. Chest crush injuries can cause broken ribs, lung damage, and cardiac contusions.

• Abdominal Crush Injuries: Abdominal crush injuries occur when the steering wheel or dashboard compresses the abdomen. These crush injuries can lead to organ damage, internal bleeding, and ruptured blood vessels.

• Head and Neck Crush Injuries: Head and neck injuries can occur when the car roof compresses the head or the neck is twisted during the accident. They can result in skull fractures, brain damage, and spinal cord injuries. Crush injuries are the most frequently sustained brain injuries in car accidents.

Complications of Crush Injuries

Crush injuries can have severe and potentially life-threatening complications that put you on a long, expensive road to recovery. The extent and severity depend on the compression type, location, duration, and intensity.

• Blood Loss: Crush injuries can cause significant bleeding, especially if blood vessels are ruptured. Excessive blood loss can lead to hypovolemic shock, a medical emergency that requires immediate treatment.

• Nerve Damage: When a nerve is compressed or damaged, it can result in numbness, tingling, and loss of sensation or movement in the affected area. In some cases, nerve damage can be permanent, leading to the inability to work or enjoy former activities such as sports, crafts, or other hobbies.

• Organ Damage: Crush injuries can cause damage to internal organs, such as the liver, spleen, or kidneys. Those who experience organ compression for between 1 and 6 hours are more likely to develop crush syndrome, which can lead to life-threatening complications like hyperkalemia, metabolic acidosis, and acute renal failure.

• Amputation: In severe cases, a crush injury may require amputation of the affected limb. Amputation can be necessary to prevent the spread of infection or to save a victim’s life. However, amputation means the loss of limb function, which can affect a victim’s earning potential, relationships, and enjoyment of life.

• Infection: Crush injuries can increase the risk of infection, especially if the skin is broken or torn. Bacteria can enter the wound and cause an infection, which can spread to other parts of the body.

Recovery time for a crush injury varies based on the damaged organs, lasting several weeks to months. It may include pain management, respiratory support, and surgery. Long-term treatment, such as physical therapy and rehabilitation, may also be necessary to regain strength and mobility after an injury.

Receive Compensation for Your Crush Injury

If you have suffered a crush injury in an auto accident, an experienced auto accident attorney at Dudley DeBosier will help you receive the compensation you need to recover.

Your attorney will accurately calculate a fair settlement based on your injuries and long-term prognosis, including medical bills, lost wages and future earnings, and pain and suffering. They will negotiate with the responsible party’s insurance company to ensure you don’t have to settle for less than you deserve.

Contact us for a free consultation to learn your legal options for filing a claim.

This content has been reviewed by Chad Lederman, Director of Legal Operations at our New Orleans office.

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