Hip and Pelvic Pain After a St. Louis Car Accident

A pelvic fracture is one of the most serious injuries that a person can sustain in a high-impact St. Louis auto collision.

Studies have shown that as many as 25 percent of the people killed in car crashes sustained some level of pelvic fracture. Let’s discuss some of the accident factors that can cause a pelvic injury. 

Factors That Can Cause a Pelvic Fracture

The pelvis is among the most crucial bone structures in the body. It protects the delicate organs of the lower body and serves as the anchor for muscles of the thigh, hip, and abdomen. When it comes to car crashes, the pelvis is also at a high risk of suffering an injury. Some of the accident factors that can cause a pelvic fracture include: 

Seat belts: Seat belts are essential for safety. However, they can also cause severe pelvic injuries in the event of a crash. Seat belts keep you restrained in your seats and prevent the force of the impact from throwing you forward. When this happens, the seat belt applies the same amount of force to the pelvic area. This can cause a fracture. 

Shock absorption: When one car collides with another, the impact force travels through the entire vehicle. The horizontal axis of the car acts as a sort of shock absorber, allowing the force to spread across the entirety of the vehicle to lessen its impact. Unfortunately, when sitting, your pelvis is at the exact height of most bumpers and, therefore, the exact height of where the force is trying to spread. This means that when you are in a collision, most of the force will likely hit the exact level of your pelvis.

Front-impact collisions: Head-on collisions can lead to serious injuries. However, they can be particularly severe when it comes to the pelvis. A large percentage of pelvic injuries are sustained when a heavy object is forced towards the victim in a frontal collision. Those seated in the front may suffer a pelvic injury due to dashboard hazards such as airbags, steering wheel, and the dashboard itself. Airbags are a lifesaver. However, when it deploys with a lot of force, some of it is absorbed by the pelvis. In the event of a high-impact crash, even the engine can get pushed in the cab and crush the legs and pelvis. If the passenger has his/her feet on the dashboard at the time of the crash, the chances of a pelvic injury become very high. 

Getting Legal Help for Pelvic Fractures

Pelvic fractures cause excruciating pain and often require prolonged and extensive treatment. The injury can even prove fatal depending on its severity. The cost of treatment, combined with a long recovery period that can keep you from working for months, can mean a huge financial burden. Ensure that your legal right to financial compensation is protected by speaking with an experienced St. Louis auto accident lawyer today. Call (314) 361-4242 to schedule a free and private consultation with The Hoffmann Law Firm, L.L.C.