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The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) calculates that nearly 28 percent of all car collisions result in pelvic fractures. Recent studies suggest that 15 percent of fatal car accident victims show signs of pelvic fractures, and 85 percent of them died within five hours of the accident as a result of their injuries.
When these kinds of injuries are the result of a crash caused by another party, you should not have to bear the brunt of the physical injury and the financial cost. With the help of a Front Royal personal injury lawyer, you can hold the negligent driver accountable for your losses. Before you get to that point, however, we suggest you do what you can to prevent this devastating injury.
How to Prevent a Potential Pelvic Fracture
You can't control the actions of other drivers, but you can take steps to protect yourself to some extent. Since pelvic fractures are a common result of a catastrophic car accident, you should take proper precautions to protect yourself and your family from potential harm. Thankfully, there are a few simple steps you can take to decrease your odds of a fatal pelvic fracture, including the following:
- Put your seat back. The more distance you have between your pelvis and the dashboard, the less likely you are to suffer catastrophic injury. Try to maintain at least five inches between your abdomen and the steering column while driving, and at least a two-foot separation with the dashboard when riding as a passenger.
- Use your seat belt properly. Many fractures occur as a result of the victim’s seat belt putting too much pressure and essentially crushing the abdomen and pelvic bone. In order to even out the force, make sure you always use the shoulder restraint and keep the lap restraint tightly fitted over your hips, not your abdomen.
- Sit properly. Twisting, slouching, having your feet elevated, or contorting your body during an accident can increase your chances of stress fractures, breaks, and strains. Remember to always sit upright, with both feet on the floor.
Pelvic fractures can be extremely painful and even fatal depending on the severity of the collision and injury. Fortunately, you can help prevent these painful injuries by taking these steps and teaching them to your family.
When You Need to Call a Lawyer After a Car Accident Pelvic Injury
Pelvic fractures are serious injuries that might require surgery and significant time off work to recover. If someone else caused the crash that left you injured, they should be held responsible for paying your medical bills and lost wages and compensating you for your pain and suffering. At Dulaney, Lauer & Thomas, we fight for injured car accident victims to get them the justice—and the compensation—they deserve after a devastating crash.
Need more information about pelvic fractures or car accident injury claims? Contact us today for a free consultation. We’re here to help you!
