In the United States, car crashes are the leading cause of traumatic amputation, which refers to the loss or removal of a body part following an accident.
Like most serious injuries, amputations have far-reaching impacts, including life-altering ones. It can disrupt a person's ability to do basic chores such as cooking, cleaning, driving, getting dressed, bathing, working, caring for children, and even using a phone or computer.
Furthermore, amputation is not only physically devastating, but it also brings lifelong emotional, psychological, and financial consequences. Losing a single finger can potentially end a person's career.
Car Crash Scenarios that Lead to Amputation
It is important to note that not all car accidents result in amputations, but specific high-impact situations can increase the likelihood. Some of the common scenarios that can lead to amputation include:
- High-Speed Collisions: When vehicles crash at high speeds, the resulting force can crush or severely damage limbs, particularly legs and feet.
- Rollover: This occurs when a car flips during an impact. In rollovers, occupants may suffer crushed limbs, especially if they are pinned down.
- Being thrown from the vehicle: During high-impact accidents, victims often get thrown out of their vehicles, increasing the risk of severe fractures that may require amputation.
- Pedestrian/Motorcycle/Cyclist Accidents: Pedestrians, motorcyclists, and cyclists lack the protection of a vehicle frame, making them more vulnerable to serious accidents. Direct impact and being thrown from a motorcycle often result in severe injuries that may lead to amputation.
- Vehicle fires: Especially in cases when vehicle fires have damaged portions of the body, first aid responders or medical teams need to amputate a body part to prevent health complications.
If you suffered an amputation in a car accident caused by someone else's negligence, you can contact our personal injury attorney Sean M. Cleary, and he and his team will evaluate your case and help you file a claim for compensation for the pain and suffering.
Factors that Increase the Risk of Amputation
Several conditions during or after a car crash can also elevate the risks of amputation. These include the failure to use safety restraints such as seatbelts.
Crush injuries, or when a body part is compressed between objects, can also cause irreparable muscle, bone, and nerve damage. In turn, this increases the chances of amputation.
Additionally, other factors such as delayed emergency response can contribute to amputation. If victims are trapped in the vehicle and emergency teams cannot reach them on time, prolonged pressure or blood loss may lead to complications that necessitate amputation.
Pre-existing health conditions, such as diabetes, can also lead to amputation as they can prevent the body from healing quickly and properly.
How Sean M. Cleary Can Help in Car Accidents Resulting in Amputation
Amputations caused by car accidents can change lives permanently. If you or a loved one has suffered such injuries, you may be entitled to compensation. It can help you cover medical bills and rehabilitation costs, lost income, and even emotional suffering. To learn more about the process, we advise you to reach out to us today.
For over 25 years, The Law Offices of Sean M. Cleary has assisted many victims in personal injury cases. You can count on our team to guide you through every step of the claims process. From getting started to understanding the next steps, we will provide you with the legal support you need. Contact us and schedule a free case evaluation, and let us help you secure the compensation you deserve.