The pelvis, located at the base of the spine, is comprised of a ring of sturdy bones. While a pelvic fracture is not common in general, it's a frequent injury suffered by victims of auto accidents due to the force of the impact. Because the pelvis is situated around vital organs and blood vessels, fractures can be life-threatening, resulting in extensive bleeding and other internal injuries that require immediate medical treatment.
What Types of Pelvic Fractures Are Caused by Car Collisions?
Because a pelvic is circular, an injury to one part of the pelvis can cause damage to another part. Fractures can be open, where the broken bones are visible; or closed, where there's no open skin.
They can be one of these types:
- Stable fracture. With a stable fracture, only one bone is usually damaged, and the broken ends of the bones can be aligned. These fractures are often caused in low energy accidents.
- Unstable fracture. An unstable fracture is one where more than one bone in the pelvic ring is fractured and the fractured bones have separated. An unstable fracture can be caused by a high-impact injury and is often accompanied by organ and other damage—making it life-threatening.
Treatment Options for Pelvic Fractures
Symptoms of a pelvic fracture can include pain in the abdomen region; tingling or numbness in the groin and legs; difficulty urinating; and problems when standing or walking. The medical care needed depends on the severity of the pelvic fracture. Treatments include:
- Emergency medical treatment to prevent blood loss and shock
- Surgery to repair internal blood vessels, organ damage, and the pelvic bone
- Anti-inflammatory and pain medications
- Bed rest
- Physical therapy
- Assistive aids, such as crutches
If a negligent driver caused you to suffer a pelvic fracture in a car accident, he could be responsible for financial recovery to compensate the costs of medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. However, you may have to fight with the insurance company to obtain a fair settlement.
To learn how our experienced car accident attorneys can help, call our office today to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation.
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