When individuals get involved in a car accident, they may get seriously hurt. Among the most devastating injuries are those that result in the loss of a limb.
Understanding the types of car accidents that carry a higher risk of amputations can help raise awareness about road safety and the importance of preventive measures.
High-speed collisions
Any high-speed collision carries a high risk of amputation because the force of the collision can crush or sever limbs. This is especially likely if the occupant’s body is trapped or pinned between parts of the vehicle.
For example, a head-on collision or a T-bone accident at high speed can cause the car’s frame to deform, leading to catastrophic injuries. In such cases, the legs or arms may be crushed against the dashboard, steering wheel or door. These devastating injuries may make amputation a medical necessity to save the survivor’s life.
Rollover accidents
Rollover accidents have an increased risk of amputation due to the violent motion of the vehicle as it flips and rolls. During a rollover, occupants are often thrown around inside the vehicle, increasing the risk of limbs being caught in windows or other parts of the car.
Additionally, if the vehicle’s roof collapses, it can exert extreme pressure on the body, leading to crush injuries that may require amputation. The combination of blunt force trauma and the potential for limbs to be severed by broken glass or metal makes rollovers a significant risk factor for amputations.
Car accident survivors who sustain injuries that make amputation a medical necessity can feel like the rug has been pulled from underneath them. By enlisting compassionate legal support, they can work to hold the at-fault party responsible for causing them harm.