Motor vehicle accidents are a leading cause of accident-related fatalities in Pennsylvania, with a reported 1,190 car accidents resulting in fatalities in the state during 2022 alone. A much higher number of accidents results in injury. Some of these injuries prove to be permanently life-altering.
Survivors of motor vehicle accidents may suffer a wide range of catastrophic injuries, some affecting the limbs. The following are examples of catastrophic limb injuries resulting from motor vehicle accidents.
Degloving injuries
The violent nature of motor vehicle accidents can result in degloving injuries which involve the separation of the skin and underlying tissue from the muscles, bones or other structures of the limb. This type of injury typically occurs when the limb is forcefully twisted, crushed or pinned between objects during the accident. Degloving injuries are characterized by extensive soft tissue damage and can lead to significant blood loss, infection and potential loss of function in the affected limb.
Traumatic amputation and avulsion injuries
Motor vehicle accidents can also result in traumatic amputation and avulsion injuries. Traumatic amputation occurs when a limb is severed due to the force of the collision while avulsion injuries involve the tearing away of soft tissue from the body. These injuries can be caused by the impact of the accident or by the limb getting caught or crushed between objects. They often result in immediate and severe damage leading to significant blood loss, shock and potential loss of function in the affected limb.
Crush injuries and compound fractures
If a victim is trapped or run over during a motor vehicle accident, they may suffer crush injuries and compound fractures. Crush injuries occur when extreme pressure crushes the limb causing severe damage to muscles, bones and other tissues. Compound fractures involve bones breaking through the skin due to the force of impact. Both injuries require immediate medical attention often involving surgery to address the trauma and prevent complications.
These injuries result in significant physical, psychological and financial burdens for survivors and their families. Thankfully, if an injurious motor vehicle accident was caused by negligence such as reckless driving or failure to adhere to traffic laws, an injured party may be entitled to significant compensation.
