A crush injury is one of the most severe ways you may suffer harm in a motor vehicle accident. They can happen when the body becomes compressed between two or more objects. Crush injuries and their complications (crush or compartment syndrome, etc.) can cause severe harm, such as internal bleeding, muscle and nerve damage and tissue death.
The risks of suffering crush injuries in an accident depend on factors such as the speed of the collision, the type of vehicle and the position of the victim. However, even low-speed collisions can cause crush injuries, especially if the victim is not wearing a seatbelt.
What kind of accidents pose the highest risk?
Crush injuries can occur in all kinds of crashes, but do not usually happen in minor fender-benders. Some accident scenarios that might increase the risk of a crush injury include the following.
- Head-on collisions
- Rollover accidents
- Side-impact collisions
- Underride accidents
Crush injuries may pose even more risk for motorists when high speed plays a role in an accident.
Is pain and suffering an option?
Severe crush injuries can lead to substantial medical costs and may impact your ability to earn an income now and in the future. In Pennsylvania, those severely harmed in an accident may be eligible for pain and suffering (noneconomic) damages in addition to economic compensation.
Some factors that judges and juries consider when determining a pain and suffering award include:
- Severity of the injury
- Future impact of the injury
- Effect on the victim’s daily life
- Disfigurement or scarring
- Potential for permanent or long-term complications
Learning more about injury and accident law before you file your claim can help you to get a compensation award that accounts for all your losses.