Pelvic Injury

When people hear about a pelvis fracture, the first thing that comes to mind probably isn’t an automobile accident. As a Bellevue personal injury lawyer, and Seattle car accident attorney, however, I have had the experience of representing a woman who had to undergo pelvis surgery as a result of a rear-end auto accident. Severe pelvic injuries are not only painful, but can be life-threatening. The pelvis is a very important part of the lower body that plays a key role in the mechanics of everyday activities such as walking, running and biking. Without full function of this bone structure, mobility may be seriously hindered.

The pelvis consists of three bones that are connected by strong connective tissue to a triangular bone at the base of the spine. The pelvis is the main structure that links the upper torso to the legs and lower body. Pelvic injuries are common in everyday life, and can be caused by something as simple as slipping and falling. The most dangerous and life-threatening injuries to the pelvis, however, happen in high impact situations like serious auto accidents. The direction and force of the collision can help determine the nature of the injury.

Severely fracturing the pelvis is a very painful experience. There may be a fair amount of swelling and bruising in the pelvic region. The trauma will usually be to the front of the body, which means the chest and abdomen were likely injured as well. The victims of pelvic fractures may find that keeping their legs in a certain position helps alleviate the pain. In serious cases, bleeding may occur. If these symptoms are experienced, then immediate medical attention should be sought. A medical physician will take X-rays to determine exactly which bones have been affected and their exact configuration. This allows the doctor to assess the damage to the internal organs that may have been affected in the accident. The majority of pelvic fractures sustained in a high impact automobile accident require surgery. After a surgery of this magnitude, walking with a limp for several months is not uncommon. If the injury is treated before the condition worsens, then the patient should recover over a period of several months.

Severe auto accidents can change your life particularly if you sustain massive, permanent injuries. If you have been involved in an auto accident please reserve a copy of my book The Truth About Washington Auto Accidents. This book is FREE to Washington state residents and will help you understand that claims process and whether or not you need to expertise of a Bellevue auto accident lawyer to handle your case. Click on the link above to reserve your free copy.