Crushing Injuries in Car Accidents

Car accidents can result in life-altering and permanent injuries to those involved. Amongst these are “crushing injuries,” whereby a victim’s limb or other body part is crushed by an object or even another vehicle. Many significant collisions are a result of one or more parties’ negligent acts, for which they can potentially be held legally accountable. Miami car accident lawyer Robert Dixon of the Law Offices of Robert Dixon is dedicated to helping victims who suffer crushing injuries due to another’s negligence seek the legal and financial support they need during their recovery. These types of injuries require extensive medical and rehabilitative treatment, which can be overwhelming for many in the aftermath of a serious accident. Our firm aims to make sure the stress of bringing a legal claim is minimal, offering compassionate and experienced legal guidance to clients throughout Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach Counties, as well as across South Florida. If you or someone you love has sustained a crushing injury in a car accident and you’d like to learn more about your legal rights, please contact our office today to speak with an attorney and set up a free consultation to see how we can help.

Crushing injuries occur when extreme force is exerted on the body, which can involve an appendage or torso being pinned between two objects. The weight the objects place on a victim’s body can cause both external and internal damage. Symptoms that may result from a crushing injury include:

• • Lacerations, which occur when the objects pierce the skin.
• • Bone fractures caused by extreme force.
• • Damage to a victim’s organs.
• • Muscle and tissue damage, which may lead to paralysis, infection, or compartment syndrome.

Compartment syndrome occurs when a person’s body part is crushed for an extended period of time, leading to a stoppage in blood flow. If a victim does not receive immediate treatment, permanent muscle damage can result, as well as amputation of the affected limb. Signs of compartment syndrome are swelling in the area, pale or shiny skin, pain, numbness, or weakness. Crushing injuries can also lead to ‘crush syndrome’ which occurs when a part of the body has been crushed for a long time, causing muscle and tissue to deteriorate. When the pressure from the crushing injury is freed, the elements of potassium, myoglobin, and phosphorus are released suddenly into the bloodstream and can result in extreme shock to the body and renal failure. Without proper precaution in removing the source of a crushing injury, such shock can result in a victim’s death.

The majority of car accidents are the result of a motorist’s negligent acts. Negligence is the legal standard upon which personal injury and wrongful death lawsuits are based. Negligence is present when the defendant has breached a duty of care to act as a reasonable person would under the same or similar circumstances. It also must be shown that this breach has caused the victim’s injury and resulted in damages. When a motorist is driving extremely fast, distracted by a text, or otherwise not following reasonable driving practices, leading to significant collision and injuring another, he or she can be found negligent. All drivers owe passengers and other road users a duty to act reasonably on the road. If a driver hits a pedestrian or another vehicle, causing a crushing injury, he or she is liable for the losses the victim suffers. Crushing injuries require significant recovery efforts, including surgery and rehabilitation, and may even lead to permanent disability. Victims of these accidents may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, loss of income, diminished earning capacity, and pain and suffering from a responsible party.

After suffering a crushing injury in a car accident, a victim’s first priority should be their recovery. However, contacting an experienced lawyer can also help you hold the responsible party or parties liable for the damages you have incurred. Injury attorney Robert Dixon can help you pursue legal claims against the appropriate parties after an accident. If you’ve suffered a crushing injury or lost a loved one in a motor vehicle collision, call the Law Offices of Robert Dixon at 877.499.4878 or contact us online to schedule a free, no obligation consultation to learn more about your legal options. We represent injured victims in areas including Miami, and West Palm Beach.