While numerous injuries can be caused by a motorcycle accident, a hip injury can be particularly serious. Not only can a fractured pelvis be quite painful, but it can also cause long-term issues with mobility, leading to lost wages and costly medical bills, among other financial setbacks.
What Is the Pelvis?
The pelvis is the bony structure that connects the lower spine to the upper leg bones. The “hips” refer to the top parts of the pelvis. The pelvis keeps the body balanced and is very important for lower body mobility, including the acts of walking and running. The pelvis protects the intestines, rectum, and bladder and also houses a group of blood vessels, nerves, and ligaments. A pelvis injury can cause some of the most severe types of damage to the body.
Pelvic Fractures Associated with Motorcycle Crashes
Because the pelvis is an important part of the body, it is highly susceptible to injury when you are involved in a motorcycle crash. The following types of pelvis fracture can cause a life-threatening amount of blood loss and should receive medical attention immediately:
- Lateral crush injury. This a severe injury that occurs when half the pelvis is either crushed outward or inward. This can cause severe damage to the blood vessels and ligaments, which can result in a life-threatening amount of blood loss.
- Vertical shear pelvis injury. This injury occurs when one half of the pelvis is forced upward, which tears the sacral and pelvic ligaments. This type of fracture may result in a massive amount of blood loss.
- Open book pelvis injury. This fracture causes the pelvic bones to “open” like a book. This can sever the blood vessels and ligaments around the fractured bones, causing major blood loss.
- Avulsion fracture. This type of fracture stretches the tendons to the extent that they pull muscle off the bone.
- Acetabular fracture. This injury occurs when the acetabulum, which is also known as the hip socket, is fractured.
How to Treat Pelvic Injuries
Pelvic injuries may require the following treatments:
- Rest. A simple yet effective form of treatment for minor pelvic fractures. Rest, with limited mobility, will help the bones heal naturally, which may take 6 to 8 weeks.
- Traction. Some pelvic fractures may require invasive surgery to position, align, or immobilize the fractured bone. Traction may also require pins or metal wires to be inserted into the bone to “pull” the injured area into place.
- Plates and screws. Plates and screws may be inserted into the body as a means of holding fractured bones together. They should be removed after the body has healed as best it can.
No matter what type of medical treatment you require, it is important to retain your medical records for future reference. Being able to provide proof of your injuries may help your personal injury claim.
Getting Compensation for a Motorcycle Accident
Hip fractures can be painful, highly inconvenient, and cause serious disabilities. If you experience a hip fracture, it may require surgery and a lot of rest, which can lead to costly medical bills, lost wages, and other types of financial burdens. No matter what their insured did wrong to cause you injury, the insurance company will try to pay you the lowest amount possible.
The attorneys at Allen Flatt Ballidis & Leslie believe that motorcycle riders deserve full compensation after being injured by negligent drivers. Our team of highly skilled Orange County motorcycle accident attorneys will fight to get you the compensation you deserve. Call our office today at (949) 752-7474 for a free consultation.