Pedestrian Injuries: Broken Pelvis Car Accident

Pedestrian Injuries: Broken Pelvis Car Accident

Pelvic fractures are serious injuries that often require surgery and can take months to heal. Some people who suffer from a broken pelvis can even suffer long-term complications that affect their quality of life. 

If you suffered a broken pelvis in a car accident as a pedestrian, you deserve a high-value settlement that fully and fairly compensates you for your pain and suffering. At Sally Morin, our personal injury attorneys have years of experience handling severe accident cases, including San Francisco pedestrian accidents. If you need help with a claim, don’t hesitate to reach out for a free case evaluation. 

What to Do Immediately After a Pedestrian Accident (If Able)

The moments following a pedestrian accident are chaotic and stressful. However, if you are conscious and physically able, taking certain steps can be crucial for your health and any future legal claim:

1. Prioritize Safety: If possible, move to a safe location away from traffic to prevent further injury. If you are severely injured, try to signal for help but avoid unnecessary movement.
2. Call 911 Immediately: Report the accident to the police and request emergency medical services. Even if you don’t think your injuries are severe, some, like pelvic fractures, may not be immediately apparent. A prompt medical assessment is vital.
3. Do Not Admit Fault: Avoid making statements that could be interpreted as an admission of fault to the driver, witnesses, or even law enforcement at the scene. Stick to factual statements about what occurred.
4. Exchange Information: If possible, obtain the driver’s name, contact information, driver’s license number, vehicle license plate number, and insurance details. Also, gather contact information from any witnesses present.
5. Document Everything: If you can, take photographs of the accident scene, including vehicle positions, damage to the car, any visible injuries you have, traffic signals, road conditions, and anything else that seems relevant. Note the time, date, and location.
6. Seek Thorough Medical Attention: Even if you received first aid at the scene or feel your injuries are minor, see a doctor as soon as possible for a complete examination. Explain exactly how the accident occurred to help them identify potential injuries like a pelvic fracture.
7. Obtain a Police Report: Ensure a police report is filed. This report can be valuable evidence in your personal injury claim. You can usually obtain a copy a few days after the incident.
8. Contact a Personal Injury Lawyer: Before speaking with insurance adjusters, it’s wise to consult with an experienced pedestrian accident lawyer who can protect your rights.

How Do Pedestrian Accidents Cause Broken Pelvis Injuries?

The human pelvis is a strong, ring-like structure of bones, but it’s not designed to withstand the immense force of a motor vehicle impact. Pelvic fractures in pedestrian accidents typically occur due to:

• Direct Impact: The vehicle striking the pedestrian directly in the hip or pelvic region.
• Secondary Impact: The pedestrian being thrown onto the hood of the car, the hard pavement, or another object.
• Crush Injuries: In horrific cases, a pedestrian might be run over, leading to severe crushing injuries to the pelvis.

While athletes in high-impact sports or individuals experiencing significant falls (like those in slip and fall accidents) can also suffer pelvic fractures, car accidents involving pedestrians are a tragically common cause of these severe injuries. The sheer disparity in size and weight between a vehicle and a human body makes pedestrians exceptionally vulnerable.

Broken Pelvis From a Car Accident: Types, Signs, and Symptoms

The pelvis is technically made up of a couple of different bones, so a broken pelvis can refer to an injury that occurs when any of the bones in the pelvis are fractured. It is not just one bone, nor is it necessarily one break. In fact, some people can suffer from multiple fractures in the pelvis or even a crushed pelvis.

Specifically, the pelvis is made up of these bones: the sacrum, the coccyx, and the hip bones (ilium, ischium, and pubis). Together, these bones all form the pelvic ring, a very strong and stable structure, which is why it does not break easily. 

When the pelvis does break, however, many different kinds of fractures can occur, such as:

• Complete fractures: The bone breaks into two pieces
• Displaced fractures: When a gap forms where the bone has fractured
• Partial fractures: The fracture doesn’t go all the way through the bone
• Stress fractures: When there is a small crack in the bone
• Closed fractures: The broken bone doesn’t break through the skin
• Open fractures: The bone does break through the skin
• Crushed pelvis: The bones in the pelvis are shattered and broken into many pieces

A pelvic fracture is also usually categorized in one of two ways: 

1. A stable fracture is when there is only one break, and the bones aren’t displaced.
2. An unstable fracture is when there are two or more breaks and the bones are displaced. 

The signs and symptoms of a broken pelvis after a car accident can include:

• Pain in the hip, groin, or lower back
• Intense pain when walking or moving the legs 
• Numbness or tingling in the groin or legs
• Pain in the abdomen
• Difficulty walking or standing
• Difficulty urinating

Treatment for a Pedestrian Broken Pelvis After a Car Accident

If you suspect you have sustained a broken pelvis in a car accident, you should seek emergency medical attention. A doctor will need to order an X-ray, CT scan, or an MRI to determine the extent of the damage before moving forward with treatment.

Once the damage is assessed, there are a few different treatment options. If the fracture is mild, you might be prescribed medications for pain and to reduce the risk of blood clots, and you will also likely be given a walking aid, such as crutches or a walker.

If the pelvic fracture is severe, which is often the case in pedestrian accidents, you will likely need surgery. This can include external fixation, which is where metal pins or screws are inserted into the bones through small incisions. Skeletal traction, where a pulley system is used to help realign the body and the broken bones. Or an open reduction and internal fixation, which is where the displaced bones are repositioned and then held together with internal screws or metal plates. 

Typically, if a person sustains a severe pelvic fracture, it is likely that they have also sustained other injuries that may require surgery. As such, recovery from a broken pelvis can be long and painful, and it is not uncommon for complications to occur. Many people who suffer serious broken pelvis injuries suffer from long-term issues such as chronic pain, impaired mobility, sexual dysfunction, and blood clots. 

The Legal Journey: Navigating a Pedestrian Broken Pelvis Claim

If a negligent driver caused your pedestrian accident and resulting broken pelvis, you have the right to seek compensation. Navigating this legal process effectively often requires the skill of an experienced personal injury attorney. Here’s what the journey typically involves:

1. Free Initial Consultation: You’ll meet with a lawyer (like those at Sally Morin Personal Injury Lawyers) to discuss your accident, injuries, and potential claim. This is your opportunity to ask questions and understand your options.
2. Thorough Investigation: Your legal team will meticulously investigate the accident. This includes:
   • Obtaining the police report and any witness statements.
   • Gathering all your medical records and bills related to the injury.
   • Potentially consulting with accident reconstruction experts or medical specialists.
   • Collecting evidence of the driver’s negligence (e.g., traffic camera footage, cell phone records if distraction is suspected).
3. Establishing Liability: Your attorney will work to definitively prove that the driver was at fault for the accident due to negligence (e.g., speeding, distracted driving, failure to yield).
4. Calculating Damages: This is a critical step. Compensation can cover:
   • Economic Damages: Current and future medical expenses (surgeries, hospital stays, medication, physical therapy, assistive devices), lost wages, loss of future earning capacity, and other out-of-pocket costs.
   • Non-Economic Damages: Pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, disfigurement, and loss of consortium (impact on relationships). For severe injuries like a broken pelvis, future medical needs and long-term impacts on quality of life are significant components of the damages.
5. Sending a Demand Letter: Once damages are calculated and evidence compiled, your attorney will send a formal demand letter to the at-fault driver’s insurance company, outlining the case and the compensation sought.
6. Negotiation with Insurance Companies: Insurance adjusters are trained to minimize payouts. Your lawyer will handle all communications and negotiations, advocating fiercely for your best interests and countering lowball offers.
7. Filing a Lawsuit (If Necessary): If a fair settlement cannot be reached through negotiation, your attorney will be prepared to file a personal injury lawsuit and represent you in court.
8. Mediation or Trial: Many cases are settled through mediation before trial. However, if a trial is necessary, your attorney will present your case to a judge or jury.

At Sally Morin Personal Injury Lawyers, we manage every aspect of your claim, allowing you to focus on your recovery.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Pedestrian Pelvic Injury Claims

Q1: How much is my broken pelvis pedestrian accident claim worth?
A: There’s no fixed amount. The value of your claim depends on many specific factors, including the severity of your pelvic fracture, the total medical expenses (current and future), lost income, the extent of your pain and suffering, the long-term impact on your life, and the clarity of the other party’s fault. An experienced California personal injury lawyer can evaluate these factors to estimate your claim’s potential value after a thorough investigation.

Q2: How long will it take to settle my pedestrian accident claim?
A: Claim timelines vary widely. Simple cases with clear liability and minor injuries might settle in months. However, complex cases involving severe injuries like a broken pelvis, disputes over liability, or large sums of money can take a year or longer, especially if a lawsuit needs to be filed. Your attorney can provide a more specific estimate based on your case details.

Q3: What if the driver who hit me was uninsured or underinsured?
A: If the at-fault driver has no insurance or insufficient coverage, you may still be able to recover compensation through your own auto insurance policy’s Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) coverage, if you have it. This is a crucial coverage that we always recommend.

Q4: Do I still have a claim if I was partially at fault for the accident (e.g., jaywalking)?
A: California follows a “pure comparative negligence” rule. This means you can still recover damages even if you were partially at fault, but your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you were found 20% at fault, your settlement or award would be reduced by 20%. It’s vital to discuss this with an attorney, as determinations of fault can be complex.

Q5: Why do I specifically need a lawyer for a severe injury like a broken pelvis?
A: A broken pelvis is a catastrophic injury with potentially lifelong consequences. Insurance companies know these claims can be very costly and will often use aggressive tactics to minimize what they pay. An experienced personal injury lawyer understands how to: * Accurately value the full extent of your current and future damages. * Gather the complex medical evidence needed. * Negotiate effectively with seasoned adjusters. * Protect you from mistakes that could harm your claim. * Take your case to trial if necessary to fight for fair compensation.

We Handle Your Accident Claim So You Can Focus On Your Life

If you have suffered a broken pelvis in a car accident as a pedestrian, our team can assist you. We know how devastating the aftermath of a pedestrian accident can be. Let us help you navigate your claim so you can focus on rest and recovery. 

At Sally Morin Personal Injury Lawyers, we care about the people of California and work hard to ensure our clients get the full settlement they deserve. Call us at 877-380-8852 or contact us online today for a free case evaluation.