When many people think about injuries drivers sustain in trucking collisions, they don't always think about pelvic fractures. Pelvic fractures, however, are extremely dangerous and can be life threatening because of the extensive bleeding that happens. The pelvis supports and protects the bladder, intestines, and rectum, so if the fracture is severe enough, there can be quite a bit of internal damage to surrounding organs.
Not every type of pelvic fracture requires surgery, and not every type will cause massive bleeding, but if you're in a truck accident and suspect you may have a broken pelvis, you need to lay down and refrain from moving until emergency personnel attend to you. Symptoms of a pelvic fracture, as listed by Cedars Sinai, include:
- Abdominal pain
- Numbness or tingling in the groins or legs
- Bleeding from the vagina, urethra, or the rectum
- Difficulty urinating
- Difficulty walking or standing
A few different types of pelvic fractures include:
- Avulsion Fracture: This type of pelvic fracture will usually heal on its own in about 8 weeks with a lot of rest. It happens when part of the muscle is pulled away from the pelvic bone by a tendon.
- Acetabular Fracture: This is most common in truck and car crashes, and it is a fracture to the hip socket. It will usually require surgery involving plates and screws.
- Open Book Fracture: This is a major trauma because it means the left and right halves of the pelvis are broken. This definitely requires surgery.
If your pelvis was fractured in a trucking collision due to the negligence of a truck driver, contact Girards Law for a free consultation at 888-897-2762.