Motor vehicle collisions can occur in all kinds of weather and at any time of the day or night. Various factors can influence the severity of passengers’ injuries, such as speed and the size of the vehicles involved. An occupant’s limbs can become pinned against the door and dashboard of the car due to the force of the impact. Certain injuries may be readily apparent, such as lacerations or abrasions, but others may not be as noticeable. Compartment syndrome is an injury that may not present symptoms right away. However, it can lead to serious complications for car accident victims. In many cases, a crash is caused by the reckless behavior of another motorist. A skilled personal injury attorney can help you explore your options for holding the negligent party responsible and pursuing compensation. 

Compartment Syndrome Defined

Compartment syndrome is a painful and potentially dangerous condition that is caused after pressure builds up from internal bleeding or swollen tissues. Fascia are sections of tissue that divide groups of muscles that are located in the arms and legs. Each fascia has a compartment, or opening, which contains muscles, nerves, and blood vessels. When the openings swell, the fascia pushes up against the muscles. This results in decreased blood flow, which deprives the muscles and nerves of adequate nourishment. They can become damaged, resulting in loss of motion or range. In some situations, emergency surgery is necessary to repair compartment syndrome.

The Five P’s of Compartment Syndrome

People who are hurt in an auto accident may experience shock and panic at first. After these subside, they may feel numbness, tingling, or pain in their legs, arms, or feet. In some scenarios, victims may believe it is just a bruised body part that will heal on its own. However, there are five common signs and symptoms that may indicate a car crash victim has compartment syndrome. These five P's present with the following conditions: 

Motor vehicle accidents occur regularly on our nation’s back roads and highways. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), more than 4,000 people died in large truck crashes in 2018. The majority of these fatalities in truck crashes were passenger car occupants. One of the main reasons for these statistics is the difference in size and therefore, the vulnerability of people traveling in smaller vehicles. Trucks can weigh 20 times heavier than passenger cars and are much taller. However, truck drivers, pedestrians, bicyclists, and motorcyclists can also be injured. Even if someone is not injured fatally in a truck crash, the force of the impact can be devastating even when traveling at slow speeds. The injuries suffered could result in permanent disabilities. That is why it is imperative that you speak with a knowledgeable personal injury attorney to determine liability for the accident and hold those responsible for causing it accountable.  

Back and Neck Injuries

A large truck can cause major damage to a smaller vehicle, in addition to the occupants inside. Due to the sheer size and weight of a semi-truck, the force of the impact can send passengers flying into the windshield or dashboard. Even if you are wearing safety restraints, your back and neck can be severely injured. Herniated disks are one of the most serious injuries that can result from being involved in a truck crash. Sometimes referred to as a slipped or ruptured disk, a herniated disk in the spine can also irritate nerves, causing pain, weakness, or numbness in arms and legs.

Whiplash is another common injury sustained in a rear-end collision. In these instances, the head suddenly moves back and forth, similar to the cracking of a whip. In some cases, whiplash victims suffer from chronic neck pain and migraine headaches. In certain situations, you may not be able to return to work or the same occupation if your injuries render you unable to perform certain duties.