Serious Injuries from Bull Bars
Over the past few decades, there have been numerous advances that have been made in the field of automobile safety. These advances have led to a reduction in the rates of serious injuries and fatalities that occur in auto accidents. They include the implementation of seatbelts, airbags, cross-traffic alert systems, lane-departure assist, and rearview cameras. Unfortunately, some of the improvements that are meant to increase vehicle safety can also lead to severe injuries.
A group that is often overlooked in car accidents is pedestrians. Without the protection of a sturdy metal frame, pedestrians are at risk of being injured or killed if struck by a motor vehicle. The advent of bull bars makes this risk worse, based on a recently published research study.
What is a Bull Bar?
There are many modifications that people make to their vehicle. This could be something as simple as a paint job or spoiler or a major modification intended to boost or alter its performance. One such example is a bull bar. This is a large metal bar (or multiple bars) that is added to the front of a motor vehicle. It might be attached to the bumper or cover the grill. The goal of these bars is to protect the front of the car in the event of a front-end collision. The idea is that this could reduce the structural damage that the vehicle might sustain and could prevent the car from being totaled. Even though this protects the vehicle and the occupants inside the car in an auto accident, it could also lead to serious injuries for pedestrians.
A Study: Impact of Bull Bars
A team of research professionals conducted an extensive literature review regarding bull bars and pedestrians. This topic is important because, globally, pedestrians account for close to two-thirds of all traffic deaths annually. The researchers found multiple studies related to the use of bull bars spanning several decades. Some of their findings include:
- Bull bars concentrate the entire force of the accident over a smaller area.
- When the vehicle strikes a pedestrian, it typically occurs at the level of the pelvis.
- This strong force leads to more serious injuries, including pelvic fractures and damage to organs underneath.
- This could also lead to spinal cord injuries, hemorrhage of internal organs, internal bleeding, and death.
Even though more research is needed, the early results show that bull bars increase the chances of severe pedestrian injuries and death. Future studies should consider modifications that might be made to bull bars that can lessen the frequency and severity of pedestrian injuries while still protecting the car.
Contacting a Personal Injury Law Firm
If someone has been struck by a motor vehicle while walking down the street or crossing the road, they are likely to suffer serious injuries. These might even require a major surgical procedure. Families are likely wondering what they should do next. Under these stressful circumstances, it is helpful to meet with an experienced pedestrian accident lawyer. Some of the ways that a licensed attorney can help include:
- Meeting with trained accident engineers to recreate the mechanism of the accident.
- Looking at the accident reports to ensure that the liability has been assigned correctly.
- Helping families file for damages that are related to their injuries and emotional distress.
- Taking the case to court, if necessary.
Pedestrian Accident Lawyers in Sacramento
I’m Ed Smith, a Sacramento Pedestrian Accident Lawyer. Pedestrian injuries are often overlooked in the discussion of car accidents but are no less severe. If someone you love has been hurt in a serious accident, call me today at (800) 404-5400 or (916) 921-6400 for free, friendly legal advice.
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Pelvic Fractures and Pedestrian Accidents: Bull Bars: AutoAccident.com
Image Attribution: dimitrisvetsikas1969 on Pixabay. The image has been reproduced here with permission/ Pelvic Fractures and Pedestrian Accidents: Bull Bars.
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