Wheelchair Injuries in Car Accidents

I’m Ed Smith, a Car Accident Lawyer in Sacramento. Many people with disabilities are dependent on wheelchairs to get around. Unfortunately, not every location is wheelchair friendly. Sometimes, injuries can occur involving wheelchairs in car accidents if an adequate vehicle is not used.

Wheelchairs have become incredibly prevalent in society and provide valuable assistance for those who cannot walk. Some vital statistics regarding wheelchairs, according to Smart Chair, include:

There are over 3.3 million people who use wheelchairs regularly.
More than 2 million people will use a wheelchair for the first time yearly.
Close to 20 percent of people who use a wheelchair have jobs.
Over 10 percent of people using a wheelchair have graduated college.
More than 98 percent of buses in the United States are wheelchair-accessible.

Despite the enormous progress made to accommodate people with disabilities, there are still numerous issues related to wheelchairs when it comes to traveling in vehicles. If a car accident happens with a wheelchair inside the car, serious consequences can occur.

Factors Involved in Wheelchair Accidents

If someone is involved in a car accident while using a wheelchair, some factors can influence whether or not the person sustains traumatic injuries. Some of the issues to consider include:

The person’s overall health: Not everyone in a wheelchair is in the same state of health. An older person with multiple medical problems is going to be at a higher risk of developing catastrophic personal injuries than a younger person who is in a wheelchair temporarily.
Transferring to Standard Seat: When possible, it is recommended that someone in a wheelchair transfers to a standard seat. When using a standard seat, there is improved cushioning and improved restraints, such as a seat belt. If transferring to a standard seat is not possible, it is wise to lock the wheelchair and strap it to the floor.
The severity of an accident: The higher the speed of an accident, the higher the risk of injuries, such as bone fractures. The location of the impact matters as well. The closer the point of impact to an individual, the higher the risk of injury.

A Research Study: Large-Assist Transport Vehicles

A team of medical professionals reviewed all the accidents involving wheelchairs. They found some statistics related to injuries that the individuals sustained:

Almost three-quarters of the injuries occurred while a vehicle was stopped, and not while in motion.
Around half of the injuries occurred while the person in a wheelchair was either entering or exiting a vehicle.
Most of the injuries happened because a wheelchair tipped over and the individual fell out of the wheelchair.
Injuries occurred twice as often during accidents involving entering or exiting a vehicle as they did during other points of transit.
One-third of the reported wheelchair accidents resulted in serious injuries.

Car Accident Lawyers in Sacramento

I’m Ed Smith, a Car Accident Lawyer in Sacramento. Wheelchair injuries in car accidents occur more often than people think. If you or someone you know has sustained injuries while using a wheelchair, call me at (916) 921-6400 or (800) 404-5400 for free, friendly and compassionate advice.

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Wheelchair Injuries in Car Accidents