Car crashes can be terrifying and life-altering events, but accidents can become even more scary when occupants find themselves trapped in their vehicles. Whatcom County had a recent car accident with entrapment. As reported by Whatcom News, on Friday, August 9, first responders were dispatched to the area of S Samish Way and Sandstone Way after receiving reports of a serious T-bone crash with entrapped occupants.
The moments after an accident are critical, as injuries may worsen if immediate medical attention is delayed – which is a very real risk when vehicle occupants are trapped and first responders either struggle to get the vehicle occupants extracted safely or take an extended period of time to respond to the accident. Broken bones, internal injuries, and head trauma are common in serious accidents, and the inability to receive prompt medical care can worsen these injuries.
Additionally, if the crash leads to a fire, fuel leak, or hazardous chemical spill, the situation becomes even more critical. Occupants might be at risk of severe burns, inhalation injuries, or poisoning. In these cases, the urgency to extricate the victims cannot be overstated.
Car Accident with Entrapment Statistics
Data from the NIH reveals that victims trapped in vehicles after an accident are 8.2 times more likely to die at the scene compared to non-entrapped victims. The leading cause of death for entrapped individuals is hemorrhage (45.2 percent), while trauma is the primary cause for non-entrapped victims. Among those who survive, 18.7 percent of entrapped victims experience a severe Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score, 12 percent have a severe Revised Trauma Score (RTS), and 23.7 percent go into shock. These victims are also more likely to be transported to advanced life support units and tertiary hospitals.
What is Entrapment in a Car Accident?
Victims are considered entrapped when they are unable to exit the vehicle due to being physically confined by the wreckage after a crash. This situation requires specialized extrication techniques.
Why Do Vehicle Entrapments Happen?
Several factors contribute to car crashes that result in occupants being trapped, including vehicle damage, deformed vehicles, airbags being deployed, and seatbelt malfunctions:
- High-speed collisions can cause significant structural damage to a vehicle, making it difficult or impossible to open doors or windows.
- Rollovers and side-impact crashes often lead to significant deformity of the car’s frame, trapping occupants inside.
- While airbags save lives, their deployment can sometimes make it difficult for occupants to escape, especially if the vehicle’s structure is compromised.
- In some cases, seatbelts may become jammed, or locking mechanisms may fail, making it difficult to free the occupants.
What to Do if You’re Trapped in a Vehicle
If you find yourself trapped in a vehicle, here are some things to keep in mind:
- Stay calm. The first and most important thing is to avoid panicking.
- Check all exits. Assess every door and window to see if any will open.
- Call for assistance. If you can’t get out, contact emergency services for help.
- Attract attention. Try to alert others by banging on the windows.
- Use the horn. If it’s still functional, honk the horn to draw attention.
- Make a help sign. If you have paper and a pen, write a sign asking for help.
- Know the windows’ limitations. The front windshield is designed to crack and spider-web rather than shatter, but side windows can sometimes be broken. However, be aware that some newer vehicles have laminated side windows to prevent shattering.
- Check for a trunk release. Many vehicles now include mechanical release levers inside the trunk. These levers are designed to be easy to locate and operate, offering another possible escape route. Additionally, most newer vehicles have rear seats that fold down, providing access to the trunk from inside the car.
Being trapped in a vehicle after a crash is a traumatic experience with lasting physical and emotional effects. The aftermath can be overwhelming, but a car accident lawyer can help you fight for the compensation required to help you recover and pay your bills.
Seek the Help of a Car Accident Lawyer
If you or a loved one was injured in a collision because of the negligence of another, contact a personal injury lawyer to discuss your legal rights. Let an experienced car accident attorney fight for the full compensation that you deserve. It is not uncommon to receive a settlement from the insurance company that is five to ten times larger with the help of a lawyer. Call the personal injury lawyers at Tario & Associates, P.S. in Bellingham, WA today for a FREE consultation! We have been representing residents of Whatcom County, Skagit County, Island County and Snohomish County since 1979. You will pay nothing up front and no attorney fees at all unless we recover damages for you!
