What Is Vehicle Entrapment in South Carolina?

Vehicle entrapment is one of the worst situations you can possibly encounter on the road. As the name suggests, this involves motorists and passengers becoming trapped within the wreckage of their own vehicles. Often, first responders must use the “jaws of life” and other techniques to free entrapped people. Unfortunately, these types of accidents often cause fatal or catastrophic injuries. What can you do after being injured in this type of South Carolina auto accident?

Victims Entrapped After Car Accident in South Carolina 

In July of 2024, a three-vehicle crash was reported in Horry County. Authorities say that four people were hospitalized, and many of these victims were entrapped within their vehicles. First responders had to use various “extrication operations” to free the motorists, and at least one victim was ejected from their vehicle in the collision. Needless to say, a crash of this nature would have led to serious, catastrophic injuries. There was no word on what caused the crash.

What Is the Definition of “Vehicle Entrapment?” 

According to the University of Akron, “vehicle entrapment” can refer to many different situations. They note that it might include children or pets left alone in hot vehicles before suffering from heat stroke. However, the most serious entrapment injuries generally occur after collisions. Victims may find themselves trapped between columns of metal, panels of glass, and various other parts of their own vehicles.

Why Is Vehicle Entrapment So Dangerous?

 After an accident, time is of the essence. The longer it takes for first responders to remove victims from vehicles, the lower the chance of survival. These individuals may be losing blood. They may be unconscious. Perhaps the most serious situations involve individuals entrapped while their vehicles are burning. With no way to escape the flames, vehicle fires can easily prove fatal for entrapped motorists.

What Are Some Common Injuries After Vehicle Entrapment?

 Vehicle entrapment leads to a few common injuries. Due to the crushing nature of these accidents, amputation may be possible. This may occur either during the accident itself, or afterward during emergency treatment. Compartment syndrome is another crush-related injury, and amputation may be necessary if this injury becomes too severe. Burns are also relatively common.

Can I Sue for Vehicle Entrapment? 

It may be possible to sue after experiencing injuries due to vehicle entrapment. Generally speaking, you must establish that someone else caused your accident if you want to pursue compensation in South Carolina. This is something you might want to discuss with your injury lawyer.

Find an Experienced Auto Accident Lawyer in South Carolina? 

If you’ve been searching for an experienced car accident lawyer in Charleston, look no further than Mickelsen & Dalton, LLC. We know how catastrophic and life-altering car accident injuries can be. Whether you were entrapped, crushed, or burned, you deserve compensation – especially if someone else was to blame. Reach out today to discuss your legal options in more detail.

Sources:

wpde.com/news/local/4-hospitalized-after-3-car-crash-with-ejection-entrapment-in-longs-critical-injuries-horry-county-west-highway-9-near-foxtail-drive-extrication-operations-wreck-collision-accident-crews-south-carolina-dept-of-public-safety

uakron.edu/safety/eohs/vehicle-entrapment.dot