A CDC report on pedestrian safety states that approximately 8,000 pedestrians lost their lives in motor vehicle crashes. Additional data from the CDC says that over 100,000 pedestrians had to visit the emergency room for non-fatal crash-related injuries. The first statistic is for 2021, while the second statistic is for 2020.
These two statistics show how frequent pedestrian accidents are and the massive number of pedestrians who’re injured each year. It’s wise to be prepared, as nobody knows when disaster strikes.
Awareness aside, one way of staying safe is through legal representation. Because victims need all the assistance they can get after an accident. A lawyer can provide legal protection for pedestrian accident victims and help them recover compensation for their losses.
Conversations about losses are always a depressing topic, particularly when it comes to pedestrian accidents. This article is written to educate the reader on the common injuries a pedestrian accident victim will suffer.
Skin Injury
These are the most common types of injuries pedestrian accident victims will suffer. A sudden impact from the vehicle often penetrates the skin and damages the fat tissue. A skin injury can occur due to
- The colliding vehicle
- The victims fell to the ground and scraped themselves
- The victim came into contact with a sharp object
A pedestrian is bound to suffer a skin injury in the following areas:
- Elbows
- Knees
- Palms
The victim may also suffer a bruise or a skin injury where damaged blood vessels bleed into the skin. They’re often identified by skin discoloration.
Fractures
A fracture is when the impact of the accident breaks the bone of the victim. In a pedestrian accident, the victim may suffer a fracture either due to the collision with the vehicle or the victim landing awkwardly after it. Fractures generally heal in 6 to 8 weeks.
Pedestrian accident victims are also at risk of suffering a serious type of fracture known as an open or compound fracture. It is when the broken bone penetrates the skin and becomes visible. Open fractures that puncture internal organs can be disastrous.
Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
An injury to the brain, often known as a traumatic brain injury, occurs due to a sudden and violent blow to the head. Elements like sharp edges from cars, signs, or other things in an accident site piercing the brain can also cause a TBI.
TBIs have severe consequences. Sadly, some are life-altering. Victims suffer a range of conditions, from emotional and learning difficulties to coma and brain death.
Spinal Cord Injury (SCI)
Like TBI, a spinal cord injury can have a lifelong impact.
An SCI occurs when any part of the spinal cord is injured. The damage to the nerves found at the end of the spinal cord, called the cauda equina, also comes under an SCI.
Pedestrian accident victims who end up with an SCI will suffer from
- Paralysis
- Poor bladder and bowel control
- Pressure injuries
- Respiratory issues
- Spasticity
- Sexual problems
Organ Damage
The force generated during the collision may have an impact on the victim’s internal organs. An injury to the internal organ will have serious consequences.
The injured organ may not function like it used to. This interferes with the proper functioning of the body, leading to the malfunction of other organs that rely on it.
What Next?
For victims of pedestrian accidents, help is always available in the form of lawyers. Pedestrian accident lawyers will do everything in their power to make sure victims get fair compensation for their losses.
Most pedestrian accident lawyers work on a contingency fee basis. They won’t charge upfront and will take a percentage of the victim’s winnings.
These lawyers are also great at handling insurance adjusters. The lawyer will also offer assistance when negotiating compensation.
If you or a loved one is involved in a pedestrian accident, reach out to an experienced lawyer today!
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