Sean | June 23, 2024
What Are Common Pedestrian Accident Injuries?
Walking is a simple act many of us do daily without much thought. However, pedestrian accidents can happen in an instant, causing severe injuries and even fatalities.
After a pedestrian accident, you need to know what injuries resulted and the damages you might receive for them.
Pedestrian accident victims often sustain many different injuries in an accident, making it crucial to seek legal assistance from a skilled St. Petersburg pedestrian accident lawyer.
The Impact of Pedestrian Accidents
Pedestrian accidents can have devastating consequences for victims and their families. When a vehicle strikes a pedestrian, the force of impact can cause severe injuries, regardless of the vehicle’s speed.
The human body is vulnerable in these situations, as it lacks the protection provided by a car’s metal frame. As a result, pedestrians often suffer from a wide range of injuries, some of which can have long-term effects on their physical and emotional well-being.
Common Pedestrian Accident Injuries
Fractures and Broken Bones
One of the most common injuries sustained in pedestrian accidents are fractures and broken bones. The impact of a vehicle can cause bones to snap or shatter, requiring immediate medical attention.
Fractures can occur in the arms, legs, spine, and skull. In severe cases, multiple fractures may require surgery and extensive rehabilitation.
Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs)
Head injuries are a significant concern in pedestrian accidents. When a pedestrian’s head makes contact with the vehicle or the ground, a traumatic brain injury (TBI) can occur.
TBIs range in severity from concussions to more severe injuries like brain hemorrhages or contusions. These injuries can have long-lasting effects on a person’s cognitive and physical abilities, requiring ongoing medical care and rehabilitation.
Spinal Cord Injuries (SCI)
The spinal cord is a delicate bundle of nerves that carries signals between the brain and the rest of the body. In pedestrian accidents, the force of impact can damage the spinal cord, leading to partial or complete paralysis.
Spinal cord injuries can drastically impact a person’s mobility and independence, necessitating costly medical treatments, assistive devices, and lifelong care.
Soft Tissue Injuries
Pedestrian accidents can damage soft tissues, such as muscles, tendons, and ligaments. The sudden jolt of impact can cause strains, sprains, and tears. Soft tissue injuries can cause significant pain, swelling, and a limited range of motion. Recovery may involve physical therapy and other forms of rehabilitation to restore strength and flexibility.
Internal Injuries
The force of a pedestrian accident can also cause internal injuries that may not be immediately apparent. These injuries include damage to internal organs, such as the liver, spleen, lungs, or kidneys.
Internal bleeding or organ damage can be life-threatening and may require emergency surgeries or other medical interventions.
Emotional Trauma
Pedestrian accidents not only result in physical injuries but can also cause significant emotional trauma.
Survivors may experience feelings of fear, anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) following the accident. Emotional trauma can impact a person’s mental health and overall quality of life, requiring appropriate support and counseling.
Wrongful Death
Tragically, some pedestrian accidents result in wrongful death. The devastating consequences of pedestrian accidents can lead to the loss of a loved one. Surviving family members may pursue a wrongful death claim to seek financial compensation for their loss.
If you lost a loved one in a pedestrian accident, consult an experienced pedestrian accident attorney to learn more about your legal options.
The Importance of Seeking Medical Care
After a pedestrian accident, seek immediate medical care.
Even if you think your injuries are minor or that you can tough it out, get a professional medical evaluation as soon as possible. Not only will this ensure your well-being, but it will also strengthen any potential legal case you may have.
When it comes to personal injury cases, documentation is key. By seeking medical care, you create a record of your injuries and the treatment you received. This documentation will serve as valuable evidence if you decide to pursue a legal claim.
Without proper medical records, you cannot prove the severity of your injuries or establish a clear link between the accident and your medical condition.
Additionally, some injuries may not immediately manifest symptoms. After a pedestrian accident, your body may go into shock, masking pain or discomfort.
By seeking medical care, you allow a healthcare professional to thoroughly evaluate your condition, identifying any hidden injuries that would benefit from early treatment.
This proactive approach prioritizes your well-being and demonstrates to insurance companies or legal representatives that you took your injuries seriously from the start.
Furthermore, delaying or neglecting medical care after a pedestrian accident can have long-term consequences for your health and potential legal cases. Untreated injuries may worsen over time, causing chronic pain, disability, or other complications.
By promptly seeking medical attention, you can prevent these issues from escalating and receive the necessary treatment to aid your recovery.
Never underestimate the importance of seeking immediate medical care after a pedestrian accident. Doing so ensures your well-being and builds a strong foundation for any potential legal case.
Remember, make your health your top priority. Medical care after an accident is an imperative step toward your recovery.
Causes of Pedestrian Accidents
When it comes to pedestrian accidents, several common causes lead to these unfortunate incidents, including:
Distracted Driving
One of the leading causes of pedestrian accidents is distracted driving. With the rise of smartphones and other handheld devices, distracted driving has become a significant concern on our roadways.
Many drivers find it tempting to check their messages, browse social media, or watch videos while behind the wheel. However, this diversion takes their attention away from the road and increases the risk of pedestrian accidents.
Impaired Driving
Another common cause of pedestrian accidents is impaired driving. When a driver operates a vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs, their ability to react and make sound judgments significantly diminishes. This impairment increases the chances of accidents, especially involving vulnerable pedestrians.
Poor Road Conditions
Inadequate infrastructure and poor road conditions also play a significant role in pedestrian accidents. Insufficient lighting, lack of crosswalks, and poorly designed intersections can make it challenging for drivers and pedestrians to navigate safely.
Municipalities and urban planners must prioritize pedestrian safety by enhancing infrastructure with lighting, clearly marked crosswalks, and traffic calming strategies. When they fail to do so, they can be held liable for damages pedestrians suffer due to their injuries.
Speeding
Additionally, speeding is a leading cause of pedestrian accidents. When drivers exceed the speed limit, they have less time to react to unexpected situations and are more likely to lose control of their vehicles. Pedestrians caught in the path of a speeding driver risk severe injuries or even fatalities.
Weather Conditions
Finally, weather conditions may increase the risk of pedestrian accidents. Slippery roads due to rain, snow, or ice can heighten the risk for pedestrians and drivers alike. Reduced visibility during foggy or stormy conditions also increases the likelihood of accidents.
All road users must exercise extra caution and adjust their driving or walking behavior to accommodate adverse weather conditions. Poor weather conditions aren’t an excuse for causing an accident.
Who is Liable for Pedestrian Accidents?
When a pedestrian is involved in an accident, one of the first questions that arises is who you can hold responsible for the incident.
In many cases, the liability for pedestrian accidents falls on the vehicle’s driver. Drivers have a legal duty to exercise reasonable care and caution while operating their vehicles, especially in areas where pedestrians are present.
This means drivers must follow traffic laws, obey speed limits, yield to pedestrians at crosswalks, and maintain a safe distance from pedestrians on sidewalks or other designated areas.
If a driver fails to fulfill their duty and causes an accident that injures a pedestrian, they can be held legally responsible for the damages.
Additionally, there are cases where parties other than the driver may bear liability for a pedestrian accident. For instance, you can hold municipalities or property owners responsible if their negligence in maintaining safe sidewalks, crosswalks, or road conditions contributed to the accident. It can include failure to repair potholes, inadequate signage, or poor lighting that hampers visibility for drivers and pedestrians alike.
In some situations, you can hold manufacturers or distributors of defective vehicle parts, such as malfunctioning brakes or faulty steering systems, liable for pedestrian accidents.
Suppose a defect in the vehicle causes the driver to lose control and injure a pedestrian. In that case, the injured party can seek compensation from the appropriate party in the product’s supply chain.
Determining liability in pedestrian accidents requires thoroughly investigating the incident, gathering evidence, and analyzing various factors involved. Pedestrian accident victims and their families should consult an experienced pedestrian accident lawyer for guidance.
A skilled pedestrian accident attorney will understand your claim, assess the case’s unique circumstances, and fight for fair compensation on your behalf.
Establishing liability in pedestrian accidents involves a consideration of multiple factors, including the actions of the driver, the pedestrian, and other potentially responsible parties.
If you or a loved one have suffered injuries in a pedestrian accident, consult a knowledgeable attorney who can determine liability for the incident and seek the compensation you deserve.
Let a professional attorney handle the intricacies of your case and maximize your chances of a favorable outcome.
What is the Statute of Limitations in Pedestrian Accident Cases?
When you or a loved one has experienced a pedestrian accident, you need to understand the concept of the statute of limitations.
The statute of limitations refers to the time frame within which you must file a legal claim for your pedestrian accident injuries. State law sets this timeline.
Failing to file a claim within the statute of limitations can result in losing your right to seek compensation for your injuries. Therefore, act promptly and consult a skilled pedestrian accident attorney to ensure you do not miss this strict deadline.
Each state has its own statute of limitations for personal injury cases, including pedestrian accident cases. While some states may provide a relatively generous timeframe of several years, others have much shorter limits. Your lawyer will know your state’s statute of limitations and you take appropriate action within the required timeframe.
Why You Need a Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
In addition to seeking medical treatment and focusing on recovery, pedestrian accident victims and their families often face mounting medical expenses, lost income, and emotional distress. Consult a pedestrian accident lawyer in these circumstances.
A pedestrian accident lawyer can provide valuable legal guidance and support throughout the claims process. They can help victims understand their rights, negotiate with insurance companies, and seek fair compensation for their injuries and losses.
By enlisting a skilled attorney, you can focus on your recovery while they handle the legal complexities on your behalf.
Seek Legal Help After a Pedestrian Injury Accident
Pedestrian accidents can result in severe injuries with long-lasting effects on victims and their families.
Understanding the common types of injuries that occur in these accidents can help you seek appropriate medical treatment and legal support. Working with a pedestrian accident lawyer can protect your rights and increase your chances of receiving fair compensation for your injuries and losses.
Take the first step towards justice by contacting a qualified St. Petersburg personal injury attorney today.
