Nearly 6, 000 pedestrians are killed each year, according to the most recent data on file with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Another 129, 000 are seen in emergency rooms for crash-related injuries. What are these injuries, and how might they impact your life? Learn more in the following sections, including how a seasoned injury lawyer can help you obtain the fair compensation that you and your loved ones deserve.
Head Trauma (Traumatic Brain Injury)
Head injuries are extremely common for pedestrians, and because they are unprotected, the risk of a serious, life-threatening brain injury is exceptionally high. In the worst of situations, pedestrian accidents can cause fatal swelling or bleeding in the brain. Others may experience long-term (or even life-long) issues with memory, mood, or cognitive functioning.
Spinal Cord Injuries
The spine encases the nerves that send messages from the brain to the rest of the body (and vice versa). As such, injuries to this area of the body can be devastating to a pedestrian, potentially robbing them of sensation in certain areas of the body, causing pain if the feeling does remain, or even worse, causing paralysis to parts of the body.
Pelvic Injuries and Other Broken Bones
Broken bones and pelvic injuries are frequently caused by impact with the vehicle or another object that the victim struck after being hit. Though typically considered fairly minor injuries, some breaks can take an extended amount of time to heal – especially large bones, like the pelvis. The result may be many missed months at work or an inability to care for their family.
Internal Injuries
Though most of the body is protected by bone structures like the rib cage and pelvis, the abdominal cavity is largely unprotected. It also happens to be an area where many vital organs are located. If one is severely damaged, it could have a long-term impact on the life of the victim. Alternatively, if there is internal bleeding and the victim is not treated in time, they could suffer a wrongful death.
Wrongful Death
Pedestrians are far more likely to suffer wrongful death in an accident than other road users. If this occurs, their surviving family may be entitled to compensation for the loss of their loved one.
Contact Our Green Bay Pedestrian Accident Lawyers
Most pedestrian accidents involve at least some level of driver negligence, which typically entitles the victim or their surviving family to compensation. At the very least, your medical bills may be covered, along with any losses that you or your loved ones experienced (i.e. a loss of wages). Herrling Clark Law Firm, Ltd. aggressively strives for the most favorable outcome in every case. Contact our compassionate Appleton pedestrian accident lawyers for a free consult to see how we can assist in your case. Call 920-739-7366 today.
Sources:
https://www.cdc.gov/motorvehiclesafety/pedestrian_safety/index.html
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/0736467989904010