When a pedestrian is struck by a motor vehicle, they are likely to suffer severe injuries. These injuries can require both immediate medical attention and long-term care and rehabilitation. Victims are often temporarily or permanently disabled, resulting in significant lost income while they are unable to work. In the worst cases, a pedestrian is killed after being struck by a negligent driver. In the event of a pedestrian accident, victims or their family members should seek out legal assistance immediately.
Injuries Suffered in Pedestrian Accidents
According to the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA), analysis of crash data from 2018 shows that the United States saw the highest number of pedestrian accident fatalities since 1990. 6, 227 pedestrians were killed, which was a 4% increase from the previous year and a 35% increase since 2008.
Even when pedestrian accident injuries are not fatal, they are likely to be very serious. Motor vehicles weigh several thousand pounds, and even at low speeds, they have a great deal of momentum. A pedestrian who is struck by a car, truck, or other vehicle is likely to suffer the following types of injuries:
Broken bones: More often than not, a pedestrian will suffer bone fractures from the initial impact with the vehicle or from the subsequent fall to the pavement. The most common types of fractures suffered by pedestrians are broken arms, legs, or ribs. If a person is pinned under a vehicle, they are likely to suffer a broken leg. If a person’s ribs are broken, they should receive treatment at an emergency room as soon as possible. In severe cases, a broken rib can cause a punctured lung or other life-threatening internal injuries.
Spinal Cord Injuries: A damaged or severed spine can result in partial or complete paralysis for a victim. Even minor spinal damage can cause chronic pain and loss of motor functions, and victims who suffer these types of injuries are likely to require multiple surgeries and ongoing rehabilitation.
Traumatic Brain Injuries: Pedestrians often suffer blows to the head in an impact with a car or truck, and they may experience concussions or other types of brain trauma. Head injuries can cause intense migraines, temporary issues with vision, and impairments to cognitive functions. In serious cases, a person may experience a hemorrhage and/or hematoma, in which uncontrolled bleeding puts pressure on the brain, which can result in significant brain damage and even death.
Contact an Appleton Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
A pedestrian accident can drastically change a person’s life. The costs of medical treatment can be very high in these cases, and a victim may require ongoing care and renovations to their home to account for disability. Due to these major expenses and the pain and suffering that a person and their family experiences, the financial, personal, and emotional impact of these injuries is likely to be long-lasting. If you have been injured in a pedestrian accident, Herrling Clark Law Firm, Ltd. is prepared to fight to hold the negligent driver responsible for the injuries they have caused and ensure that your family receives the compensation you deserve. To schedule a free consultation with our Green Bay car accident attorneys, contact our office at [[phone]].
Sources:
https://www.ghsa.org/resources/Pedestrians19
https://www.nhtsa.gov/road-safety/pedestrian-safety