Every year, thosands of pedestrians are injured in accidents involving motor vehicles. Pedestrian accidents often result in severe injuries due to the lack of protection that pedestrians have compared to vehicle occupants. At KP Law Group, we understand the devastating physical, emotional, and financial toll these accidents can impose. In this blog, we will explore the most common pedestrian accident injuries and their implications, and provide insights into your legal rights if you or a loved one has been injured.
1. Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)
Head injuries are among the most severe outcomes of pedestrian accidents. A collision with a vehicle or the ground can lead to traumatic brain injuries, ranging from mild concussions to severe brain damage. Symptoms of TBI include headaches, dizziness, memory loss, and difficulty concentrating. Severe cases can result in long-term cognitive impairments, disability, or even death.
Why It Happens: Pedestrians often hit their heads on the car’s windshield, hood, or the pavement during an accident. The impact force can cause the brain to collide with the inside of the skull, leading to injury.
Legal Perspective: Victims of TBI may require extensive medical treatment and rehabilitation. An experienced pedestrian accident attorney can help recover compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
2. Spinal Cord Injuries
Spinal cord injuries can be catastrophic, leading to partial or complete paralysis depending on the location and severity of the damage. These injuries can significantly impact a victim’s quality of life, requiring ongoing care and lifestyle adjustments.
Common Causes: The forceful impact of a vehicle can compress, fracture, or sever the spinal cord.
Symptoms: Loss of sensation, motor function impairments, or chronic pain.
Legal Angle: Spinal cord injuries often result in high medical costs, loss of earning capacity, and emotional trauma. Pursuing a personal injury claim can help secure the funds needed for treatment and support.
3. Fractures and Broken Bones
Broken bones are a frequent consequence of pedestrian accidents. Common fractures include the legs, arms, ribs, pelvis, and collarbones. These injuries can range from simple fractures to complex breaks requiring surgery and extensive recovery.
Why It Happens: Pedestrians are often struck by vehicles on their lower bodies, leading to fractures in the legs and pelvis. The force of being thrown to the ground can also result in arm and collarbone breaks.
Impact on Daily Life: Recovery from fractures may involve wearing casts, undergoing surgeries, and participating in physical therapy.
Legal Compensation: Victims can claim damages for medical bills, rehabilitation costs, and lost wages due to inability to work during recovery.
4. Soft Tissue Injuries
Soft tissue injuries include sprains, strains, bruises, and tears in muscles, ligaments, and tendons. While they may seem less severe, these injuries can cause significant pain and limit mobility.
Common Types: Whiplash, torn ligaments, and deep bruising.
Symptoms: Swelling, stiffness, and prolonged discomfort.
Legal Consideration: Although these injuries may not appear severe initially, they can lead to chronic pain and long-term medical issues. Documenting these injuries thoroughly and seeking legal advice can ensure fair compensation.
5. Internal Injuries
Internal injuries, such as damage to organs or internal bleeding, are life-threatening and require immediate medical attention. These injuries may not be immediately apparent but can worsen without timely diagnosis and treatment.
Common Causes: High-impact collisions that compress the chest or abdomen.
Examples: Ruptured spleen, punctured lungs, or liver damage.
Legal Perspective: Since these injuries may require emergency surgery and long-term care, victims can seek compensation for extensive medical bills and pain and suffering.
6. Facial and Dental Injuries
Facial injuries, such as broken noses, jaw fractures, and dental damage, are common in pedestrian accidents. These injuries can result in disfigurement and require reconstructive surgery or dental implants.
Impact: Beyond physical pain, facial injuries can lead to emotional distress due to altered appearance.
Legal Claims: Victims can recover damages for cosmetic procedures, ongoing treatments, and the emotional toll of disfigurement.
7. Cuts, Lacerations, and Abrasions
Cuts and abrasions often occur when pedestrians come into contact with the ground or the vehicle during a collision. While some wounds may be superficial, others can lead to significant blood loss or infections.
Treatment: Severe lacerations may require stitches, skin grafts, or scar revision surgeries.
Legal Compensation: Victims can claim damages for medical treatment, scarring, and associated emotional trauma.
8. Psychological Injuries
The emotional impact of a pedestrian accident is often overlooked but can be just as debilitating as physical injuries. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression are common among victims.
Symptoms: Flashbacks, fear of crossing streets, and general anxiety.
Legal Aspect: Psychological injuries are compensable in personal injury claims. Working with an attorney ensures these impacts are adequately documented and included in your claim.
Cases Personal Injury Attorney Covers
Pedestrian accident attorneys handle a wide range of cases, including but not limited to:
- Hit-and-run accidents
- Crosswalk accidents
- Parking lot accidents
- Drunk driving accidents involving pedestrians
- Distracted driving accidents
- Accidents caused by speeding or reckless driving
- Accidents involving children or elderly pedestrians
An experienced attorney can help victims navigate the complexities of these cases, ensuring their rights are protected and they receive the compensation they deserve.
Damages Available in Pedestrian Accident Claims
If you’ve been injured in a pedestrian accident, KP Law Group can help you pursue various types of damages to support your recovery and future well-being. These include:
- Medical Expenses: Covering past and future medical costs related to the accident, including hospital stays, surgeries, and rehabilitation.
- Lost Wages: Compensation for income lost during your recovery period, as well as reduced earning capacity if you are unable to return to work.
- Pain and Suffering: Addressing the physical, emotional, and mental distress caused by the accident.
- Loss of Quality of Life: Compensation for the ways your injuries have impacted your ability to enjoy daily activities or hobbies.
- Punitive Damages: In cases where the at-fault party’s actions were especially reckless or malicious, additional damages may be awarded to punish their behavior.
Our experienced team will work closely with you to ensure every aspect of your claim is thoroughly addressed, securing the compensation you deserve.
How KP Law Group Can Help
At KP Law Group, we are committed to advocating for pedestrian accident victims. Our experienced personal injury attorneys work tirelessly to ensure our clients receive the compensation they deserve. Here’s how we can assist:
- Comprehensive Case Evaluation: We assess the details of your accident to determine the best legal strategy.
- Gathering Evidence: Our team collects police reports, medical records, eyewitness accounts, and expert testimonies to build a strong case.
- Negotiating with Insurance Companies: Insurance adjusters often try to minimize payouts. We negotiate on your behalf to secure a fair settlement.
- Litigation Support: If necessary, we are prepared to take your case to court to ensure justice is served.
Conclusion
Pedestrian accidents can have life-altering consequences, but you don’t have to face the aftermath alone. Whether you’ve suffered physical injuries, emotional trauma, or financial setbacks, the team at KP Law Group is here to help. Contact us today at KP Law Group to schedule your free consultation and take the first step toward recovery and justice.