As a pedestrian, being struck by a moving vehicle can be extraordinarily painful and traumatic. Pedestrian accidents can result in a wide range of injuries from minor cuts and bruises to severe and life-altering ailments. Because of the size and speed of a motor vehicle, pedestrians are particularly vulnerable to physical trauma. To learn more about pedestrian accidents and injuries, continue reading. Speak with a Washington D.C. pedestrian accident lawyer today to learn about your legal rights and options.
What Injuries Do Pedestrians Commonly Sustain in Car Accidents?
A wide variety of injuries can impact pedestrians who were struck by a motor vehicle depending on details of the accident like where the individual was struck and the speed of the car. Individuals at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) used the Rhone Road Trauma registry to identify injury patterns in 115,501 traffic casualties between 1997 and 2007. These studies showed that the most common pedestrian injuries were to the lower extremities, followed by the head, face, and neck, upper extremities, chest, spine, abdomen, and then pelvis. Pedestrians sustain twice as many severe head and chest injuries as motorists.
In terms of the specific injuries that befall these parts of the body, some of the most common are as follows.
- Broken bones and fractures
- Bruised or broken ribs
- Cuts, lacerations, and bruises
- Strains, sprains, and other soft tissue injuries
- Concussions
- TBIs (traumatic brain injuries)
- Internal bleeding
- Collapsed lung
- Contusions
- Organ damage
- Psychological injuries
These injuries can have significant negative effects on an individual’s physical and mental health. Because of the potential for severe injuries and death, it is imperative that both pedestrians and drivers follow traffic laws, exercise caution, and pay close attention to their surroundings to avoid unnecessary accidents.
Can I Sue After a Pedestrian Accident?
Yes, if your accident was caused by another person or entity’s negligence or reckless behavior, you can file a claim or lawsuit against them. Through your claim or lawsuit, you can pursue compensation to cover both your economic and noneconomic damages. You may be entitled to the following.
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Diminished earning capacity
- Property damage
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Future medical expenses
In order to successfully secure compensation, you must be able to prove that the defendant was negligent in their actions, that their negligence caused the accident, and that the accident directly resulted in your losses. Individuals who secure legal counsel during their cases generally have higher rates of success and walk away with more compensation than those who forgo representation. Reach out to a knowledgeable personal injury attorney at Trombly & Singer, PLLC to discuss your case and obtain skilled legal representation today.