Serious injuries or death may occur when the driver of a car, truck, or motorcycle hits a person. The pedestrian accident lawyers at Riddle & Brantley have seen the tragic consequences of these accidents firsthand. Injuries suffered in a pedestrian accident can be life-threatening and even deadly.
In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the most common injuries in pedestrian accidents — and share what you can do if you’ve been injured due to someone else’s negligence.
You may be walking on a sidewalk, crossing a parking lot, crossing the street, or simply sitting on a public bench and your life could change forever. Getting injured as a pedestrian can have serious and life-changing implications. Car accidents can result in significant damages and injuries, but if a vehicle hits a pedestrian, the result may be catastrophic.
What Are the Most Common Pedestrian Accident Injuries?
- Soft tissue damage – This type of injury includes contusions, lacerations, sprains, strains, tears, and dislocations. These types of injuries are usually very painful even though they usually heal more quickly than other injuries. Soft tissue damage may result in severe pain, scars, and long-term problems.
- Bone fractures and bone breaks - Many times pedestrians who are in an accident fracture their back, hands, wrists, arms, shoulders, and legs. Sometimes very serious bone breaks occur. This may include compound fractures where the broken bone punctures through the skin. These injuries are very painful and may cause long-term problems, in some cases even resulting in amputation.
- Spinal Cord injuries – According to the Mayo Clinic, car accidents are the leading cause of spinal cord injuries in the United States. Pedestrian accidents may cause spinal cord injuries too. A spinal cord injury is damage to the spinal cord or nerves at the end of the spinal canal (cauda equina). These injuries may cause permanent changes in strength, sensation and body functions below the site of the injury. An injury to the spinal cord may cause paralysis and even death. This type of injury usually requires long-term care.
- Traumatic brain injuries – Head and brain injuries (including TBIs and concussions) are also life-altering injuries that can happen as a result of a pedestrian accident. A forceful blow to the head can inflict serious damage. There can be immediate or delayed symptoms after a traumatic brain injury. These symptoms may include confusion, vision problems, concentration difficulty, concussions, sleep problems, dizziness, loss of coordination, sensitivity to light or sound, anxiety, depression, mood swings and more.
IMPORTANT: If you’ve been injured in a pedestrian accident, seek immediate medical attention. Some “delayed onset” injuries may not be recognized until later on and it is important to get medical treatment as soon as possible.
There is no upfront cost and you won’t pay attorney fees unless we recover compensation for you.
Justice Counts for those injured in pedestrian accidents due to others’ negligence. Call 1-800-525-7111 today and let’s talk.
What are some of the causes of pedestrian accidents?
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) thousands of pedestrians are injured or killed every year in the United States. In 2017 alone, it was estimated that 137,000 pedestrians were treated in emergency rooms for nonfatal crash-related injuries.
Pedestrians are 1.5 times more likely to be killed in an auto accident than the occupants of the vehicle.
Common types of pedestrian accidents include:
- Accidents involving alcohol or drugs — Almost half of pedestrian accidents involve alcohol use by the driver and/or the pedestrian.
- Hit and run accidents — Hit and run accidents often involve pedestrians being hit by an intoxicated driver, distracted driver, or those who accidentally hit a pedestrian on an isolated road and flee the scene.
- Crosswalk collisions – Most people hit in crosswalks are struck by vehicles making a left hand turn at night by drivers who don’t see them or are distracted.
- Parking lot accidents – Drivers backing out or pulling into parking lots may fail to make sure the pathway is clear and end up backing over or striking a pedestrian.
- Additional risk factors – High vehicle speeds increase the chances of a pedestrian being struck by a car and being severely injured. Many pedestrian injuries and deaths occur in urban areas, at non-intersection locations, and after dark.
Pedestrian Safety Tips
- Always increase your visibility at night by carrying a flashlight and wearing reflective gear while walking.
- Remember to cross the street only at designated crosswalks or intersections when possible.
- Walk on a sidewalk or pathway when possible. Be sure to walk facing traffic if on the shoulder of the road.
- Don’t use electronic devices such as earbuds while walking
- Avoid walking while intoxicated.
Hurt in a Pedestrian Accident?
If you have been injured in a pedestrian accident in North Carolina, let the experienced personal injury lawyers at Riddle & Brantley help. We will explain your legal options and can help you get the compensation you deserve.
If you’ve lost a loved one because of someone else’s negligence in a pedestrian accident, we are glad to help grieving families pursue wrongful death claims, as well. Nothing can make up for the loss of a loved one, but we can help you seek the justice the victim and your family deserve.
For a FREE, no-obligation consultation with an experienced North Carolina pedestrian accident lawyer, please call 1-800-525-7111.
The consultation is free and we don’t get paid unless you do — if we don’t secure compensation for you, you won’t pay any attorney fees.
“Riddle & Brantley found me all the available money from the insurance companies.”
-David Howard, Riddle & Brantley client
Justice Counts for you and your loved ones. Call 1-800-525-7111 or fill out the short form below for your free, no-obligation consultation.
We are here to help.