Common Injuries in Pedestrian Accidents
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Pedestrians are exposed and unprotected. Therefore, injuries sustained in a pedestrian accident versus a car accident are rarely minor. In general, the faster a car is traveling, the more severe the resulting injuries. However, even a car traveling at a lower speed can cause a debilitating injury. Some common injuries sustained in pedestrian accidents include:
Traumatic Brain Injury
When a pedestrian is struck by a car, they can suffer anything from a mild concussion to a severe brain injury. Traumatic brain injuries are typically caused by an external force on the head, such as a blow or a jolt. A pedestrian who is struck by a car may hit their head on the pavement or on the vehicle itself. This can cause severe trauma and life-changing injuries.
Spinal Cord Injury
A spinal cord injury can result from a blow to the back. When a pedestrian is hit by a vehicle, the spine can become fractured, or vertebrae can become dislocated. Even a small amount of damage to the spine can result in devastating injury such as partial or full paralysis. Even in the case where the damage is relatively minor, the results can be permanent.
Fractures
When the physical force on a bone is stronger than the bone itself, the bone will fracture. Leg, arm, pelvis, and hip fractures are common in pedestrian accidents. Although they can be treated, fractures sometimes require surgery and can lead to life-long pain and complications.
Soft Tissue Injuries
Injuries such as bruises, abrasions, lacerations, dislocations, tears, and sprains can also result from a pedestrian accident. Soft tissue injuries can cause a victim significant pain and can lead to lost time from work. They can also leave a victim with scarring and lasting pain and complications.
Neck Injuries
Neck injuries such as whiplash can occur, especially if a pedestrian is hit from behind. Whiplash is an injury caused by the rapid back and forth movement of the neck. Whiplash can be very painful and, in some cases, can lead to long-term pain and complications.
Contact a Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
If you’ve been injured in an accident as a pedestrian, you should have an experienced injury attorney evaluate your case. The attorneys at Abrahamson & Uiterwyk have over 30 years of experience representing pedestrians injured in accidents. Contact us online or call us at 800-538-4878 to schedule your free consultation.