When walkers, joggers, or other pedestrians are struck by moving vehicles, it can cause significant injuries and damage. It is important that you understand the injuries most commonly sustained by pedestrians in accidents and learn what steps to take to protect your rights. Consult with a Rockland County pedestrian accident lawyer today.
What Injuries Are Most Commonly Sustained By Pedestrians?
Scrapes
Even if a pedestrian is struck at extremely low speeds, there is a high likelihood that the force of the impact will push them over. Depending on where and how they fall, they will likely cut themselves on the pavement or other objects. Lacerations, scrapes, and bruises are all some of the most common injuries sustained by pedestrians even in the most minor of accidents.
Broken bones
One of the most common injuries sustained when a pedestrian is struck by a car or moving vehicle is a fractured or broken bone. Broken bones often occur in the arms, hands, wrists, legs, ankles, feet, hips, and pelvis. The impact of a vehicle and falling on the ground can cause significant force, which can cause a bone to splinter, break, or shatter.
Soft tissue damage
Pedestrian accidents oftentimes result in soft tissue injuries which can include a variety of ailments like sprains, strains, contusions, torn muscles and ligaments, and more. While these are often minor, they can limit a person’s mobility and take several months or even years to fully recover.
Head injuries
Head injuries are some of the most dangerous ailments that an individual can sustain. Because pedestrians do not have the protection of a vehicle surrounding them, they are likely to sustain a concussion, skull fracture, or other TBI (traumatic brain injury). According to studies conducted by the NIH (National Institute of Health), pedestrians who are hit by a car have a 90% chance of sustaining a moderate brain injury, 55% chance of a serious brain injury, and 18% chance of a severe brain injury.
Internal injuries
When a pedestrian is struck by a car, one type of injury to look out for is internal injuries. Internal injuries are ailments that are not generally visible outside of the body and affect internal organs. These issues often go unnoticed and untreated, leading to significant damage and life-threatening risks. Examples of internal injuries include internal bleeding, fractured ribs, punctured lungs, ruptured spleens, and other damage to the internal organs.
Spinal cord injuries
Another extremely damaging type of injury that pedestrians often sustain is a spinal cord injury. The spine is one of the most important parts of the human body and damage could result in paralysis, permanent disability, and death.
As with any incident, pedestrian accidents have the capacity to cause significant damage, injuries, and death. To learn more about your legal rights and options, reach out to a skilled personal injury attorney today.
