Pedestrian accidents can cause a wide range of serious injuries, and it is crucial to choose an attorney who understands them all.
A variety of factors can influence the type and severity of injuries you may suffer in a pedestrian accident. One of the most significant factors is the speed of the vehicle at the moment of impact. Research has shown that about 75% of pedestrian accidents involve vehicles traveling at 25 miles per hour or less, which is encouraging for survival rates since, generally speaking, higher speeds result in more severe injuries. However, in any case, when an unprotected human body is struck by 5,000 pounds of steel, nothing good can come of it.
The following types of injuries are common in pedestrian accidents where a person is struck by a car or truck:
Head Injuries
Head injuries are very common in pedestrian accidents because the victim is often forcefully thrown onto the pavement. In fact, head injuries are the leading cause of death among pedestrians. Even a “minor” concussion is considered a traumatic brain injury and can have a lasting impact on the victim’s future quality of life.
Back and Neck Injuries
If a driver makes no evasive maneuvers or fails to brake to avoid hitting a pedestrian, the victim is likely to roll onto the car’s hood, possibly hit the windshield, and eventually land on the ground behind the vehicle. Naturally, this type of accident can cause severe back and neck injuries, as the victim is flung like a rag doll against the car and the pavement. In some cases, pedestrians may suffer permanent pain or disability.
Leg Injuries
A typical car bumper will strike a pedestrian around the knees, which can result in severe leg injuries, including torn knee ligaments, fractured bones, broken hips and pelvises, and significant damage to soft tissues. In some instances, the damage to the limb may be so extensive that amputation is required. This, in turn, leads to a host of other challenges, including mobility issues and phantom limb pain.
Torso Injuries
The bumper of an SUV, pickup truck, or larger vehicle will strike a pedestrian higher up on the body. This can result in anything from broken ribs to serious damage to the lungs, liver, or other vital organs. It may also lead to head and back injuries if the person hits the ground or is thrown over the vehicle’s windshield.
Hire an Attorney Who Understands Your Injuries
Different types of injuries require different approaches when preparing personal injury cases. It is essential to hire an experienced attorney like Fernando D. Vargas, who has extensively studied various types of injuries, understands your pain, and will not overlook the different potential areas of compensation tied to your unique combination of injuries. To schedule your free initial case evaluation with Attorney Vargas, call 909-982-0707 now.