Pedestrian accidents are some of the most devastating types of mishaps across the country. When two drivers get into an accident, they are at the very least, protected by reinforced steel, bumpers, and airbags. When an individual on foot gets hit by a car, the resulting injuries are often devastating. Injuries from pedestrian accidents can impact a person’s entire lifespan and be incredibly costly to repair.
The best way to stop these types of accidents is to be aware and informed. For drivers, that means keeping their eyes on the road and their reflexes sharp. For pedestrians walking through streets, whether city or rural, it’s a good idea to put away all distractions and stay attentive to avoid a potentially devastating collision.
How Often do Pedestrian Accidents Happen?
Surveys from the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration in 2016 state that nearly 6,000 pedestrians died outright when hit by a moving vehicle. According to their website, that statistic is a nine percent increase over 2015, meaning that the number of accidents is expected to continue rising. About 130,000 passersby found themselves injured in traffic accidents while walking around that same year.
Common Pedestrian Accident Injuries
Most injuries suffered by pedestrians are at the point of impact. These involve leg and knee fractures, which typically require surgery, and frequently include some degree of permanent disability.
Other common injuries suffered by pedestrians in traffic accidents include:
- Traumatic brain injuries – these often result from the victim’s head hitting the street. Some victims might suffer a simple concussion, but others might suffer a fractured skull and severe brain damage.
- Traumatic spinal cord injuries – a partially torn spinal cord can lead to paraplegia while a complete tear can lead to quadriplegia. Damage like this often requires lifetime medical care and assistance from another individual.
- Torn cartilage and ligaments – these injuries require surgical intervention. Victims can expect some permanent injury as a result.
- Internal organ damage or fractured ribs – internal bleeding or a punctured lung will likely require emergency surgery, which is complicated and expensive.
- Road rash – serious, painful abrasions can result from the impact or friction on the roadway. Special care must be taken to reduce the chances of infection, and possibly stitching to repair severe damage.
If you are ever involved in a personal injury accident with a motor vehicle, seek medical help immediately. If possible, have paramedics transport you to an emergency room. Follow all medical instructions and attend every appointment that the doctor recommends, including any long-term rehab or physical therapy classes.
Seeking Compensation for Pedestrian Injuries
Don’t give a statement of any kind to the opposing insurer. It will only try to shift blame for the accident over onto you. Instead, seek the help of an experienced attorney. Your lawyer will help you fight the insurance company, or sue the responsible party so that you can get the funds necessary to get your life back on track.
Contact us as soon as possible after your accident. We’ll arrange for a free consultation and case review. We won’t charge you a penny unless we obtain a settlement or verdict for you.
The attorneys at E. Orum Young Law Offices have fought on behalf of accident victims in Louisiana for well over three decades. Contact us at (318) 450-6453 for a free case evaluation. Our Trial Guarantee ensures that we will take your case to trial per your request.
