Pedestrian accidents involve a vehicle and a person who’s not in the vehicle. Pedestrians who are walking, shopping, running, jogging or sitting somewhere in public may be vulnerable to a road accident.
If you have sustained pedestrian accident injuries in LA, it’s vital to contact Los Angeles car accident attorneys. Consulting El Dabe Ritter Trial Lawyers can help you pursue a personal injury claim successfully.
Common Types of Pedestrian Accident Injuries
A pedestrian accident can potentially result in any of the following injuries:
1. Traumatic Brain Injury
A traumatic brain injury (TBI) can occur when an external force causes brain dysfunction. That may be in the form of a violent blow to the head or body during a car crash. While some TBI’s are minor, others have severe health consequences.
2. Spinal Cord Injuries
A sudden, traumatic blow during a pedestrian accident can cause spinal fractures or dislocation. The spinal cord is responsible for transmitting signals from the human brain to the rest of the body. Therefore, even minute harm in an accident can bring life-changing effects.
3. Broken Bones
Many pedestrians who are hit by vehicles suffer broken bones. The injuries occur when an outside force breaks the continuity of a bone. A broken bone injury can be excruciatingly painful and may require intensive medical care to repair.
4. Soft Tissue Injuries
Various injuries may be considered soft tissue injuries such as bruises, tears, sprains, lacerations and dislocations. Many soft tissue injuries resolve by themselves with minimal medical intervention. However, the injuries can bring significant pain and keep victims from carrying out everyday activities and working. Additionally, they can leave a victim with unsightly scars or other permanent problems that can affect their self-esteem.
5. Amputations
Sometimes, the forces of a vehicle striking a pedestrian may result in severe lifelong repercussions, like accidental amputation of limbs.
6. Emotional Trauma
Not all pedestrian accident injuries are physical. Even if a person doesn’t sustain permanent physical injuries, they might sustain lasting emotional trauma. Since being struck by a car is a traumatic experience, a pedestrian might not be able to cope with the resulting emotional trauma.
In addition to the above injuries, a pedestrian accident can also lead to death. That is because of the vehicle’s sheer size and the lack of any protection for the pedestrian. According to the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA) about 6,227 pedestrians died in road fatalities in 2018. That is a 51% rise compared to 2009.
What to Do If You’re Involved in a Pedestrian Accident
What a victim says and does after an accident usually has significant impact on their chances of recovering compensation. The foremost step is to seek medical attention, even if you feel you don’t have serious injuries. Doing so will ensure that any injuries are promptly identified and treated. Additionally, an official medical record will be created documenting the injuries and their severity, and the treatment you might require.
The passage of time usually fades one’s memory, making it hard for them to give a clear account of the incident. Therefore, it’s important for accident victims to record as much information about the collision as soon as possible. That includes the names of other parties involved in the crash, license plate numbers, and witness contact numbers.
Additionally, pedestrian accident victims should retain a lawyer as soon as possible. An experienced attorney can help you recover significant compensation for the injuries and associated losses.