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Common Injuries of Pedestrians Who Are Hit by Cars

Pedestrian traffic fatalities are a glaring issue in our nation, with 7,318 pedestrians losing their lives in 2023. Although a slight decrease from the previous year, it is estimated that a pedestrian is killed every 71 minutes, meaning that the issue is far from resolved.

At Bradley & Perkins, we are committed to providing unparalleled representation to victims of pedestrian accidents. If you have fallen victim to a motorist’s disregard for your safety, Anderson pedestrian accident attorneys are here to recover just compensation on your behalf.

Traumatic Brain Injuries

A traumatic brain injury (TBI) can be caused by any bump, blow, or strike to the head that disrupts brain function. In 2022, there were over 69,000 TBI-related deaths. Symptoms of a TBI may present as dizziness, vomiting, loss of consciousness, confusion, and mood swings. While some victims make a full recovery, others must deal with permanent cognitive impairments. If you are exhibiting signs of a TBI, it is important that you seek medical treatment immediately.

Spinal Cord Injuries

The spinal cord is composed of a column of nerves that runs from the base of your skull down to your tailbone. A spinal cord injury can be caused by any damage to the bundle of nerves within the spinal cord. Roughly 250,000 to 500,00 spinal cord injuries occur each year, with motor vehicle and pedestrian accidents topping the list. Symptoms of a spinal cord injury may present as a tingling or numbing sensation, loss of bladder or bowel control, and difficulty breathing. If you believe that you have sustained a spinal cord injury, seek medical intervention.

Fractures

Pedestrians have roughly a 46% chance of suffering a moderate injury when struck by a motor vehicle traveling at a speed of at least 20 miles per hour. In pedestrian traffic accidents, ribs, arms, femur (thigh bone), tibia (shin bone), and fibula (calf bone) fractures are seen most commonly. Signs of a fracture may include sharp pain, tenderness, and swelling. Pedestrians with osteoporosis and other bone diseases are more susceptible to injury.

Chest Injuries

A pedestrian who is struck by a vehicle may experience fractured ribs. In some cases, a broken rib fragment can puncture a lung, causing a pneumothorax. A pneumothorax is a condition that causes air to build up between the lung and chest wall, causing your lung to collapse. Common symptoms of a pneumothorax include difficulty breathing, chest pain upon inhalation, fatigue, fast breathing, and coughing. If you suspect that you have suffered a pneumothorax, visit your closest emergency room.

Back Injuries

The impact of being hit by a motor vehicle can cause one of the discs in your spine to tear or leak, known as a herniated disc. A herniated disc or fractured vertebrae can reduce mobility and cause significant pain. While surgical options may be available in combination with physical therapy, back injuries can result in lifelong struggles, requiring that you seek constant care.

Damages

The recuperation period following an accident can take several months or even years. You may find it difficult to emotionally support your children, reserving the little energy you have to take care of your basic needs. At Bradley & Perkins, our experienced personal injury lawyers understand that not all suffering is physical or can be easily quantified. We strive to acquire the full extent of damages for our clients, refusing to settle for nothing less.

Damages from a pedestrian accident can be economic or noneconomic. Economic damages involve compensating an injury victim for losses that directly impact a person’s checkbook. These may include:

  • Lost wages
  • Emergency room care
  • Surgeries and treatments
  • Physical therapy
  • Home modifications

In contrast, noneconomic damages are nontangible losses that impact a person’s quality of life. These may include:

  • Pain and suffering
  • Infliction of emotional distress
  • Loss of love and society
  • Humiliation
  • Disfigurement and/or scarring

Struck by a Car? Contact Our Anderson Pedestrian Accident Lawyers Today

If you have been hit by a motor vehicle, it can be easy to lose hope. Pedestrian accidents can result in devastating injuries, causing the individual to go through countless surgeries and rehabilitative therapies. If you or a loved one have experienced this struggle, do not hesitate to contact the Anderson pedestrian accident attorneys at Bradley & Perkins. To arrange your free consultation, contact us online or by phone today.