Pedestrian accidents can often lead to severe injuries. Most people are unprotected when they're walking outside, so getting hit by a vehicle increases the risk of experiencing fatal wounds. When pedestrian accidents occur, victims should seek immediate medical help to avoid complications.
Unfortunately, a pedestrian accident can impact a person's quality of life. What can someone do after they get involved in such an event? It depends on the circumstances. Some injuries are more complicated than others, so that will determine the victim's next actions.
Understanding the most common injuries in a pedestrian accident can help victims assess their legal case more thoroughly. With the help of a legal professional, victims can focus on recovering from their serious injuries while the attorney fights for their rights. They can also help with explaining common injuries in a bicycle accident.
What Are the Most Common Pedestrian Accident Injuries?
Pedestrian accidents range from mild to major. The injuries can lead to many medical expenses and the loss of quality of life, which are factors to consider when building a legal case. Law Office of Carl Maltese can assist with insight on common injuries in a construction accident as well.
Below is a breakdown of the most common pedestrian injuries:
Spinal Cord Injuries
These injuries involve damage to a part of the spinal cord of the victim. Such a wound can also affect the nerves at the end of the spinal cord. Depending on the damage, the person can experience temporary or permanent disability in an area of their body, resulting in loss of sensation, function, or strength.
With rehabilitation and surgery, some patients can recover. Others, however, will need to receive long-term care.
Head and Brain Injuries
Head injuries are among the most dangerous ones a person can experience. In many scenarios, they can lead to temporary or permanent damage to a person's skull and brain.
A traumatic brain injury, for example, happens when there's damage to the brain caused by an outside force. This can cause mild symptoms like confusion and nausea, but it can also lead to complications like permanent disability.
It's possible to recover from traumatic brain injuries in some cases. Victims, however, must seek immediate medical help to assess any underlying problems before it's too late.
Internal Injuries
Internal injuries happen when there's any damage to a person's organs or body structures. Most of these injuries aren't visible from the outside, so it may be hard to identify them right after an accident.
Victims should seek medical help immediately to rule out internal injuries before it's too late. Otherwise, they risk getting complications.
Broken Bones
Getting hit by a vehicle could lead to broken bones in any part of the body. Usually, people may recover from broken bones with a cast and enough rest. Other cases may require surgery. A doctor's evaluation could help the victim determine the most viable option for them.
Cuts and Bruises
Cuts and bruises may come from getting in contact with another vehicle. Although they're not as severe as other injuries on the list, cuts are still dangerous, as they can get infected. Bruises, on the other hand, have the risk of scarring.
Soft Tissue Injuries
Soft tissue injuries involve any damage to a person's muscles, tendons, or ligaments. They're common after pedestrian accidents and can lead to swelling, bruising, and a lot of pain.
Usually, soft tissue injuries will heal without any problems, but they should be taken seriously. Some untreated injuries could cause complications.
Wrongful Death
Fatal pedestrian accidents can lead to a person's death. Whether the death happened during or after the accident, surviving family members may be able to sue the at-fault party for damages.
The money may cover certain expenses, including funeral and burial costs. Talking to a pedestrian accident attorney in Long Island may help family members get a better idea of how to address such a difficult situation.
What Are Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents?
Pedestrian accidents happen because of many reasons. Understanding who can be at fault is important, as this will affect how much money the victim gets from their case. These are the most important factors/individuals to consider:
Drivers: Some accidents happen because drivers aren't paying attention to the road, so they risk other people's lives. Whether the driver is fatigued, distracted, or intoxicated, this can be dangerous for pedestrians.
Pedestrians: Pedestrians who aren't following the law may also contribute to an accident. If someone were to step out into traffic, for example, that could lead to an accident.
Road/Weather/Vehicle Conditions: Sometimes, the accident may not be anyone's fault. Certain external conditions can contribute to the accident. However, it's crucial for the victim to document the scene as thoroughly as possible to find the at-fault party.
What Should People Do to File a Pedestrian Accident Claim?
Filing a claim with an experienced pedestrian accident lawyer allows victims to get compensation for what happened. The money can be used to cover different factors, including medical bills, lost wages, rehabilitation costs, and more.
Those who want to get the best results possible should gather as much evidence as they can. If they can still move after the accident, they should take photos and videos of the scene, including any property damage resulting from the hit.
What if there were witnesses? The victim should try and get their contact information. Their testimony will be crucial to prove the other person's guilt later. This is crucial when negotiating with insurance companies and in court.
When the victim has gathered enough evidence, they must discuss their next steps with an attorney. They will organize everything the victim has and build a solid case that earns them the victory. Also, they'll educate them on any law terms the victim may not be familiar with.
Bottom Line
Getting hit by a motor vehicle is devastating for anyone. It doesn't matter at which speed the car was going; the hit can greatly damage the person's body. In these cases, the victim needs all the help they can get, especially in the legal sense.
The Law Office of Carl Maltese can help victims of pedestrian accidents evaluate all factors surrounding their case, ensuring there are no details left unchecked. Whether the victim experienced severe head injuries or minor bruises, this legal team commits to seeking justice for what happened.
Time is of the essence when it comes to these legal claims, so those interested in checking out their case with an expert should consider asking for a free consultation with this law firm today.
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