Common Injuries of Pedestrians Who are Hit by Cars
Without any type of protection while they are out walking, pedestrians are at risk of suffering serious injuries when they are struck by a vehicle.
The vast majority of pedestrian accidents occur between individuals who are on foot and motor vehicles. These collisions have the potential to causecatastrophic injuries, due to the fact that pedestrians are so exposed and vulnerable. A pedestrian can become hurt in several ways when they are struck by a car. However, some injuries are more common than others. Below, our Murrieta pedestrian accident lawyer explains what these are.
Traumatic Brain Injuries
Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are usually caused by a jolt or blow to the head, resulting in the brain becoming damaged. Pedestrian accidents happen in a second and victims do not have time to brace for the accident and protect their head. After being struck by a vehicle, a pedestrian may fall and hit their head on the ground. Other times, a pedestrian may be thrown onto the hood or windshield of a vehicle, striking their head and suffering a TBI as they do.
Spinal Cord Injuries
Spinal cord injuries are very common in pedestrian accidents. The spinal column is very fragile and when it is struck by a heavy vehicle, it can easily become damaged. Even a minor spinal cord injury, such as a herniated disc, will have serious impacts on pedestrians. More severe spinal cord injuries, such as paralysis, will change an accident victim’s life entirely and require a lifetime of ongoing care.
Internal Injuries
Vehicles often strike pedestrians with great force and that can easily cause internal injuries. The most common internal injuries include broken ribs, collapsed lungs, internal bleeding, organ damage, and ruptured spleens. Internal injuries are not always visible, and they also do not always show symptoms. For this reason, it is critical that pedestrians always seek medical attention after being hit by a vehicle.
Pelvic Injuries
The front and back of a car is often right in line with a person’s pelvis. As such, when a vehicle strikes a person on foot, the pelvis can sustain serious injuries. Pelvic fractures are very common, and they also have a high fatality rate. When bones in the pelvis break, they can puncture important arteries in the pelvis, and can result in serious nerve damage.
Wrongful Death
Tragically, pedestrians do not always survive accidents with vehicles. A pedestrian may suffer awrongful death at the scene, or they may later succumb to their injuries. In these instances, family members can file a wrongful death claim against the negligent party.
Our Pedestrian Accident Lawyers in Murrieta Can Help After a Crash
If you or someone you love has been hurt in a crash, ourMurrieta pedestrian accident lawyers at Gibbs & Fuerst, LLP, are here to help. We know the serious injuries that result from these accidents and how to hold negligent parties liable for them. Call us today at 951-816-3435 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation and to obtain the sound legal advice you need.