May 22, 2023 | Reading Time: 6 min Whenever a car hits a pedestrian, this can result in catastrophic injuries that dramatically impact the victim’s quality of life. If this happens to you or a loved one, a Cellino Law attorney can seek compensation from those responsible. Please use our online form or call 888-888-8888 for a free consultation. Here are the most common types of pedestrian accident injuries.
1. Head and Brain Injuries
These injuries can range from mild concussions to severe traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). Mild concussions may cause temporary symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, and confusion, while severe TBIs can result in long-term cognitive impairments, memory loss, and permanent disabilities. Head and brain injuries can have a significant impact on the quality of life. They often require ongoing medical care, rehabilitation, and adjustments in daily activities.
The cost of treatment for head and brain injuries can be substantial. Additionally, the victim may experience a loss of income if they can’t work due to their injuries.
If the at-fault driver was speeding, driving while distracted, or failing to yield, you may be able to hold them liable for the injuries and resulting damages.
2. Back, Neck, and Spine Injuries
Pedestrian accidents can also result in back, neck, and spine injuries. Sometimes, these injuries are relatively mild, such as sprains and strains. In other instances, victims will suffer more severe conditions like herniated discs, spinal fractures, and spinal cord injuries. These injuries can lead to chronic pain, limited mobility, loss of sensation, and paralysis, depending on the severity and location of the injury.
Treating back, neck, and spine injuries can be expensive because it can be highly complex. Treatment may involve the following:
- Diagnostic imaging
- Surgeries
- Pain management treatments
- Rehabilitation programs
- Assistive devices
- Ongoing medical care
- And more
The expenses associated with these injuries can have a long-term financial impact on the individual, including medical bills, therapy costs, and potential loss of income. Factors such as driver negligence, failure to yield, speeding, or disregarding traffic laws can contribute to the accident.
3. Broken Bones and Fractures
Pedestrian accidents often result in broken bones and fractures due to the vehicle’s or the ground’s impact. These injuries can affect various body parts, including the arms, legs, ribs, pelvis, and facial bones. Fractures can range from simple fractures requiring immobilization to complex fractures requiring surgery and inserting plates, screws, or rods for stabilization. Recovery time varies depending on the severity of the fracture and the individual’s overall health.
Broken bones and fractures can significantly impact the quality of life of the injured pedestrian. They may experience pain, limited mobility, difficulty performing daily activities, and potential long-term complications, such as joint stiffness or arthritis. Rehabilitation, physical therapy, and sometimes surgical intervention may be necessary for optimal recovery.
Medical expenses may include:
- Emergency care
- Surgeries
- Imaging tests
- Follow-up visits
- Physical therapy
- Orthopedic devices for support and mobility
These expenses and the potential loss of income during the recovery period can lead to financial strain.
Poor road conditions or faulty traffic signals may contribute to a pedestrian accident resulting in broken bones. There could be other liable parties, such as the municipal authorities responsible for road maintenance.
4. Soft Tissue Injuries
Soft tissue injuries are common in pedestrian accidents and can include sprains and strains, contusions (bruises), and whiplash, which is extremely painful. They can vary in severity, from mild discomfort that resolves with rest and conservative treatment to more severe cases requiring physical therapy and prolonged recovery.
The impact of soft tissue injuries on the quality of life depends on the injury’s severity. In some cases, individuals may experience chronic pain or reduced functionality, affecting their ability to perform daily tasks or engage in physical activities they previously enjoyed.
Treatment may involve pain medication, physical therapy, chiropractic care, or other forms of rehabilitation. While soft tissue injuries generally don’t require surgery, the expenses can still accumulate, including medical consultations, therapy sessions, and medication costs.
Liability in pedestrian accidents resulting in soft tissue injuries follows a similar pattern as other injuries. However, establishing liability for soft tissue injuries can sometimes be more challenging than severe injuries with visible evidence.
5. Crushing Injuries
Crushing injuries occur when a pedestrian is trapped between a vehicle and another object, such as a wall, tree, or another vehicle, after being hit head-on. These injuries can be severe, resulting in fractures, internal injuries, organ damage, or even amputations. The severity of crushing injuries depends on the force and duration of compression.
Crush injuries can have a devastating impact on the quality of life of the injured pedestrian. They often require extensive medical intervention, including surgeries, reconstructive procedures, rehabilitation, and psychological support. The long-term consequences may include chronic pain, physical disabilities, emotional trauma, and the need for assistive devices or prosthetics.
Reckless driving can contribute to these types of injuries. Additionally, the location and design of the accident scene, such as inadequate signage or barriers, could also play a role in determining liability.
6. Cuts and Bruises
Cuts and bruises are common injuries in pedestrian accidents, particularly when a pedestrian comes into contact with a vehicle or other objects involved in the accident. While cuts and bruises may seem less severe than other injuries, they can still cause pain, discomfort, and potential complications such as infection or scarring.
The impact of cuts and bruises on the quality of life depends on their severity and location. Superficial cuts and minor bruises may heal with time and basic first aid, but deeper lacerations or extensive bruising may require medical attention, including stitches or other interventions.
Treatment may be necessary if the cuts are deep or require stitches. The expenses associated with treating cuts and bruises can include emergency room visits, doctor consultations, wound care supplies, and potential follow-up appointments.
7. Wrongful Death
Tragically, pedestrian accidents can sometimes result in fatalities. Wrongful death occurs when a pedestrian loses their life due to the negligence or intentional actions of another party, typically the vehicle’s driver. These accidents can devastate the victim’s family, causing immense emotional pain and financial hardships.
The costs associated with wrongful death cases can include:
- Funeral expenses
- Medical bills
- Loss of financial support
- Emotional distress experienced by the surviving family members
While the financial aspect cannot fully compensate for the loss of a loved one, it can provide some support during a difficult time.
Attorneys experienced in handling pedestrian accident cases can provide guidance, assess liability, gather evidence, negotiate with insurance companies, and represent your interests in court, if necessary.
Contact Cellino Law to Speak with a Pedestrian Accident Attorney
Cellino Law is a law firm specializing in personal injury, including pedestrian accident cases. Contacting their attorneys can provide you with the necessary legal support and representation to ensure your rights are protected. When you turn to us, we’ll maximize your chances of receiving fair compensation for your injuries or losing a loved one.
Schedule a free case review as soon as possible by calling 888-888-8888 or contacting us online.
Content checked by the personal injury attorney Ross Cellino. As a family man and a trial attorney, I pride myself on winning cases and serving the community. With over 35 years of experience, I understand the function of a jury, how juries arrive at conclusions, and the role that the jury plays in administering justice. I know how to win cases. You can find us in Manhattan, Buffalo, Melville, Rochester, Brooklyn, The Bronx, Queens and other locations throughout New York.