A pedestrian is anyone traveling on foot whether they are walking, jogging, pushing a stroller, etc. While all types of car accidents can be extremely damaging, when a vehicle collides with a pedestrian, the pedestrian does not have the protection of an airbag or the body of a car. Pedestrian injuries resulting from car accidents are often devastating and sometimes even fatal. As a road user of any kind, it is crucial that you understand the most commonly occurring pedestrian accidents. Work with a Bergen County pedestrian accident lawyer to learn more about your legal rights and options after a collision.
What Are the Causes of Pedestrian Injuries?
Anytime a motor vehicle collides with a pedestrian it will likely result in injuries, whether minor or severe. The accident could be the driver’s fault, the pedestrian’s fault, some combination of the two, or be a result of circumstances beyond anyone’s control. However, the culprit is typically negligent driving.
Speeding, failing to yield the right of way, distracted driving, fatigued driving, driving while under the influence, and disobeying the rules of the road are all common examples of how drivers can cause pedestrian accidents and injuries.
What Pedestrian Injuries Commonly Occur from Car Accidents?
Injuries that pedestrians sustain vary depending on the details of the accident like where they were struck, how fast the vehicle was moving, how they landed, the type of ground they landed on, and more. The most commonly occurring pedestrian injuries generally include the following.
- Broken bones and fractures
- Concussions and other TBIs (traumatic brain injuries)
- Spinal cord injuries
- Bruises
- Sprains, strains, and other soft tissue injuries
- Cuts and lacerations
- Internal bleeding
- Internal injuries like organ damage, ruptures, and tears
The areas of the body that are affected also differ between pedestrians and motorists. According to studies conducted by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the most common pedestrian injuries resulting from car accidents were to the following areas of the body, listed from most commonly occurring to least.
- Lower extremities
- Head
- Upper extremities
- Thorax (chest)
- Spine
- Abdomen
- Pelvis
Pedestrians sustain twice as many severe head and thorax injuries as drivers. Injuries to these areas can be extremely damaging and even fatal.
Can I Recover Compensation After My Accident?
If you were struck by a motor vehicle and sustained injuries and other damages, you can file a claim or lawsuit against the negligent driver. With the help of an experienced personal injury lawyer, you can gather and present evidence of your losses and recover compensation for the following and more.
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Property damage
- Diminished earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Emotional distress
To learn more about your legal rights and options, reach out to a skilled attorney at Feitlin, Youngman, Karas & Gerson, LLC today.
