Pedestrians are incredibly vulnerable. Unlike automobile passengers who are safely enclosed in a vehicle, or bicyclists and motorcyclists who have the benefit of specialized safety gear, pedestrians have nothing to reduce the possibility of severe injuries in the event of an accident. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), nearly 6,000 pedestrians died in 2015 in the United States. An additional 129,000 received treatment in emergency departments for non-fatal injuries.
Were you injured in an accident as a pedestrian? You have the right to seek justice and compensation. Contact Woods Williford, Personal injury Attorneys for a free consultation to get started!
Injuries Commonly Sustained in Pedestrian Accidents
Given how vulnerable and exposed pedestrians are, it is no surprise that many of the injuries they sustain in these serious accidents are often catastrophic and tend to warrant long-term medical care and treatment. Below are some of the most common injuries sustained in pedestrian accidents:
- Broken bones: When a pedestrian is struck by a motorized vehicle, the force of it can result in broken bones. Such injuries are often painful and require extensive treatment to correct.
- Traumatic brain injuries: A severe traumatic brain injury can result in brain dysfunction and produce a vast array of symptoms, including depression, anxiety, trouble with memory, and changes in sleep patterns.
- Spinal cord injuries: Not all spinal cord injuries result in complete paralysis, most often affect some of the body’s sensation and movement. Depending on the severity of the accident and affected area, spinal cord damage can have a life-altering impact on a survivor.
- Amputation injuries: In some cases, an accident is severe enough to result in the loss of a limb or extremity. It is also possible for a limb or extremity to sustain such irreversible damage that amputation is necessary.
- Emotional trauma: Some injuries go deeper than skin, flesh, and bone. After being struck by a vehicle, a pedestrian might have a fair amount of emotional trauma to cope with. These emotional scars might require extensive therapy and other mental health services.
- Death: Some injuries are so severe that they ultimately result in death to the pedestrian. In fact, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), pedestrian deaths are increasing compared to other traffic-related deaths.
Do Pedestrians Always Have the Right of Way?
Although pedestrians have the right of way in marked and unmarked crosswalks, they do not always have the right of way. For example, pedestrians cannot suddenly leave a curb or run into the path of a motor vehicle. Ultimately, both drivers and pedestrians must act responsibly. If a pedestrian is partially to blame for an accident, the percentage of blame will be factored into the compensation he or she receives.
Schedule a Consultation with an Experienced Personal Injury Attorney
If you were injured in a pedestrian accident, the team at Woods Williford Personal Injury Attorneys has the knowledge and compassion necessary to assist you throughout the process of filing a lawsuit, so you can successfully obtain the compensation you deserve. We understand how painful and challenging this experience must be for you and will work diligently on your behalf to ensure the responsible party is held liable. Contact our law office today at (949) 558-2245 to set up a consultation with one of our attorneys.