What Are the Most Common Pedestrian Injuries from Car Accidents?

When involved in an accident between motorized vehicles (cars, motorcycles, trucks, etc.), we can suffer considerable injuries that sometimes alter our lives in temporary and permanent ways.

 

A pedestrian accident, however, can be even more catastrophic. Without the protection that a car can offer, pedestrians who are struck by vehicles are fully exposed. Moreover, the damage that such a heavy machine can do to a human body is very grave. According to data released by the NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration), 6,205 pedestrians died, and around 76,000 were injured in 2019 nationwide.

 

We are all pedestrians at some point, whether we find ourselves waiting for a bus, walking on sidewalks, walking our pets, etc. Unfortunately, these types of accidents are increasing, and many people are affected.

 

Here are some of the most common injuries a person can sustain during a pedestrian accident:

 

• Bone fractures. Both the lower and upper extremities are often seriously injured. Wrists, arms, legs, shoulders, clavicle, and back can present bone fractures, extremely painful injuries, even more so when the bone leaves the limb, piercing the skin

 

• Traumatic brain injuries. The head is one of the parts of the body that is most at risk from injury in pedestrian accidents. Concussions and brain injuries are catastrophic consequences that can alter a person’s life.

 

• Internal bleeding. Such strong blows to our body can damage internal organs, causing extremely dangerous bleeding that we cannot see at first glance.

 

• Soft tissue injuries. These injuries refer to sprains, lacerations, muscle tears, strains, and dislocations, among others. These types of damages can cause severe pain and long-term problems and often require a lengthy rehabilitation process.

 

• Spinal cord injuries. Pedestrians are also exposed to severe neck injuries, resulting in permanent paralysis or even death. A person with this type of paralysis will often require lifelong medical care.

 

If you or a loved one has been involved in a pedestrian accident, contact SM Law immediately. We will analyze your case and see how we can help you.