Because pedestrians are relatively unprotected compared to drivers and passengers inside a car, they can suffer severe injuries as a part of an accident. These injuries can have a long-lasting impact on victims’ lives and even lead to their death.
Cuts and lacerations
Glass, metal and other sharp materials can strike pedestrians in an accident, and the cuts and lacerations that result can do significant damage to victims. These injuries can also easily become infected or leave victims with lifelong scars.
Internal bleeding
While they may not be immediately apparent, internal injuries are no less severe than the cuts and lacerations that victims can experience. Victims may not experience the symptoms of internal bleeding until hours or even days after the accident, and this life-threatening condition may require immediate care or surgery.
Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
Traumatic brain injuries are one of the most common injuries that pedestrians suffer in an accident. A TBI can cause dizziness, changes to victims’ personalities, loss of consciousness and a variety of other severe symptoms in the aftermath of an accident.
Broken bones
Victims of pedestrian accidents can easily experience broken bones. Many victims experience serious hip fractures or multiple rib fractures that will take significant time to recover from. Depending on the severity of the fracture, recovery may depend on surgery and physical therapy.
If you or a loved one was injured in a car accident as a pedestrian, your wellbeing may depend on taking legal action. Compensation from a personal injury lawsuit could help you pay for medical treatment including long-term care, offset the impact of time away from work and offer solace after the pain and suffering you have experienced.