Whether a pedestrian is out walking, jogging, or sitting on a bench waiting for the bus, they can be vulnerable to injury in an accident caused by a negligent driver. Our personal injury lawyers at Krivitzky, Springer & Feldman understand the grave physical, financial, and emotional repercussions of being injured or losing a loved one in a pedestrian accident. Being aware of the types of injuries that occur can help you understand your rights and the actions to take if you’ve been injured.
Pedestrian Accident Injuries
Pedestrians often suffer severe injuries that have a significant impact on their quality of life. The severity of injuries usually depends on a few factors, including the type of vehicle, the speed at which it was traveling, and the age and health of the pedestrian who was hit. Common injuries sustained in pedestrian accidents include:
Head and brain injuries — Due to their lack of protection, pedestrians often suffer head injuries, such as a skull fracture, concussion, bleeding on the brain, and traumatic brain injury. Although some head injuries can be minor, others can have serious consequences that require ongoing medical treatment, rehabilitation, and lifelong care.
Neck, back, and spine injuries — These types of injuries can range from whiplash to fractured vertebrae or the spinal cord is severed and an injured victim becoming paralyzed. Even minor injuries, such as strains, sprains, or torn muscles and ligaments, can cause significant pain and lead to long-term problems.
Fractured or crushed bones — Pedestrians often suffer severe fractures of the pelvis, ribs, and other bones. Seriously damaged bones can require multiple surgeries, which can lead to chronic pain. If a bone is badly shattered, amputation may be necessary.
Internal injuries — Damage to the organs, such as the liver, kidneys, and spleen, can cause internal bleeding and lead to death.
Lacerations and facial injuries — Severe road rash and cuts may require plastic surgery or result in permanent scarring. Broken or knocked-out teeth, facial fractures, and lacerations can result in disfigurement that affects injured victims for the rest of their lives.
Psychological and emotional trauma — Even if a pedestrian doesn’t sustain a serious physical injury, being struck by a vehicle can cause long-lasting emotional trauma, such as PTSD, depression, anxiety, and nightmares.
Pedestrian accidents can also be fatal and result in a wrongful death claim. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), in 2017, pedestrians were killed in motor vehicle accidents approximately every 88 minutes.
Causes of Pedestrian Accidents
There are all types of scenarios in which a negligent driver can injure a pedestrian. Some common causes of pedestrian accidents include:
- Crosswalk accidents— When a vehicle fails to yield the right-of-way to a pedestrian in a crosswalk, the results can be fatal.
- Parking lot/back-up accidents— A motorist backing out of a parking space who fails to see a pedestrian walking behind them can cause serious injury.
- Loss of control —Some pedestrian accidents occur when a driver loses control of their vehicle sideswiping parked cars or running up on the sidewalk.
- Hit and run accidents— Unfortunately, many pedestrian accidents involve hit and run drivers. However, even if the driver who caused an injury can’t be found, your auto insurance may cover your medical bills and other damages.
- DUI accidents— According to the NHTSA, 47% of all fatal pedestrian accidents in 2017 involved alcohol.
What To Do If You’re Involved In A Pedestrian Accident
Seek medical attention. Even if you believe you’re not seriously injured, it’s important to seek medical care following an accident. It’s always a good idea to call 911 to make sure the accident is documented by law enforcement.
Gather information. If possible, take photos of the scene and get contact, driver’s license, and insurance information from all involved drivers. Write down the details of what happened while they’re still fresh in your mind. If there were any witnesses, get their statements, and contact information.
Find a New Jersey personal injury lawyer. When you’re involved in a pedestrian accident, the sooner you consult with an experienced attorney, the better. A personal injury lawyer can investigate the circumstances surrounding the accident, advise you of the most effective course of action to recover compensation, and fight to protect your rights and interests.
Contact Our Jersey City Pedestrian Accident Lawyers
If you’ve been hurt or have lost a loved one in a pedestrian accident, our compassionate, experienced personal injury attorneys at Krivitzky, Springer & Feldman can help. You can contact us online with questions or to schedule a free consultation; or call us at 201-798-2711 in Jersey City or 973-874-0556 in Newfoundland, New Jersey. We serve clients in West Milford, Jefferson, Kinnelon, Vernon, and throughout the State of New Jersey. Se habla español.
