The U.S. reported that in 2024, traffic accidents caused the death of approximately 7,148 people. This number shows a reduction of about 4.3% when compared to the previous year.
According to a Georgia pedestrian accident lawyer, every pedestrian who suffers an accident as a result of being hit by a car is entitled to compensation for medical care, pharmacy expenses, physiotherapy, and loss of income.
Let’s review the common types of damages pedestrians sustain following a pedestrian accident.
The Vulnerability of Pedestrians in Accidents
No matter how busy the streets might be, pedestrians should always take precautions when walking close to the road. You might feel safe being surrounded by a lot. Unfortunately, a large crowd of people will not stop a fast-moving car from passing through and causing significant damage.
According to a pedestrian accident lawyer James E. Ringold, a moving car is always stronger than a pedestrian and the latter is very likely to get into such accidents and suffer from severe and even lifelong injuries.
Pedestrians expose themselves to numerous hazards when on the street. The same dangers may arise from pedestrians who are lost in their own thoughts or who are so involved in chatting with their companions that they fail to notice the coming of a car and other possible dangers on the road.
It is necessary for pedestrians to be very alert. Do not only take care of yourself. Look out for others to make the roads safer and help everyone feel safe.
Common Types of Injuries Sustained by Pedestrians
In the event of a vehicular crash, the pedestrians can sustain any kind of injury. One can end up with broken bones, which entail a long period for recovery. The body parts that are usually involved in such incidents are arms and legs.
Among others, the most frequent and probably painful are soft tissue injuries. Besides, head wounds appear in all pedestrian injuries or accidents, and they might range from slight to severe concussions. Even minor head injuries require maximum precaution and care.
The injuries of the back and spine can change a person’s mobility and living standards to a great extent. The most frequent injuries, such as cuts and bruises, might occasionally cover up the serious underlying problems.
Such injuries’ victims would experience total physical and mental breakdowns and thus, the provision of care and support during the post-injury period would be deemed absolutely necessary.
Factors Contributing to the Severity of Pedestrian Injuries
The severity of pedestrian injuries in an accident may differ under the influence of several factors. Among these factors is the vehicle speed. It is faster vehicles that will lead to more severe injuries to the pedestrian. The bad weather that will reduce visibility will also contribute to the occurrence of the accidents.
The location of the accident has significance too. It is a common observation that accidents occur more often in busy, noisy, or active places than calm ones. More traffic usually means a higher risk of impact.
The pedestrian himself or herself also could influence the severity of the injury. For example, an early-aged or elderly pedestrian has an increased probability for injury, just like a child, depending upon vulnerability.
Crosswalks and traffic signals are protective measures that help drivers recognize when to slow down. Recognizing these inherent factors offers enlightenment and awareness regarding pedestrian safety in the neighborhood.
The Financial Impact of Pedestrian Injuries
Pedestrian accidents have consequences that extend beyond mere physical harm. They also place considerable financial burdens on the victims. In case you have gotten hurt or have seen another person get injured, you know how the associated recovery costs can soar.
Income loss, medical expenses, the aftercare timetable, and other related difficulties are going to affect your budget. Each of these problems can lead to a person suffering, being scared, panicking, and having a poor mental state.
Accidental emotional trauma is still something you have to deal with and it could be even worse for your career or social life than professional decline or social isolation.
It is very important to understand that the injury impacts not only the victim but also their family and the whole community surrounding them. Everyone should stick together more through such days so that the burden is reduced and a sense of camaraderie is fostered.
Legal Considerations in Pedestrian Injury Cases
The complexity and the difficult legal nature of pedestrian accidents become apparent when a pedestrian is hurt. An injured pedestrian may have a lot of questions, like what rights he/she may have, what the case may end up with, and what his/her next step should be.
There are specific standards regarding drivers’ liabilities for children and pedestrians. In case of injury, the police report can serve as one of the pieces of evidence, while witness testimonies can be regarded as the supporting documentation.
They might clarify your case’s situation for you to a certain degree. See to it that you know your state’s statute of limitations. Failure to meet this deadline will result in your claim being compromised.
Insurance companies are important for helping you recover. When it comes to insurance transactions, the utmost care should be exercised.
An attorney who is composed and well-informed can guide you through the system, inform and train you regarding the different issues, and protect your interests against the law where necessary during such difficult and traumatic times.