What Kind of Injuries Do Pedestrians Typically Suffer From?

January 8, 2023 Posted In Pedestrian Accident

Thousands of pedestrians suffer injuries in accidents with motor vehicles each year in California. Here are the most common kinds of injuries pedestrians suffer from. 

Head Injuries

The chances of a head or brain injury are extremely high in a pedestrian accident.  Brain injuries occur when there is a sudden and violent blow or jolt to the head. As a result, they are frequently caused in pedestrian accidents when the head hits the vehicle, the pavement, or another object on the way down. Brain injuries can range from mild concussions to severe traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) with the potential to cause permanent cognitive impairment. In addition, pedestrians may also suffer skull fractures, broken bones in the face, or lacerations and bruises that can cause life-changing or long-lasting impairments or disfigurement.

Spinal Cord Injuries

Pedestrians often suffer spinal cord injuries due to the impact of the collision, being thrown, or the whipping motion it does to the body. As a result, the spine suffers stress, which can cause it to shatter or discs to herniate or rupture. Discs act as the cushion between vertebrae in the spine. When one is herniated or ruptured, it can be excruciating, limit mobility, and may lead to more severe back issues in the future. If the spinal cord is completely severed, pedestrians will suffer paralysis below the point of injury. 

Broken Bones

Severe bone fractures are common where pedestrians’ bodies make contact with a vehicle, another object, such as the windshield, or the ground. So many different body parts can suffer fractures which may require extensive surgeries, hardware, casts, and time to heal. 

Internal Damage

Internal organ damage to the spleen, liver, and kidneys frequently occurs and is not always immediately noticeable. However, internal bleeding can be life-threatening if not treated quickly. As a result, any signs of bruising or cuts on the abdomen must be evaluated. 

Loss of Limbs

Even a low-speed pedestrian accident in Riverside can cause enough damage to a limb to result in amputation. This is frequently due to the sharp edges of a car and the positioning of limbs getting caught under a vehicle’s front bumper, especially if the car pins a pedestrian against another object. 

Psychological Injuries

In some cases, pedestrians experience emotional distress and psychological conditions long after an accident—for example, depression, anxiety, or PTSD. The experience can be traumatic, especially if they were severely injured or almost killed. Common signs of mental distress include flashbacks and trouble sleeping. 

Wrongful Death

Many pedestrian accident injuries are severe and can be fatal. Victims can pass away immediately due to the impact, or it may be delayed. For example, if an organ ruptures and internal bleeding is not treated right away, or a broken bone leads to infection. In any case, when the negligence of another party takes the life of a pedestrian accident victim, it is considered a wrongful death. Since the victim cannot pursue a personal injury lawsuit, the surviving family can file a wrongful death claim on their behalf.