We have all seen it: someone crossing a street, oblivious to approaching traffic, and then a heart-stopping screech of tires followed by the sickening thump of an accident involving a pedestrian. Pedestrian-vehicle collisions, as these accidents are formally known, unfortunately, remain a significant problem: in the United States, 5,375 pedestrians were killed in traffic accidents in 2019, and more than 100,000 were injured.
But what are the most common injuries resulting from pedestrian accidents? What should pedestrians and drivers look out for if a crash occurs? In this blog post, we will explore the types of injuries often associated with pedestrian accidents as well as how they can be prevented and treated. So let’s get started – buckle up, and be sure to put away your cell phone before crossing the street!
Pedestrian accidents can often lead to serious injuries, such as broken bones, head trauma, spinal cord damage, and internal bleeding. It is important to take all steps necessary to protect yourself and stay safe while walking on the road.
Common Injuries from Pedestrian Accidents
Pedestrian accidents can cause a wide range of injuries, some serious and some minor. Common injuries include broken bones, scrapes and bruises, sprains, and cuts. In more severe cases, victims of pedestrian accidents can suffer from traumatic brain injury (TBI), organ damage, paralysis, and even death.
People who are involved in pedestrian accidents are more likely to suffer both mild and severe injuries than those in car crashes for several reasons. First off, pedestrians do not have the protection that cars provide, which leaves them vulnerable. Secondly, the human body is no match for the weight and speed of a vehicle when an accident occurs. Lastly, pedestrians are less likely to notice oncoming traffic because their line of sight may be blocked by buildings or other obstacles.
It’s not always easy to recognize the extent of your injuries after a pedestrian accident, as many times, injuries won’t be felt immediately due to shock or adrenaline. It’s important to seek medical attention right away regardless, as sometimes symptoms may take days or weeks before they surface.
Given the potential seriousness of these types of accidents, it is essential to understand the risks involved to best protect yourself while walking around town or crossing intersections. Brain trauma should be of particular concern as it is one of the most damaging and long-term effects someone may experience after a pedestrian accident. Moving forward, let’s explore further how brain and head trauma is identified along with what unique measures need to be taken for one to recover properly.
Brain and Head Trauma
Having discussed some of the common injuries that can be sustained in pedestrian accidents, such as breaks, sprains, and cuts; let us now examine the even more serious types of injuries sustained in these collisions. In particular, we should take a closer look at brain and head trauma.
Brain injuries obtained in pedestrian accidents are particularly scary and devastating because they can potentially leave long-term effects or even change the life of the victim altogether if it is severe enough. The most tragic consequence of this type of injury or trauma is death, which can occur if the victim has been hit by a car at too high of a speed. For example, there has recently been a case where a 17-year-old high school student was struck while crossing the street and killed on impact.
On the other hand, what may appear to be minor slip-and-fall accidents can also lead to moderate to serious traumatic head injuries ranging from mild concussions to lifesaving brain surgery. In such cases, an MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) or CT scan (Computer Tomography) should be conducted as soon as possible to accurately assess and diagnose any potential intracranial damage.
It is important for victims and their families to understand that even if a seemingly minor cut or bruise is present, there may still be other internal damages such as impaired vision, balance issues, memory problems, or difficulty thinking clearly. Therefore, it is always advisable to seek medical attention if you have suffered any type of head trauma or have witnessed someone else suffering from it.
Head wounds require special attention and care – both during recovery and afterward – since they could lead to further complications if not treated properly. All things considered, educating oneself on brain and head trauma is essential when it comes to preventing or dealing with these life-altering health risks associated with pedestrian accidents.
Now that we have explored brain and head trauma associated with these types of incidents, we must turn our attention to another set of dangers – namely muscle and joint injuries, sometimes resulting in permanent disability or chronic pain.
Muscles and Joint Injuries
After examining the extensive brain and head trauma associated with pedestrian accidents, it’s important to consider that there are further physical injuries that can emerge as a result of such incidents. Muscles and joint injuries are often common, occurring when the body is physically impacted by an object, causing overextension of limbs or muscles. Many minor incidents may result in little more than aches and pains, whereas more severe impacts can cause sprains, strains, dislocations, or even tears of various muscles and ligaments.
When it comes to dealing with muscle injuries resulting from pedestrian accidents, victims need to seek medical attention as soon as possible. Delaying treatment of these ailments will only increase the likelihood of further damage being done, potentially resulting in extended recovery times or chronic issues. If treatment is administered in a timely fashion, however, many muscle injuries can be healed in a matter of weeks using simple methods such as rest, ice compression, or even physical therapy. In more extreme cases where surgery is necessary, rehab after said surgery is paramount for victims to return to their pre-accident status.
Once again, it’s worth noting that regardless of the severity of accident-related injuries sustained by a victim, seeking medical care quickly is essential for making sure the injury does not get worse and the victim can fully recover. With this in mind, it’s time to extend our focus toward more commonplace pedestrian accident injuries; broken bones.
Broken Bones
From muscle and joint injuries, let’s move on to discuss broken bones. Broken bones are very common in pedestrian accidents, as their bodies are often unprepared and unable to handle the sudden force of a collision. Furthermore, as most pedestrians do not have airbags or seatbelts to protect them, they have an increased risk of suffering more serious and catastrophic injuries.
Those suffering from a broken bone may experience a severe amount of pain along with swelling, bruising, or even deformity around the area. Depending on the severity of the fracture, it may require surgery or casts to properly heal. The healing process can vary greatly depending on the individual and the severity of the injury.
However, not all fractures are immediately apparent after an accident. It is important to note that some broken bones may take days or weeks to appear, so although you may initially think you haven’t suffered any broken bones after a pedestrian accident, it is still highly advised to seek medical help from a doctor if possible, as they will be able to provide more thorough checks and diagnoses for any hidden injuries sustained during the incident.
In sum, broken bones should never be underestimated when it comes to pedestrian accidents as they can range from simple fractures that can heal without more intensive treatment, to much more serious breaks that may require surgery. It is important to keep an eye out for pain, swelling, and further physical signs that could indicate an underlying fracture. Moving forward, let’s discuss the importance of looking out for certain physical symptoms following a pedestrian accident.
Physical Signs and Symptoms to Look Out For
Physical signs and symptoms can be an obvious indication that an individual involved in a pedestrian accident has been injured. Following a collision, the victim may develop physical symptoms such as dizziness, nausea, or headaches. In addition to these general physical state changes, there are more specific things to look out for. For example, blood leaking from wounds is an easy way to detect internal bleeding, while tingling sensations can indicate nerve damage. Furthermore, swelling and bruising around certain joints can be indications of broken bones in those areas. It is important to pay attention to any physical cues that someone has been hurt during a pedestrian accident to get immediate medical attention when needed.
Pain is another extremely telling symptom associated with injury after a collision. How severe and widespread the pain is can often help assess the risk of further damage or complications from an injury. Although some physical signs such as swelling and vomiting are easy to detect, pain may be harder to recognize due to each person’s unique threshold for discomfort or because the injured person may be too distracted by the shock of the event. Paying close attention to potential signs of discomfort – even if minor – and making sure that those affected receive medical help promptly is essential in mitigating further harm or long-term effects.
Although physical signs and symptoms like those mentioned above provide a clear warning of danger, it is important to remember that sometimes no external indications are present despite potential internal damage or trauma. This makes performing regular checkups with a doctor following a car crash especially beneficial as it serves as a preemptive measure against unseen issues that might have an impact on one’s overall health down the road. As such, it should not be underestimated how crucial monitoring oneself on both the physical and emotional levels can be following an accident.
By understanding what kinds of physical signs and symptoms people may encounter after being in a pedestrian accident, we can prepare ourselves and assist others who are at risk of suffering serious injuries due to the incident. Being aware of the potential threats posed by vehicles at any given moment can help us make better decisions during unforeseen events and ensure our safety both before and after a collision. Additionally, being equipped with information about what physical signs and symptoms to look out for following an accident also ensures we can respond adequately in the case of any unwanted incidents with swiftness and accuracy next time tragedy strikes. With this knowledge in mind, we can now turn our attention to another common indicator of injury: pain and bruising.
Pain and Bruising
When a pedestrian is involved in an accident, they may experience varying levels of pain and bruising. Pain can range from mild to severe and may depend on the force of the collision and any underlying medical conditions a person had before the accident.
When assessing an individual’s level of pain, important questions to consider include: (1) where the pain is located; (2) when the pain became present; and (3) what activities exacerbate the pain? Questions such as these will help physicians determine whether the pain is caused by an injury associated with the accident or is related to a pre-existing condition.
In addition to traditional types of physical pain, victims of accidents may also experience neurological or psychologically based pain, including migraines, phantom limb pain, or complex regional pain syndrome. Psychological distress could manifest itself in physical form, especially if the victim has been deeply affected by their traumatic experience.
Bruising, contusions, and wounds are very common among pedestrian injuries. These will often appear within hours after the injury but can sometimes be delayed up to one week after impact. Bruising should be taken into acute consideration as it could indicate internal bleeding even when there are no signs of penetration wounds.
It is important to take note of any changes that occur in bruises over time as these changes could indicate a significant progression of injury or infection. In most cases, medical professionals will advise patients not to remove any bandages or dressings for at least twenty-four hours after the incident with some monitoring for up to five days, depending on the severity of injuries sustained.
The risk of long-term complications that can arise from minor trauma should not be ignored either. Hence, any person suffering from pedestrian accident injuries needs to consult with a medical professional, even if symptoms seem mild initially. With this in mind, it’s time we examine potential complications that could arise from more serious pedestrian injuries associated with impacts such as skid marks and twisting/turning motions that can occur during an accident.
- A 2018 study conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) found that head and brain injuries were the most common types of injury among pedestrians involved in traffic collisions.
- According to a 2019 study published in the American Journal of Emergency Medicine, lower extremity fracture was the second most frequent type of injury found among pedestrians involved in traffic collisions.
- Another 2019 study published in the Journal of Traffic Injury Prevention reported that torso injuries were the third most frequent type of injury associated with pedestrian collisions.
Risk of Complications from Injuries
It is important to note that injuries resulting from pedestrian accidents may also come with the risk of further complications. In many cases, even minor physical trauma from an accident can lead to serious problems down the road if left untreated or improperly diagnosed. Pain and bruising may be only the beginning for those involved in a pedestrian collision.
For instance, broken bones can take weeks or months to heal completely, during which time nerve damage, swollen joints, and limited range of motion could all occur. Possible complications from fractures include blood clots, skin infections, poor blood circulation, and compartment syndrome—which requires emergency medical attention due to restricted blood flow in the muscles and swelling. Soft-tissue injuries such as sprains, strains, or tears can also lead to long-term issues without proper rest and treatment.
In addition to physical risks, psychological trauma is not to be underestimated either. The emotional response to a traumatic event like an accident can manifest itself later in depression, anxiety disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and difficulty sleeping. Fortunately, therapy options are available to help mitigate these serious mental stressors.
Ultimately, it’s important for anyone injured in a pedestrian accident to seek medical attention to diagnose any underlying conditions that may complicate the healing process moving forward. An accurate diagnosis and tailored course of treatment can ensure that pain and bruising will not lead to an array of more serious issues down the road.
With that said, pedestrians involved in collisions must be aware of what kind of medical attention their injury requires—not only to heal properly now but also for long-term recovery as well. From knowing when X-rays may be necessary to understand the best treatment options available—such as surgery or medication—pedestrians should educate themselves on how best to care for their injury’s particular needs.
The next section will explore some of the types of medical attention required for injuries from pedestrian accidents so readers can better understand the steps they should take to protect themselves in such situations.
Injuries from pedestrian accidents may have serious long-term implications that require medical attention. They can include broken bones, soft-tissue damage, swelling, blood clots, infections, and psychological trauma. Therefore, those involved in such collisions should get a thorough examination and diagnosis so that appropriate treatment can be provided for a full recovery. Pedestrians need to educate themselves on when X-rays may be necessary, the best potential treatment options, and how to protect themselves in similar situations.
Medical Attention Required for Injuries from Pedestrian Accidents
Pedestrian accidents often result in serious injuries, so seeking medical attention following an accident is essential. With a range of possible injuries to look out for, there is often debate regarding when and why medical help must be sought for pedestrian accident injuries. Here are some points to consider when deciding on medical attention:
* Potential Severity: If a pedestrian accident results in any physical pain or obvious injury, it is recommended to seek medical attention promptly. By visiting a doctor or hospital emergency department, the severity of any injury can be assessed and treated with adequate care.
* Long-Term Health Risks: Injuries from a pedestrian accident may not always feel severe immediately after the incident; however, they can result in long-term health risks if left untreated. For example, even if cuts and bruises seem minor at first, they may become infected days or weeks later.
* Mental Health: People who suffer a pedestrian accident may also experience psychological trauma or mental health-related issues such as anxiety and depression due to their experience. Seeking professional help and support from mental health practitioners is important in managing any long-term symptoms or feelings associated with such traumatic events.
While there are certainly benefits of seeking immediate medical attention following an accident, there are some cases where a person doesn’t have to visit a doctor or hospital emergency department. For example, if the injury is minor (such as grazes or small cuts), then observing the injury over time and taking basic steps to ensure there are no signs of infection (e.g., cleaning the wound daily) might be sufficient before considering further medical assistance.
Ultimately, whether there should be mandatory visits to doctors after a pedestrian accident will depend on the circumstances of each event. However, individuals need to remain mindful of the potential risks and consequences of leaving an injury untreated for too long.
Protecting the Rights of Pedestrians
Pedestrian accidents can be traumatic and life-changing. If you or a loved one has been involved in a pedestrian accident, you need experienced and compassionate legal representation on your side. At Alpizar Law, we have over 45 years of experience helping victims of pedestrian accidents receive the compensation they deserve.
Our team of attorneys is dedicated to protecting the rights of pedestrians and ensuring that they receive the best possible outcome in their case. We understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll that a pedestrian accident can take on you and your family, and we are here to provide guidance and support throughout the legal process.
We will work tirelessly to investigate the accident, determine liability, and negotiate with insurance companies to ensure that you are able to receive the maximum compensation possible. Our team is committed to keeping you informed every step of the way, providing clear and concise communication throughout the entire process.
If you or a loved one has been involved in a pedestrian accident, don’t wait. Contact Alpizar Law today to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward receiving the justice and compensation you deserve.
