Common Injuries in Pedestrian Accidents

Pedestrian accidents can be devastating because of the unique vulnerability pedestrians face when sharing the road with motor vehicles. Unlike drivers and passengers, pedestrians have no physical protection, leaving them exposed to severe injuries if struck by a car. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 7,522 pedestrians were killed and 67,000 injured across the U.S. in 2022. Increasing traffic congestion and distracted driving makes pedestrian safety more crucial than ever.

Below, we discuss some of the most common injuries that pedestrians suffer in accidents, their potential severity, and the long-term impact they can have on a victim’s life. We also share some safety tips and explore how a Missouri pedestrian accident lawyer can help.

Types of Injuries

Head Injuries

Head injuries are one of the most potentially serious outcomes of a pedestrian accident. Even at low speeds, the force of a collision can cause a pedestrian to fall and hit their head on the ground or a nearby object. Concussions, brain contusions, skull fractures, and traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) frequently occur in these situations.

Head injuries can vary widely in severity. A mild concussion might result in headaches and dizziness for a few days, while severe brain trauma can lead to long-term cognitive impairment, memory loss, and even permanent disability. In extreme cases, TBIs can be fatal. Treatment for head injuries can include hospitalization, surgery, rehabilitation, and long-term care, depending on the nature of the injury.

Broken Bones and Fractures

Bone fractures are common in pedestrian accidents, especially in the legs, arms, hips, and pelvis. Since pedestrians often absorb the full force of the vehicle on impact, it’s not uncommon for them to suffer multiple fractures in a single accident. The most frequently broken bones in these accidents are in the lower extremities, as vehicles often strike pedestrians from the waist down.

Recovery from fractures can take weeks or months and might require surgeries, physical therapy, and long-term use of mobility aids such as crutches or wheelchairs.

Soft Tissue Injuries

Soft tissue injuries, such as sprains, strains, and bruising, are less severe than fractures but can still cause significant discomfort and limit mobility. These injuries affect muscles, ligaments, and tendons, and can result in swelling, bruising, and ongoing pain. Whiplash, which is a soft tissue injury affecting the neck, is common if the pedestrian is thrown during an accident.

While many soft tissue injuries heal over time with rest and rehabilitation, some can lead to chronic pain or complications, particularly if left untreated. Treatment may include physical therapy, medications for pain management, and lifestyle modifications.

Spinal Cord Injuries

Spinal cord injuries are among the most severe injuries a pedestrian can experience. These injuries occur when the force of the collision damages the spinal cord, potentially leading to partial or total paralysis. The location and severity of the injury will determine whether a victim suffers paraplegia (loss of function in the lower body) or quadriplegia (loss of function in both the upper and lower body).

Spinal cord injuries often require extensive medical intervention, including surgery, physical rehabilitation, and adaptive devices such as wheelchairs. In many cases, these injuries are permanent, with lifelong implications for the victim’s independence, mobility, and quality of life.

Internal Injuries

Internal injuries, such as damage to the organs or internal bleeding, are not always immediately visible but can be life-threatening. The impact of a car hitting a pedestrian can cause blunt force trauma, causing internal bleeding, ruptured organs, or damage to the lungs, liver, spleen, or kidneys. Because internal injuries are often hard to detect without medical imaging, they may go unnoticed for hours or days, leading to serious complications.

Safety Tips for Pedestrians

While not all pedestrian accidents can be avoided, there are certain steps you can take to reduce your risk of injury:

• Always use crosswalks and obey traffic signals.
• Stay visible, especially at night, by wearing bright or reflective clothing.
• Avoid distractions such as looking at your phone while crossing the street.
• Make eye contact with drivers before crossing in front of them to ensure they see you.
• Stay alert at intersections, where many pedestrian accidents occur.

By following these basic safety tips, you can reduce your risk of being involved in a pedestrian accident. However, even the most cautious pedestrians can still find themselves the victims of negligent drivers.

The Financial Toll of Pedestrian Accidents

The physical and emotional impact of a pedestrian accident can be overwhelming, but the financial burden can add yet another layer of stress. Medical bills for emergency treatment, surgeries, ongoing rehabilitation, and long-term care can quickly add up. Many victims face months or even years of lost income because of their injuries, increasing the financial strain.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a pedestrian accident, it’s important to understand that you may be entitled to compensation for your losses. A skilled pedestrian accident lawyer can help you investigate the accident, gather evidence, negotiate with insurance companies, and fight for the full and fair compensation you deserve.

Contact Our St. Louis Pedestrian Accident Lawyers

At Cofman Townsley, we understand the devastating impact a pedestrian accident can have on your life. Our experienced St. Louis pedestrian accident lawyers are dedicated to fighting for the rights of injured pedestrians and their families.

Don’t face the aftermath of a pedestrian accident alone. Contact our team today for a free consultation and let us help you get back on your feet.