Pedestrians always deal with life-threatening injuries when hit by a vehicle. Whether you’re crossing the street, walking on the sidewalk, or just sitting on a public bench, a pedestrian accident can change the quality of your life.
A pedestrian hit by a rushing vehicle can sustain severe injuries or even death. You can imagine the vehicle’s impact on someone who has nothing to protect him or her from the collision. On the other hand, the driver is safe inside his car without even a single scratch.
You need to take immediate action if you or a loved one is a pedestrian victim. Consult a Los Angeles pedestrian accident trial lawyer to know if you have a case.
What is a Pedestrian?
A pedestrian is any individual who walks, roller skates, or skateboards. He or she is also using a wheelchair or other similar device but isn’t a standard bicycle.
It’s worth noting that pedestrians don’t have the right of way all the time. The truth is, the law specified crossing areas for them to use. Nevertheless, the driver has the duty of care to pedestrians to keep them safe.
What are the Most Common Injuries in a Pedestrian Accident?
Since a pedestrian has nothing to shield him from the accident, he may suffer different injuries. It can range from minor cuts to traumatic brain injury to even death. Here are some of the most common injuries a pedestrian accident victim may endure:
Bone Fractures
Pedestrian accident victims usually have fractured arms, wrists, back, hands, legs, and shoulders after the incident. Sometimes, compound fractures perforate through the skin. This type of injury is excruciatingly painful and causes the victim to deal with lasting problems. In some critical cases, the affected body part needs amputation.
Spinal Cord Injury
Vehicular accidents are the major cause of spinal cord injuries in California. In extreme cases, the victim will suffer paralysis or disability for the rest of his life. A damaged spine restricts your movement and keeps you from returning to work. It means you can’t expect a salary because you can’t go to work. Talk to a Los Angeles pedestrian accident trial lawyer and see what your options are.
Soft Tissue Damage
Damage to soft tissues can heal faster than other injuries. However, the victim will have to deal with agonizing pain, imperfections, and extensive problems. Soft tissue injuries include lacerations, tears, and contusions.
Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
Pedestrians could possibly suffer from a traumatic brain injury since they don’t wear any protective gear from an unexpected accident. A forceful blow to the head or getting knocked on a hard surface is all it takes to inflict severe head damage. Some TBI symptoms include:
- Headaches
- Fatigue
- Sleep problems
- Light or sound sensitivity
- Anxiety
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Speech difficulty
- Depression
- Concentration difficulty
What Causes Pedestrian Accidents in Los Angeles?
Most pedestrian accidents happen at night. People at greatest risk are those aged 65 and older and under 15 years old. Reasons why pedestrian accidents happen include:
Hit-and-Run Accidents
Pedestrians involved in hit-and-run accidents are usually accidentally struck by distracted drivers, drunk drivers, and inexperienced drivers. Most of these incidents happen on isolated roads where these drivers flee because of fear and confusion.
Crosswalk Accidents
Pedestrians on crosswalks are often hit by vehicles making left-hand turns which didn’t notice them, especially at night. Drunk drivers usually collide with pedestrians because of their impaired condition. Distracted drivers, on the other hand, hit people on the road because of texting or looking at the road map on the phone. He could also be talking to someone on the phone or arguing with the passenger.
Parking Lot Accidents
Some drivers who pull into or back out of parking lots sometimes don’t see pedestrians, which causes accidents and injuries. Both drivers and pedestrians need to be alert and avoid using gadgets, mobile phones, or headphones. Also, pedestrians must not walk between empty parking spaces or parked vehicles.
Schedule a Free Consultation with the Big Ben Lawyers and Know Your Rights
Some pedestrians don’t know their rights and responsibilities. A driver or a pedestrian can cause a collision, or both may contribute to the accident. Whether you have or don’t have a part that caused the accident, you still need to consult the best Los Angeles pedestrian accident trial lawyer to know your legal rights.
Big Ben Lawyers has a team of compassionate and notable advocates who know Medicine. We can establish a strong case against the person who caused you harm and injury. Our years of experience help us handle the case more efficiently.
We have helped thousands of people win their cases, and we want to help you as well. Schedule a free consultation with us. Likewise, we work on a contingency fee basis. Call us now at 818-423-4878, and tell us about your case.
Big Ben Lawyers
144 N Glendale Ave.
Suite 250
Glendale, CA 91206