Common Pedestrian Accident Injuries
In Dunwoody and across Georgia, pedestrian accidents are more common than you might think, and their consequences can be severe. According to Georgia Highway Safety, pedestrian fatalities in Georgia’s urban counties—which includes DeKalb County—have increased nearly 25% in the last three years of reporting data.
Below, we’ll cover some of the most common injuries pedestrians face in accidents and explain how these injuries can affect your life, long after the initial impact.
Head and Brain Injuries
One of the most serious injuries in a pedestrian accident is a head or traumatic brain injury (TBI). When a pedestrian is hit, the force can throw them onto the vehicle, ground, or other hard surfaces.
Head injuries can range from mild concussions to severe brain trauma, potentially resulting in permanent damage. A TBI may lead to symptoms like memory loss, cognitive impairment, emotional changes, and chronic headaches.
For Dunwoody residents injured in pedestrian accidents, dealing with head injuries can mean extensive medical treatment and rehabilitation, potentially lasting months or even years. Recovery may require physical therapy, counseling, and specialized medical care, adding to the financial burden.
Spinal Injuries and Paralysis
Pedestrians often suffer spinal injuries when struck by a car, and the impact can damage vertebrae, discs, or even the spinal cord. The severity can range from whiplash and herniated discs to full paralysis.
Spinal injuries may cause chronic pain, loss of mobility, and in severe cases, permanent disability. This is why it’s important to understand what to do after you’ve been hit by a car walking.
Recovering from a spinal injury requires significant time and specialized medical treatment, which may include surgery, physical therapy, and sometimes lifelong care.
For many Dunwoody accident victims, these injuries mean costly medical bills, reduced income, and the need for assistive devices.
Broken Bones
The sheer force of a collision can break bones, particularly in the legs, arms, hips, and ribs. Broken bones are painful, but they’re also costly to treat and can require months of recovery.
Many fractures demand surgery, physical therapy, or even extended time away from work. This reality often hits hard, both mentally and financially.
Soft Tissue Injuries
While soft tissue injuries, such as sprains, strains, and tears, may seem less severe than fractures or head trauma, they are painful and can significantly disrupt daily life. Common soft tissue injuries in pedestrian accidents include torn ligaments, muscle strains, and bruises. Even a minor soft tissue injury can make it difficult to move around, exercise, or complete basic tasks.
Recovery from soft tissue injuries often involves physical therapy and time away from work, which can strain your finances. Many Dunwoody residents face substantial medical bills and recovery periods even for these seemingly minor injuries.
Internal Injuries and Organ Damage
Pedestrian accidents can also lead to internal injuries, which are often more dangerous because they’re not immediately visible. Damage to organs, internal bleeding, and ruptured blood vessels can be life-threatening if not treated quickly.
Internal injuries may require emergency surgery and long-term monitoring, often resulting in extended hospital stays. These types of injuries can create ongoing medical complications and financial strain, particularly if prolonged treatment or specialized care is necessary.
Emotional and Psychological Trauma
The impact of a pedestrian accident goes beyond physical injuries. Many victims experience psychological trauma, including anxiety, depression, and PTSD.
If you were injured in a pedestrian accident, you may feel anxious about walking near traffic or suffer flashbacks and nightmares related to the event. This trauma can be just as debilitating as physical injuries and often requires therapy or counseling to heal.
Why Pedestrian Accidents are so Dangerous
Pedestrian accidents are dangerous because pedestrians have no physical protection against the force of a moving vehicle. Unlike occupants of cars who are shielded by seat belts, airbags, and the vehicle’s structure, pedestrians face the full impact of a collision.
When a car strikes a pedestrian, even at lower speeds, the results are often severe. The lack of any protective barrier means pedestrians can suffer injuries from both the initial impact and from being thrown to the ground or into nearby objects.
Another factor that makes these accidents so hazardous is that drivers may fail to see pedestrians in time to avoid a collision. Poor visibility, distractions, and blind spots are common reasons drivers don’t notice pedestrians until it’s too late.
In a busy area like Dunwoody, where people frequently cross streets and walk near traffic, the risk of these accidents increases. For victims, this lack of protection and visibility often means the injuries are extensive and long-lasting, making fair compensation essential.
Types of Pedestrian Accidents
Pedestrian accidents can happen in many ways, and each type of accident can cause different injuries based on the location, speed of impact, and other factors.
Here are some of the most common scenarios and how they impact the injuries pedestrians might sustain:
- Crosswalk Accidents: Crosswalks are meant to provide a safe space for pedestrians to cross, but accidents still occur frequently. Drivers may fail to yield or might not notice a pedestrian entering the crosswalk, especially in high-traffic areas. These accidents often result in serious injuries because pedestrians are struck head-on, leading to fractures, head trauma, and spinal injuries.
- Parking Lot Accidents: Pedestrian accidents in parking lots are common, as drivers are often focused on finding parking spaces rather than looking out for people walking. While vehicles are usually traveling at slower speeds, pedestrians can still suffer painful injuries from being struck, especially if they fall and hit their head or sustain fractures. Parking lot accidents can be particularly hazardous for children and elderly pedestrians, who are more vulnerable to severe injuries.
- Intersection Accidents: Drivers making turns may not check thoroughly for pedestrians or may misjudge the distance, resulting in side-impact injuries. Intersection accidents are often severe due to the higher speed limits and because pedestrians are usually more exposed while crossing. Injuries at intersections can include broken bones, internal injuries, and traumatic brain injuries.
Pedestrian Injury Compensation
If you’ve been injured in a pedestrian accident in Dunwoody, you may be entitled to several types of compensation to help you recover physically, financially, and emotionally. Understanding what compensation can cover is crucial, as these funds can support your recovery and provide peace of mind during a challenging time.
- Medical Expenses: Medical costs often make up the largest portion of a pedestrian injury claim. This can include emergency care, surgeries, hospital stays, medications, and rehabilitation services. If your injuries require ongoing treatment, such as physical therapy or follow-up surgeries, compensation can help cover these long-term medical needs.
- Lost Wages: Injuries from pedestrian accidents can impact your ability to work, whether temporarily or permanently. Lost wages compensation covers the income you’ve missed while recovering and, in cases of long-term disability, may also include future earnings you may no longer earn because of your injuries.
- Pain and Suffering: The physical pain and emotional trauma following an accident often go beyond medical bills. Pain and suffering compensation accounts for the emotional toll, mental anguish, and physical discomfort experienced. While it’s challenging to assign a dollar value to this, it’s an essential part of any injury claim.
- Future Medical Needs: Severe injuries sometimes require long-term care, including therapy, assistive devices, and home modifications. Compensation can cover these anticipated medical expenses to ensure that you continue receiving necessary care without a financial burden.
Mistakes to Avoid After a Pedestrian Accident
To protect your health and your claim, it’s crucial to avoid these common mistakes after a pedestrian accident:
- Not Seeking Immediate Medical Attention: Even if injuries seem minor, seeing a medical professional right away can uncover hidden issues and provide documentation for your claim.
- Failing to Document the Accident Scene: Take photos, record witness information, and gather details about the driver and vehicle involved.
- Not Reporting the Accident: Contacting the police ensures there’s an official report, which can be essential for insurance claims and any legal proceedings.
- Giving Statements to Insurance Companies Without Legal Advice: Insurance companies may try to minimize your claim. It’s wise to consult an attorney before discussing the accident with them.
- Delaying Consultation with a Lawyer: A personal injury attorney can provide valuable guidance, protect your rights, and help you navigate the complex legal process.
Why Hiring a Dunwoody Personal Injury Attorney Matters
Hiring a personal injury attorney with experience in Dunwoody pedestrian accident cases can make a significant difference in your claim’s outcome. A local attorney understands Georgia’s laws and has a deep familiarity with the nuances of pedestrian accident cases in Dunwoody. They’re well-versed in local traffic patterns, common accident locations, and can access local resources, which all contribute to building a stronger case.
A Dunwoody-based attorney will handle negotiations with insurance companies, ensuring that you’re not pressured into settling for less than what you need to recover from your injuries.
Navigating the legal process can be overwhelming, especially when you’re recovering from injuries. Having a dedicated advocate by your side simplifies the process and improves your chance of obtaining compensation for medical bills, lost income, and other expenses related to your accident.
Take the First Step Toward Recovery Today
If you’ve been hurt in a pedestrian accident in Dunwoody, don’t wait to get the support you need. At The Law Office of Nicholas P. Martin, we understand the hardships that come with serious injuries and are dedicated to helping you seek justice.
Contact us now at 770-759-0801 to discuss your case and explore your options for compensation. Let us help you rebuild your life after a pedestrian accident.
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