Pedestrians should always be vigilant. Despite taking precautions, pedestrian accidents are alarmingly common.
Understanding typical pedestrian accident injuries is crucial for anyone in this unfortunate situation.
Below, you’ll find six of the most common injuries from getting hit by a car.
Contact MG Law today at (770) 988-5252 for a complimentary consultation, where our skilled team will advocate on your behalf.
1. Head Injuries
Head injuries are among the most severe consequences of pedestrian accidents. During an accident, your head can strike the ground or part of the vehicle, leading to a brain injury. Common head injuries include concussions, which are mild forms of traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). More severe TBIs can have lasting effects on an individual’s health and ability to function.
Symptoms of TBIs can range from headaches, dizziness, and confusion to more severe issues such as cognitive impairments, mood swings, and behavioral changes. Immediate medical evaluation is critical, as the symptoms of a brain injury might not be apparent immediately. Long-term treatment can involve medication, physical therapy, and cognitive rehabilitation, emphasizing the importance of expert legal advice to ensure coverage of medical expenses and compensation for suffering.
2. Broken Bones
Broken bones are another common injury from getting hit by a car. The force of a collision can easily fracture the more fragile bones in the body, such as those in the arms, legs, hands, and pelvis. Fractures can vary significantly in severity, from simple breaks that may heal with minimal medical intervention to complex ones like compound fractures, where the bone breaks through the skin, or comminuted fractures, where the bone shatters into multiple pieces.
Treatment typically involves immobilization with casts or splints, and severe cases may require surgical insertion of pins, screws, or plates to maintain proper alignment during healing. The recovery period can be lengthy and painful, often necessitating physical therapy to restore full function and strength.
3. Internal Injuries
Internal injuries from pedestrian accidents can be hazardous because they may not be immediately apparent. When hit by a car, injuries can include internal bleeding, punctured lungs, or damage to internal organs. These conditions can become life-threatening if not treated promptly, underscoring the need for immediate medical attention following an accident.
Symptoms like abdominal pain, dizziness, or fainting are red flags that require urgent evaluation. Treatment may involve surgery to repair internal damage or stop bleeding.
4. Spinal Injuries
Spinal injuries are among the most severe outcomes of being struck by a car as a pedestrian. These injuries can range from herniated discs, which may cause significant pain and mobility issues, to catastrophic spinal cord injuries that can result in partial or complete paralysis. Symptoms of spinal damage might include severe back pain, inability to move the limbs, loss of sensation in certain areas, or difficulty controlling bodily functions.
Treatment options for spinal injuries are extensive and can include surgery, long-term medication for pain management, and rehabilitation therapies such as physical therapy and chiropractic care. Recovery from spinal injuries is often uncertain and can be a prolonged process, with some victims requiring lifelong care and assistance. Permanent paralysis is typical with severe spinal cord injuries.
5. Soft Tissue Injuries
Pedestrian accident injuries often include soft tissue complaints. These injuries range from minor bruises and contusions to more severe injuries such as sprains, strains, and tears of muscles, ligaments, and tendons. These injuries can cause significant pain and discomfort, limit mobility, and take a considerable time to heal fully.
Treatment may involve rest, ice, compression, elevation (RICE), physical therapy, and, in some cases, surgery to repair the damage. While soft tissue injuries are generally not life-threatening, they can severely impact a person’s quality of life and ability to perform daily activities.
6. Psychological Trauma
In addition to physical injuries, being hit by a car can lead to significant psychological trauma. Victims may experience post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, depression, and a pervasive fear of crossing streets or being near traffic. These emotional responses can be just as debilitating as physical injuries, affecting a person’s ability to return to everyday life and work. Mental health support is crucial for recovery, including therapy and counseling, which can help individuals process their trauma and manage their symptoms effectively.
Contact MG Law
If you suffered injuries in a pedestrian accident, you must take action to protect your rights. Pedestrian accident injuries can be severe and life-altering, both physically and emotionally.
At MG Law, we understand the profound impact of a pedestrian accident on your life. Our firm focuses exclusively on personal injury matters, including pedestrian accidents. We are dedicated to helping you receive the compensation you deserve. Don’t navigate this challenging time alone. Contact MG Law at (770) 988-5252 for a free consultation today, and let our experienced team advocate for you.
Amer Ahmad is a trial lawyer at MG Law. He represents seriously injured clients who are going through some of the most difficult moments of their lives. Amer’s practice includes representing families in wrongful death cases and individuals seriously injured by motor vehicle accidents, negligently maintained premises, and defective products. As a former insurance attorney who knows the insurance companies’ playbook, he helps MG Law clients even the playing field and avoid insurance tricks. Due to his experience and results, Amer has been named a Georgia Rising Star by Super Lawyers and Atlanta Magazine from 2019 until 2024. Only 2.5% of all lawyers in Georgia are selected as Rising Stars.