According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), almost 5,000 pedestrians die annually as a result of injuries sustained in an incident involving a motor vehicle. Many of these deaths could have been avoided with more caution and attention – on the part of both motorists and their counterparts on foot.
Drivers often get distracted or drive negligently. Pedestrians simply assume that drivers can see them. Each party may be partially to blame for an accident depending on the facts and circumstances of the given case. However, what almost never changes in a pedestrian accident is that it is the person on foot who is exposed to the greatest risk of serious injury and death.
When the driver of a vehicle is found to have been negligent or reckless, injured pedestrians can seek compensation to cover their medical bills, rehabilitation costs, lost wages, pain and suffering, and emotional distress.
Most Common Injuries Sustained by Pedestrians
- Broken Bones
Broken bones or fractures are the most common injury sustained by pedestrians who have been hit by a car. Such injuries cause significant pain and inconvenience. Serious fractures may require lengthy hospital stays or cause a victim to miss work for a significant period of time. Continuing medical expenses for physical therapy and rehabilitation can also escalate quickly. In rare cases, a victim may even lose his or her means of making a livelihood due to ongoing disability.
- Head Injuries
The impact from a pedestrian collision may result in catastrophic head and brain injuries. At the very least, the individual will suffer a concussion, but if the impact is great enough, more serious brain trauma will result with life-changing consequences. Extensive treatment and rehabilitation may be required, and long-term disability is highly likely.
- Spinal Cord Injuries
When the spinal cord is damaged, the victim’s ability to move may be affected. Serious spinal cord injuries result in lifelong disabilities. In severe cases victims may lose feeling or sensation in their limbs. Partial or complete paralysis may also occur.
- Other Serious Injuries
In addition to these injuries, significant cuts and lacerations are likely, as are internal injuries such as a punctured lung or a ruptured spleen. In instances of blunt force trauma, almost no injury can be ruled out.
Most Commonly Asked Questions Regarding Pedestrian Accidents
In this section, our attorneys will try to answer some of the most common questions related to pedestrian accidents.
- What is the most common cause of accidents involving pedestrians?
Drivers often fail to check for pedestrians when approaching crosswalks. Making that failure the most common cause of pedestrian accidents.
- Can a pedestrian be at fault?
It’s possible for a pedestrian to be at fault in an accident. Those cases may involve the act of jaywalking, or crossing against the traffic signal.
Still, all accidents are different. And different factors will be considered. Contacting a personal injury attorney to have your case evaluated is always the best course of action.
- Can a driver hit a jaywalker and get away with it?
No. In the state of Washington, jaywalking is against the law. But if you were hit while jaywalking, it doesn’t necessarily mean you will be fully responsible for the outcome. There are many factors to consider. And the state allows injured parties to recover damages, even if they are somewhat responsible. Again, the best way to assess if you have a case is to contact an attorney.
Pedestrian Accidents Lawyers in Vancouver, Yakima, and Seattle, WA
If you or someone you love has been hurt in a pedestrian accident, please contact the Bernard Law Group to find out more about your legal rights and options. We will help you recover just compensation for your suffering due to someone else’s negligence.
CALL TODAY FOR A FREE WASHINGTON PEDESTRIAN ACCIDENT CONSULTATION!
