Where Do Most Pedestrian Accidents Occur?
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 6,516 pedestrians were killed in 2020 in traffic incidents. Pedestrian accidents most commonly occur during 6 p.m. to 11:59 p.m., and they most commonly occur:
- In urban areas
- At intersections
- On roadsides and shoulders
- In parking lots and driveways
- On sidewalks and median crossings
The Most Common Injuries Sustained by Pedestrians Struck by Vehicles
Pedestrians hit by vehicles can suffer from a variety of injuries. The type and severity of those injuries can vary based on the speed of the vehicle, the type of vehicle involved, the site of the crash, and other case-specific factors. Common injuries sustained by pedestrians in automotive accidents include:
- Amputations. Pedestrians can suffer natural or medical amputations after being struck by a vehicle. While natural amputations involve losing a limb in the course of the accident, medical amputations occur when medical professionals remove a limb because it has been crushed or badly injured.
- Broken bones. Pedestrians can suffer from bone breaks because of the force of the impact, especially in their lower extremities.
- Head, neck, and facial trauma. Because of the impact of the collision, pedestrians can be thrown several feet away from the crash, which can lead to serious bodily trauma including lacerations, bruises, and other damage. This type of damage can impact a person’s face, neck, and head especially.
- Spinal cord injuries. Motor vehicle crashes are among the leading causes of spinal cord damage, and pedestrians struck by cars can suffer damage to the spinal cord or the nerves at the end of their spinal canal. These injuries can lead to permanent paralysis and even death.
- Soft tissue damage. Soft tissue damage occurs when a person’s ligaments, tendons, or muscles experience trauma; you can sustain these injuries in various types of accidents, including car accidents. Common types of soft tissue injuries sustained in pedestrian car accidents include contusions, sprains, strains, muscle tears, or dislocations.
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). Traumatic brain injuries include concussions, brain hemorrhages, intracranial hematomas, and other penetrating or closed brain injuries. If a pedestrian’s head is struck by the vehicle, jostled violently by the force of the impact, or collides with other items at the scene, they can suffer from a TBI. Common symptoms of TBIs include dizziness, blurred vision, sleep issues, mood swings, light, and sound sensitivity, and loss of coordination.
Get Legal Help
If you or a loved one have been involved in a pedestrian accident, the Law Offices of Charles R. Gueli can help you understand your legal rights and pursue legal action. Drivers owe pedestrians (and others on the road) a duty of care and should drive safely; if a driver’s negligence or recklessness leads to your injuries and damages, our firm (once you retain our services) will:
- Connect you with experts who can strengthen your case (i.e. accident reconstructionists)
- Calculate your economic and non-economic damages
- Advise you concerning major case decision
- Help you make informed/educated decisions
- Maximize your compensation and minimize your liability
To learn more about how we can help you, telephone (516) 628-6402 or reach out online to schedule an initial consultation where you can discuss your case with a member of our team.