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Pedestrian accidents have become a growing concern for the healthcare industry in the United States. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 104,000 pedestrians were rushed to the hospital in 2020 for non-fatal crash-related injuries.
While pedestrian accidents are a burden on the already crippling healthcare system in the country, they can have a devastating impact on the victims' lives. Whether it's burns and lacerations or severe injuries, such as brain and spinal damage, the affected party must seek legal representation to protect themselves from the financial consequences of such traumatic incidents.
Powell Law Firm understands the impact of pedestrian accidents on the victims and their family members. Our experienced personal injury attorneys work closely with clients to help them recover compensatory damages and ensure swift justice.
If you've suffered injuries in a pedestrian accident in St. Louis, Missouri, contact Powell Law Firm to discuss your case and learn more about your legal options! They can provide information on common injuries in a bicycle accident as well.
Are Pedestrian Accidents Dangerous?
Due to the vulnerability of people, pedestrian accidents have the potential to cause serious and life-threatening injuries. In fact, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) reported 7,522 pedestrian fatalities in 2022, accounting for 18% of all crash-related deaths in the United States.
Most pedestrian accidents occur in urban areas with heavy traffic. Avoiding such traumatic incidents in cities is far more challenging than one can anticipate. Even if the person is careful, someone else may be negligent in their actions, resulting in damages. Powell Law Firm also has more insight on common injuries in a construction accident.
Common Injuries in a Pedestrian Accident
Here are some of the most common pedestrian accident injuries in the United States:
Fractures and Broken Bones
When a reckless driver crashes into a pedestrian, the accident may result in fractures and broken bones. Arms, legs, hands, wrists, shoulders, and pelvis are the most at risk, which is why it's essential to seek medical attention immediately.
In cases involving compound fractures, where the bone breaks into two or more pieces, surgical intervention may be necessary to initiate the healing process.
Head and Brain Injuries
If a reckless or distracted driver hits a pedestrian, the impact can cause the victim to be thrown onto a wall, road, or an object. Any damage to the head may result in a head or traumatic brain injury (TBI).
Minor collisions may lead to concussions and confusion, while major accidents can cause a wide range of traumatic brain injuries, including hematoma, fracture, edema, and diffuse axonal injury, among others.
TBIs can adversely impact the victim's quality of life. Whether it's minor or major traumatic brain or head injuries, affected parties must seek medical attention immediately and reach out to a reputable law firm for legal help.
Soft Tissue Injuries
While there are many types of serious injuries that may occur following a pedestrian accident, soft tissue injuries are not one of them. Although they can happen, they are not life-threatening.
Soft tissue injuries refer to lacerations, contusions, sprains, strains, and tears. They are incredibly painful and may also limit mobility. Some victims may require surgery, physical therapy, and medication for long-term pain management and a better outlook on life.
Internal Injuries
At times, pedestrian injuries may not be so apparent after an accident. They may manifest hours, days, or even weeks after the incident. In some cases, they can be life-threatening, which is why the affected party needs to monitor their symptoms and report any changes to their healthcare provider.
Internal injuries are pretty common after pedestrian accidents. They take time to manifest and often go unnoticed without proper imaging tests. A complete medical evaluation after the traumatic incident can help victims identify what's wrong with them and start any treatment that they may require.
Spinal Cord Injuries
A pedestrian accident may result in spinal cord injuries. The impact from the motor vehicle collision on the spine can cause fracture or nerve damage, adversely impacting the victim's ability to carry out a normal life. They may experience loss of movement, communication, and bodily functions.
Can an Injured Victim File a Pedestrian Accident Claim?
Under the personal injury law in Missouri, injured victims have the right to file a claim to recover the economic and non-economic losses arising from their pedestrian injuries due to another's negligence. There are four key elements that they must prove for a successful case, and these include the following:
Duty: This refers to the defendant's legal responsibility towards the plaintiff. For example, a motorist has the duty to follow all road laws and traffic rules while taking the necessary steps to avoid an accident.
Breach of duty: The injured pedestrian must prove that the defendant breached their legal duty towards them. They could prove, for example, that the negligent party was on their phone, an act that all drivers must avoid while behind the wheel.
Causation: Pedestrians must also prove that the defendant's negligence caused their injuries. They must show that the negligent party's actions resulted in the accident. Phone records, for example, may verify that the driver was on a call before the tragic incident unfolded.
Damages: The last important element that pedestrians must prove is that the defendant's negligence resulted in damages. Victims can only pursue accident claims if they've suffered financial and non-economic losses.
For fatal pedestrian accidents, personal injury law allows affected family members to pursue a lawsuit and, in some cases, a survival action to obtain compensatory damages.
Why Should Injured Victims or Family Members Seek Help from a Pedestrian Accident Attorney?
Navigating the legal process without the help of an experienced pedestrian injury attorney in St Louis can be challenging. Pedestrian accident victims must not only prove the key elements of a negligence case but also build a strong claim, handle the insurance company, and negotiate a fair settlement.
Powell Law Firm has a team of experienced, skilled, and reputable pedestrian accident attorneys who have recovered millions of dollars in compensatory damages for their clients. They can help injured victims in the following ways:
Investigate the accident to determine the liable parties
Employ resources and strategies to gather evidence and prove liability
Calculate the damages incurred to build a strong case
Adhere to the legal process, file the claim, and notify the relevant parties
Initiate the negotiation process and fight for fair compensation
Go to trial if the defendant fails to negotiate
Contact Missouri's Top-rated Lawyers Today for Legal Help!
If you've suffered pedestrian accident injuries in St. Louis, Missouri, call us to schedule a free case evaluation with our top-rated attorneys. At Powell Law Firm, we have the legal firepower to ensure swift justice and financial recovery.
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