Common Injuries in Pedestrian Accidents

Have you or someone close to you been injured in a pedestrian accident in Los Angeles? Reach out to Countrywide Trial Lawyers for a free case review. Our dedicated team of experienced pedestrian accident attorneys in Los Angeles is here to fight for the justice and compensation you rightfully deserve.

At Countrywide Trial Lawyers, we understand that being involved in a pedestrian accident can wreak havoc on your life. Every year, countless pedestrians suffer serious injuries due to negligent drivers, reckless speeding, or poorly maintained roads. These accidents can result in devastating consequences, leaving you with not only physical pain but also emotional and financial burdens.

Are you or someone you love waking up each day struggling with broken bones, head trauma, or spinal injuries, all while trying to navigate medical bills, lost wages, and the emotional toll of recovery? The uncertainty of your future and the impact on your loved ones can be overwhelming. It's a challenging time when you need support the most, but navigating the legal complexities on your own can add even more stress to an already difficult situation.

That’s where Countrywide Trial Lawyers comes in. Our compassionate and experienced team is dedicated to fighting for your rights and securing the compensation you deserve. We handle every aspect of your case, from gathering evidence to negotiating with insurance companies, so you can focus on healing and rebuilding your life. With our personalized approach, we ensure that your unique story is heard and that you receive the justice you deserve.

Don’t let a pedestrian accident define your future. Contact a Los Angeles pedestrian accident lawyer at our law firm today for a free consultation and let us help you take the first step towards reclaiming your life.

Head and Brain Injuries

Pedestrian accidents often result in significant head and brain injuries due to the lack of physical protection for those on foot. Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), which can range from mild concussions to severe brain contusions, are among the most severe outcomes.

These injuries frequently occur when a pedestrian is hit by a car and strikes the ground or a hard surface.

• Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs): TBIs encompass a variety of injuries, including concussions, brain swelling, or skull fractures. Severe head injuries can cause long-term cognitive impairments, memory loss, and emotional instability.
• Long-term Effects: Survivors may struggle with memory deficits, difficulty concentrating, and mood swings. These challenges often lead to decreased productivity and require ongoing care, such as therapy or counseling.
• Importance of Immediate Medical Evaluation: Early diagnosis is crucial to managing the effects of brain injuries. Even minor injuries can escalate without timely treatment, underscoring the need for immediate medical attention following pedestrian accidents.

Spinal Cord Injuries

Spinal cord injuries are among the most debilitating consequences of pedestrian accidents, often leading to partial or complete paralysis. Such injuries typically occur when the impact from a motor vehicle directly damages the spine.

These types of injuries can lead to partial or complete paralysis, depending on the severity and location of the injury. Many victims experience chronic pain or limited mobility, which can significantly reduce their quality of life.

Treatment for spinal cord injuries includes extensive rehabilitation, physical therapy, and assistive devices, all of which contribute to substantial medical expenses. Victims often face lifelong medical costs due to the complexity of these injuries.

Bone Fractures

Bone fractures are some of the most common injuries sustained in pedestrian accidents. The impact from oncoming traffic often leads to severe breaks that require surgery and long recovery periods.

Pedestrians frequently sustain fractures in the legs, arms, ribs, pelvis, and clavicle. Rib fractures, in particular, can puncture internal organs, leading to further complications. While some fractures heal within weeks, more severe cases, such as compound fractures or bone fractures that puncture the skin, can take months and may require multiple surgeries.

Improperly healed fractures may lead to chronic pain or reduced mobility, necessitating further medical intervention.

Internal Injuries

Internal injuries are particularly dangerous because they are not always immediately apparent. These injuries occur when the force of a collision causes damage to internal organs.

The liver, lungs, spleen, and kidneys are commonly affected in pedestrian accidents. Internal bleeding can be life-threatening if not diagnosed promptly. Symptoms may not appear immediately, which is why injured pedestrians should seek medical evaluation even if they feel fine. The absence of visible injuries can lead to delayed treatment, exacerbating the severity of internal injuries.

Soft Tissue Injuries

Soft tissue injuries, including sprains, strains, and torn ligaments, are common pedestrian accident injuries. Although these injuries may appear minor, they can cause lasting pain and require extensive physical therapy.

Damage to muscles and tendons often results in limited mobility and ongoing discomfort. Many victims experience chronic pain that interferes with daily activities and work responsibilities. Torn ligaments and severe strains may require months of therapy to restore full function.

Cuts and Lacerations

Cuts and lacerations vary in severity, from superficial injuries to deep wounds that demand surgical intervention. These injuries often result from broken glass or sharp metal edges during pedestrian accidents.

Minor scrapes heal quickly, but deeper lacerations can sever nerves, tendons, or blood vessels. Open wounds are prone to infections, particularly if not cleaned and treated promptly. Deep cuts can lead to permanent scars, causing emotional distress and reducing self-esteem for many victims.

Emotional and Psychological Injuries

The emotional toll of pedestrian accidents is often overlooked, but psychological injuries can be just as debilitating as physical trauma.

• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): PTSD is common in victims of severe accidents. Flashbacks, nightmares, and anxiety about crossing streets or being around traffic are frequent symptoms.
• Anxiety and Depression: The life-altering injuries sustained in pedestrian accidents can lead to emotional challenges, including feelings of helplessness, isolation, and depression.
• Impact on Quality of Life: Emotional injuries often affect work productivity, personal relationships, and the ability to enjoy daily activities.

Long-Term Consequences of Pedestrian Accident Injuries

Pedestrian accidents can result in devastating injuries with long-term consequences that affect victims physically, emotionally, and financially. The aftermath of these accidents often leaves individuals and families grappling with challenges that extend far beyond the immediate trauma.

Physical Impairments

One of the most significant long-term consequences of pedestrian accidents is physical impairment. Permanent disabilities and reduced mobility are common among severely injured pedestrians, particularly when they sustain spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries, or multiple fractures.

• Permanent Disabilities: Injuries such as partial or complete paralysis can severely restrict a person’s independence and quality of life. Spinal cord injuries, for example, may result in lifelong reliance on wheelchairs or mobility aids. Similarly, severe head and brain injuries can lead to cognitive impairments that hinder daily activities.
• Reduced Mobility: Even less catastrophic injuries, such as compound fractures or soft tissue damage, can leave victims with chronic pain and difficulty walking. Bone fractures in the legs, pelvis, or ribs often require extensive rehabilitation, and in some cases, full mobility may never be regained.
• Ongoing Medical Treatment: Many injuries require repeated surgeries, long-term physical therapy, and pain management, further complicating the recovery process.

Emotional Toll

The emotional impact of pedestrian accidents is often as significant as the physical injuries. Victims frequently struggle with anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which can have lasting effects on their mental health.

• Anxiety About Traffic: Pedestrian accident victims may develop a fear of crossing streets or walking near traffic. This anxiety can limit their independence and ability to participate in normal activities.
• Depression and Isolation: Feelings of helplessness and frustration stemming from physical limitations often lead to depression. Victims may isolate themselves from friends and family, compounding the emotional toll.
• Trauma and PTSD: Flashbacks, nightmares, and hypervigilance are common symptoms of PTSD in victims of serious accidents. Emotional injuries like these require therapy and long-term mental health support.

Financial Burden

The financial impact of a pedestrian accident is another major challenge for victims and their families. Even with insurance, the costs associated with recovery can be overwhelming.

• Ongoing Medical Expenses: Hospital bills, surgeries, physical therapy, and medication costs can add up to hundreds of thousands of dollars. Future medical care, such as ongoing rehabilitation or home health aides, further increases the financial burden.
• Loss of Income: Many victims are unable to work during their recovery, and some may never return to their previous jobs due to physical limitations. This loss of income can strain household finances and create long-term economic challenges.
• Costs of Assistive Devices: Wheelchairs, prosthetics, and other assistive devices are often necessary for victims with severe injuries. These devices, along with modifications to homes and vehicles to accommodate disabilities, represent significant expenses.

Why You Should Hire a Pedestrian Accident Lawyer

Hiring a pedestrian accident lawyer is essential for navigating the complexities of personal injury claims and securing the compensation necessary to address long-term consequences.

• Legal Expertise: Pedestrian accident cases often involve multiple parties, such as negligent drivers, insurance companies, and municipal entities responsible for road safety. A lawyer can identify all liable parties and build a strong case.
• Maximizing Compensation: An experienced attorney can calculate the full extent of damages, including medical costs, lost income, and non-economic damages like pain and suffering. They negotiate aggressively with insurance companies to ensure victims receive fair compensation.
• Navigating the Legal Process: Filing a personal injury claim involves strict deadlines, detailed evidence collection, and complex legal procedures. A lawyer handles these responsibilities, allowing victims to focus on recovery.
• Contingency Fee Arrangements: Most pedestrian accident lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, meaning victims pay nothing upfront and only pay if the lawyer wins their case.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I still file a claim if I was partially at fault?
Yes, California follows a comparative negligence rule, meaning you can still recover compensation even if you share some responsibility for the accident. However, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you are 20% at fault, you can still recover 80% of the damages awarded.

How long does recovery from common pedestrian injuries take?
Recovery time varies depending on the severity of the injuries.

• Minor injuries, such as cuts and bruises, may heal within weeks.
• Bone fractures typically require several months of healing and physical therapy.
• Severe injuries, such as traumatic brain injuries or spinal cord damage, may require years of treatment and rehabilitation or result in permanent impairments.

Do I need an attorney if my injuries are minor?
Even for minor injuries, consulting a lawyer is beneficial. Insurance companies may undervalue your claim, and a lawyer ensures you receive compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and any potential long-term effects. An attorney can also protect your rights and manage communication with insurance companies to avoid mistakes that could jeopardize your claim.

Contact a Los Angeles Pedestrian Accident Lawyer

If you’ve been injured as a pedestrian in Los Angeles, you know how quickly your life can change. Navigating the aftermath of an accident—dealing with medical bills, lost wages, and emotional distress—can be overwhelming. In addition to that, the complexities of legal proceedings and insurance negotiations can make the situation impossible to manage alone.

At Countrywide Trial Lawyers, we specialize in representing pedestrians who have been harmed due to negligent drivers, distracted driving, or unsafe road conditions. Our experienced Los Angeles pedestrian accident lawyers are dedicated to understanding your unique situation and fighting tirelessly to secure the compensation you deserve. We handle all aspects of your case, from collecting vital evidence to negotiating with insurance companies, ensuring that your rights are protected every step of the way.

Don’t let an accident leave you struggling. With our compassionate support and legal expertise, you can focus on your recovery while we handle the legal challenges. We are committed to providing personalized attention and aggressive representation to achieve the best possible outcome for your case.

Take the first step towards reclaiming your life today. Contact a pedestrian accident lawyer in Los Angeles by calling 844-844-9119 today. Let our dedicated team of Los Angeles pedestrian accident lawyers help you navigate this difficult time with confidence and care.