Most Common Pedestrian Accident Injuries

Statistics from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) indicate that each year, nearly 5,000 pedestrians are killed in roadway crashes and another 66,000 are injured. What sorts of injuries do victims experience most often, and what are their options? The following information explains further, and it provides some important details on how an experienced pedestrian accident lawyer can improve your chances of full and fair compensation.

Data from a French Institute of Science and Technology for Transport study indicate that head injuries are, by far, the most common reason for pedestrian fatality. The speed of the vehicle, the age of the pedestrian, and other situational factors may either increase or decrease an individual victim’s risk of a brain injury, and men were a little more likely to experience one, but the risk of fatality was found to be about the same for all ages and genders.

Injuries to the thoracic region – or the trunk – were found to be the second most common type of fatal injuries among pedestrians. Most were related to internal bleeding, organ ruptures, and puncture wounds. Women and men were equally as likely to experience such injuries, study authors said. Unfortunately, this area of the body is not always examined after a pedestrian accident, and that can significantly increase an individual’s overall risk of fatality after a crash.

Although pedestrians experienced injury to almost every area of their body, head injuries, and injuries to the knees and legs were the most common. Additionally, women were found to be especially susceptible to pelvic injuries. Because of their location, and the time it takes to heal, these injuries have the potential to leave victims incapacitated for months, years, or possibly even the rest of their lives. In such situations, it is crucial that victims have someone on their side, fighting for the most compensation possible.

Victims of pedestrian accidents are not required to have an attorney while processing their claim. Unfortunately, going it alone can cost victims and their families dearly. Some may be at risk for a denied or reduced payout. Others may struggle to navigate the complex claims process, due to injuries or grief. An experienced attorney can mitigate against these issues (as well as many others) while simultaneously increasing your chances of a full and fair settlement.

If you or someone you love has been injured or killed in a pedestrian crash, contact Corsiglia, McMahon & Allard, LLP for assistance. Dedicated and experienced, our San Jose pedestrian crash lawyers will protect your rights and best interests, every step of the way. No matter what the situation, we will aggressively pursue the most positive outcome possible. Call (408) 289-1417 and schedule your free initial consultation to get started.

• Pedestrian Injury Patterns According to Car and Casualty Characteristics in France
• Pedestrians