Common Injuries a Pedestrian May Sustain in an Accident
Pedestrian accidents are a terrible part of modern life, frequently resulting in severe injuries with long-term implications. Pedestrian accidents are quite common, with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reporting hundreds of pedestrian fatalities each year.
These occurrences happen often in metropolitan locations such as Charleston, where pedestrian traffic is substantial in places like schools or parking lots, where vehicle drivers may be inattentive or irresponsible. The results can be devastating, ranging from minor injuries to deaths. A Charleston pedestrian accident attorney knows the physical, emotional, and financial toll that these incidents can have on victims and their families.
Let’s take a look at the most common injuries sustained in pedestrian accidents.
Types of Injuries a Pedestrian May Sustain
Since pedestrians have little to no protection against cars, pedestrian accidents can result in significant injuries, such as:
* Soft Tissue Injuries
Pedestrian accidents frequently result in whiplash, internal injuries, torn muscles, and other soft tissue injuries.
* Nerve Damage
Pedestrian accident victims frequently suffer long-term and even permanent nerve damage as a result of the collision.
* Broken Bones
Pedestrian accidents can commonly result in shattered bones. These frequently include tibial and femoral fractures; nevertheless, many persons have injuries to their neck, shoulders, face, and head.
* Traumatic Brain Injuries
Brain injuries can occur when a person is struck in the head or hits their head while falling. Brain injuries can have serious repercussions. Headaches may develop, and speech may become slurred, among other symptoms.
* Back Injuries
Pedestrian accident victims may experience pinched nerves, muscular strains, or serious spinal cord damage.
* Neck Injuries
Neck injuries can result in serious consequences, such as fractured collarbones, paralysis, or even death.
* Paralysis or Loss of Function
Serious spinal cord damage can cause paralysis, which prohibits people from moving voluntarily. There are two levels of paralysis: partial and total paralysis.
* Amputation
Another major damage that these events might result in is the loss of one or more limbs. These are lifetime injuries that can be exceedingly distressing, causing ongoing and phantom agony.
How a Personal Injury Attorney Can Help
Pedestrian accidents are a big problem across the nation. In all, almost 67,000 pedestrians were injured in incidents across the nation. A professional personal injury attorney provides vital assistance in your pedestrian accident case by:
* Investigating the accident and gathering evidence
* Negotiating with insurance companies on your behalf
* Calculating damages and future costs
* Representing you in court if a fair settlement is not possible
* Meeting legal deadlines
* Providing guidance and support throughout the legal process
With legal assistance, you may concentrate on your recuperation while your attorney handles the details of your case.
How Long Do Pedestrians Have to File a Claim?
There is a statute of limitations, which is the maximum length of time you have to commence legal procedures for a personal injury or civil claim. In Charleston and across South Carolina, you normally have three years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury claim resulting from someone else’s distracted driving. If the accident included a government organization, the time frame is significantly shortened.
While three years from the date of the accident may seem far away, and you may believe you have plenty of time, there are several advantages to speaking with a Charleston pedestrian accident lawyer and submitting a claim sooner rather than later. Acting immediately helps to preserve vital evidence for your claim, such as witness testimonies, evidence that may be forgotten, and much more.
Conclusion
If you or a loved one has been injured in a pedestrian accident, pedestrian right-of-way regulations are in place to safeguard those who walk. If you were hit by a car while attempting to cross the street or strolling on the shoulder of a road where there was no sidewalk, do not hesitate to call a lawyer.