Pedestrian Accident Lawyer in Raleigh, NC

In a pedestrian accident, the types and severity of injuries can vary depending on several factors, such as the speed of the vehicle, the point of impact, the type of vehicle, and the overall circumstances of the accident. Here are some of the most common injuries that pedestrians may sustain in collisions:

• Traumatic brain injuries – Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are a significant concern in pedestrian accidents, especially if the pedestrian’s head strikes the ground, the vehicle, or another object. These injuries can range from mild concussions to severe brain damage that can have long-lasting effects on cognitive abilities and motor functions.
• Spinal cord injuries – The force of impact can cause spinal cord injuries, resulting in paralysis or loss of sensation in various body parts. Spinal injuries can have life-altering consequences, affecting mobility and requiring extensive medical intervention and rehabilitation.
• Broken bones – Pedestrians often suffer broken bones, including fractures in the arms, legs, hips, and pelvis. The impact of the collision can lead to significant force being applied to the skeletal system, resulting in fractures.
• Internal injuries – The force of a pedestrian accident can cause internal injuries, including damage to organs such as the liver, spleen, kidneys, and lungs. Internal bleeding is also a potential risk, which can be life-threatening if not promptly addressed.
• Cuts, lacerations, and abrasions – Pedestrians may sustain cuts, lacerations, and abrasions from contact with vehicles or the ground. These injuries can range from minor cuts that require stitches to deep lacerations that may result in permanent scarring or disfigurement.
• Soft tissue injuries – Pedestrians often suffer injuries to soft tissues such as muscles, tendons, and ligaments. These injuries can include sprains, strains, contusions, and deep tissue damage, leading to pain, swelling, and restricted movement.
• Psychological trauma – Pedestrian accidents can cause psychological trauma, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues.

Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents

Pedestrian accidents happen for many reasons, including these examples:

• Distracted driving – One of the leading causes of pedestrian accidents is drivers being distracted by activities other than driving, such as texting, talking on the phone, eating, or talking to passengers.
• Failure to yield – Many pedestrian accidents occur when drivers fail to yield the right-of-way to pedestrians at crosswalks, intersections, or while making turns.
• Speeding – Excessive speed reduces a driver’s ability to react in time and increases the severity of injuries sustained by pedestrians in a collision.
• Impaired driving – Alcohol and drugs significantly impair a driver’s judgment, coordination, and reaction time, increasing the risk of pedestrian accidents.
• Poor visibility – Low lighting conditions, inadequate street lighting, and inclement weather reduce visibility and increase the likelihood of accidents.
• Inadequate pedestrian infrastructure – Lack of sidewalks, poorly designed crosswalks, and insufficient pedestrian signage or signals can contribute to accidents.
• Drowsy drivers – Fatigued drivers have slowed reaction times, decreased attention, and impaired judgment, making them more prone than alert drivers to causing accidents involving pedestrians.
• Aggressive driving – Reckless driving behaviors such as tailgating, aggressive overtaking, running red lights, and disregarding traffic laws can endanger pedestrians.