Pedestrians can sustain severe injuries in traffic accidents, and while the driver’s fault is often apparent, there are times when a pedestrian can share some of the blame. On the road, pedestrians are especially at risk. It should come as no surprise that severe injuries and even fatalities can occur when a car strikes a pedestrian at a higher speed. However, even at 10 miles per hour, a driver can severely hurt a pedestrian. This blog post will help you learn about the types of injuries that pedestrians sustain in automobile accidents, how hiring a personal injury lawyer is the best option for you in this case, and the benefits they bring to the table.
Pedestrian accidents – The Significant Risk of Fatalities
According to reports published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention regarding transportation safety, in motor vehicle collisions involving pedestrians, more than 7,000 people died on the highways in 2020. An average of one death occurs every 75 minutes. In 2020, pedestrians made up one in every six of the fatal accident victims, and it was anticipated that 104,000 pedestrians could attend an emergency room for non-fatal crash-related injuries.
Illinois has seen increased pedestrian fatalities over time, just like the rest of the country.
What Injuries Occur Most Often in Pedestrian Accidents?
Pedestrian accidents frequently result in the following injuries:
- Bruises, scratches, and cuts
- Harm to internal organs
- Broken bones
- Harm to the brain from trauma
- Damage to the spinal cord
- Loss of a limb or amputation
- Damage to the teeth and other dental damages
- Damage to the eyes that cause vision impairment or loss
- In the worst cases, the death of the pedestrian.
Injuries in pedestrian accidents are generally severe since pedestrians do not have a car or safety equipment to protect them from the collision with a motor vehicle.
You Might Be Entitled to Receive Compensation.
You might be entitled to compensation from the negligent driver if you were hurt while using the sidewalk or working on the road. Even as a pedestrian, you can file a claim for damages in a car accident or a lawsuit and ask for payment for the harm you endured.
Your compensable damages, for instance, can include any of the following, depending on the specifics of your case:
- Medical expenses: These include visits to the ER, operations, and the prescription drugs needed to heal your wounds. Peoria’s top PI lawyer can help you estimate potential future medical costs, such as doctor visits, physical therapy, or medical equipment, if you were seriously hurt and still need treatment for a long-term injury (e.g., a wheelchair). Personal injury claims involving accidents and prescription errors are handled by personal injury lawyers who provide legal counsel and representation to the people of Peoria.
- Income loss: Pedestrians are highly susceptible when struck by a car, and they may sustain severe wounds that take weeks, months, or even years to cure. Some might even be long-term. You might be entitled to compensation from the at-fault party to compensate for lost wages and benefits if you were forced to take time off from work, whether paid or unpaid.
- Pain and suffering: This typically refers to both physical and mental anguish. Yet, it can also be used as a catch-all phrase for other non-financial losses like psychological trauma, emotional pain, physical deformity, loss of quality of life, and lifelong handicap.
- Property damage: You may ask for money to pay for fixing or replacing your property if it was harmed in the collision (for example, your home’s fence, mailbox, or even your vehicle). Knowing how to protect your rights after an automobile accident is essential.
Benefits of Hiring a Personal Injury Lawyer
If you deal with a lawyer from a dedicated personal injury law firm, your case will be handled correctly, giving you time to heal, and your other urgent problems will be taken care of for you. In the meantime, a PI lawyer can:
- Look into the incident to find the responsible party or parties.
- Get proof that demonstrates who is at fault and responsible for your damages on your behalf.
- Make calls on your behalf to insurance providers, attorneys, and other parties so that your case is safeguarded.
- Make a reasonable settlement agreement for you.
- Be ready to deliver your case in court, possibly in front of a jury.
- Provide you with legal guidance and help you navigate the legal proceedings efficiently.
An experienced personal injury lawyer will be able to assist you in obtaining financial compensation for your medical expenses, lost earnings, pain and suffering, and other damages if a careening vehicle hit you. If you were a driver hurt in a collision brought on by a pedestrian’s reckless behavior, you could also be entitled to compensation.
Conclusion
No one would ever want to sustain an injury in a pedestrian accident. The physical, psychological, and monetary damages that pedestrian accidents bring can turn your life upside down. You might be able to hold the other car’s driver responsible for your damages or injuries if you or a loved one is hurt due to the collision. You can consult a personal injury attorney from a reputable personal injury law firm to build your case. Hiring Peoria’s top PI lawyer to help with your legal case is your best bet for resolving the legal issue quickly and receiving the maximum possible compensation for the damages you incurred.
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