Pedestrian Accident Attorneys in Mobile, AL

Whenever a pedestrian is struck by a motor vehicle, the pedestrian is at risk for far more serious injuries than occupants of vehicles that are involved. This is true even with a crash that happens at low speeds. Pedestrians have no protection in these situations, and when they are hit by a car, there is not much that separates their body from hitting the pavement. Children and the elderly are the most vulnerable, with the highest rate of pedestrian deaths occurring with individuals over the age of 70.

Pedestrian accident fatalities have risen sharply in recent years. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), there were 6,205 pedestrian deaths in the US in 2019. This was an increase of 51% from 2009, just a decade earlier. All other traffic-related deaths rose only 2% to 3% during the same time period. Many experts believe that the disproportionate increase in pedestrian fatalities is largely due to the problem of texting while driving, which has become all too common now that most people in our society have smartphones.

Types of Severe Pedestrian Accident Injuries

There are a number of serious injuries that pedestrians commonly suffer when they are involved in traffic-related accidents:

Soft Tissue Injuries

Pedestrian accident victims frequently suffer from a number of different types of soft tissue injuries, such as lacerations, bruises, tears, sprains, and dislocations. In many cases, soft tissue injuries will eventually heal completely, but this could take several weeks or sometimes months. In the meantime, the injured individual may need to miss work for a while and deal with significant daily pain during their recovery.

Internal Injuries

An unprotected blow to the body can result in internal injuries that are not necessarily visible or manifest symptoms right away. Examples include internal bleeding, collapsed lung, broken ribs, ruptured spleen, and organ damage.

Fractures/Broken Bones

Pedestrians who are struck by vehicles may end up with a fracture. This happens when the force of the crash causes a bone to crack or snap. Children and the elderly are particularly susceptible to injuries like these because the bones in children are not fully developed, and the bones in aging individuals are often affected by deteriorating conditions such as osteoporosis.

Scarring and Disfigurement

The impact of a pedestrian crash can cause burns and road rash, both of which can leave the victim with permanent scarring and disfigurement. This can result not only in severe physical pain, but also emotional trauma from the self-consciousness and low self-esteem associated with this type of injury.

Amputations/Loss of Limbs

Though not as common, more severe pedestrian accidents can cause an injured individual to lose a limb. This typically happens when someone is trapped and crushed by the force of the crash.

Injured in a Pedestrian Accident in Alabama? Contact an Experienced Personal Injury Lawyer

If you or someone close to you has been injured in a pedestrian accident in Alabama, Hedge Copeland is here to help. For a free consultation and case assessment with one of our attorneys, message us online or call our office today at (251) 432-8844.