In A Pedestrian Accident, Are The Injuries More Serious?

Pedestrian accidents can be incredibly terrifying experiences for victims, and they often result in severe injuries. Pedestrians who get struck by vehicles are much more likely to sustain a serious or catastrophic injury than drivers and passengers involved in a traditional accident. At the Dan Doyle Law Group, our Philadelphia crosswalk accident attorneys want to discuss the most common injuries these victims sustain as well as the most common causes of pedestrian accidents in our area.

Pedestrian accidents in Philadelphia commonly lead to severe injuries

According to the latest reporting year of data available from the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, there were 4,129 total pedestrian incidents reported across the Commonwealth. Out of these incidents, there were 201 fatalities and over 4,000 injuries. When we look at the statistics, it is easy to see that a high percentage of all pedestrian accidents result and injuries or a fatality.

Why is this the case? Why do pedestrian accidents have a higher injury rate than traditional car accidents?

The reality is that pedestrians are much more vulnerable to severe injuries in an accident than those inside of a vehicle. The human body is not meant to withstand the impact of a vehicle that weighs thousands of pounds. It is important to consider that pedestrians who are struck by a vehicle can be injured by two impacts: the initial impact with the vehicle as well as a secondary impact with the ground.

Many pedestrian accidents result in what are considered “catastrophic” injuries, meaning injuries that dramatically affect a person’s ability to live a normal life. It is not uncommon for our Philadelphia pedestrian accident attorneys to help clients who have sustained the following:

  • Spinal cord injuries (with paralysis)
  • Traumatic brain injuries
  • Bone fractures and dislocations
  • Loss of or damage to their bodily organ
  • Internal bleeding
  • Dismemberment or amputation
  • Any injuries that inhibit a victim’s daily activities

In many cases, a pedestrian accident victim will sustain significant disfigurement or disability. Unfortunately, pedestrian accident victims are also much more likely to experience severe pain and suffering damages. It is not uncommon for these injury victims to suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Most pedestrian accidents are preventable, and they are commonly caused by driver error. This can include a driver failing to follow traffic laws, speeding, distracted driving, alcohol-impaired driving, and more.

How much compensation is available for this?

If you or somebody you love has been injured in a pedestrian accident that was caused by another person’s negligence, contact an attorney today. At the Dan Doyle Law Group, our experienced team is ready to investigate all aspects of your case in order to secure the compensation you need. This can include:

  • Coverage of any accident-medical bills
  • Recovery of lost wages and benefits
  • Coverage of physical therapy, if necessary
  • Loss of personal enjoyment damages
  • Pain and suffering damages
  • Possible punitive damages in cases of gross negligence

When you need a Philadelphia pedestrian accident lawyer, you can contact us by clicking here or calling 215-987-3730 for a free consultation.