Posted on Monday, September 16th, 2019 at 5:29 am
Being injured in a car accident can have devastating consequences, especially for pedestrians. Pedestrians do not have the same protection as the occupants of a vehicle. They do not have airbags, seat belts, and a large metal frame to protect them from physical injuries during a car crash. Therefore, pedestrians often sustain traumatic and catastrophic injuries when struck by a motor vehicle. Let’s look at some common pedestrian accident injuries and what you should do if you are injured in a Sacramento pedestrian accident.
Common Injuries Sustained by Pedestrians
Common injuries in pedestrian accidents include:
- Broken bones and fractures
- Head and brain injuries, including concussions and traumatic brain injuries
- Back and spinal cord injuries, including paralysis
- Neck and shoulder injuries, including whiplash and paralysis
- Scraps, lacerations, and abrasions, which can result in permanent scarring and disfigurement
- Damage to internal organs and internal bleeding
- Loss of limbs or other body parts
The speed of a vehicle is often a factor in the severity of pedestrian injuries. However, a vehicle traveling at a low rate of speed can cause life-threatening injuries if it strikes a pedestrian.
What Should I Do If I Was Injured in a Pedestrian Accident?
Contact the police immediately and remain at the accident scene until a police officer arrives, unless you are transported to the emergency room for emergency medical treatment. If you remain at the accident scene, ask bystanders for their names and contact information, if possible. You might also ask someone to take pictures for you or make a video for you with your cell phone, if possible. It can be helpful to document the accident scene and gather as much information as possible at the accident scene, but your health and safety are your top priorities.
Most pedestrians go to the hospital for emergency care. If you did not go directly to the hospital, it is important to seek medical care as quickly as possible. You need to address any physical injuries you sustained in the accident, but you also need to document your injuries for a personal injury claim. Delays in medical care could hurt your chances of recovering full compensation for your injury claim.
It is usually a good idea to consult a Sacramento pedestrian accident attorney before making any statements to the insurance providers. The statements you make to an insurance adjuster could be used later in your case against you. It is better to have an attorney advise you of your rights and the steps you should take to protect your rights regarding a pedestrian accident claim.
As soon as possible, contact a Sacramento pedestrian accident attorney for advice. An attorney can investigate the accident to determine the cause of the crash and identify the party or parties responsible for your injury. Even though drivers have a duty to avoid injury to pedestrians, insurance companies often try to blame the pedestrian for the accident to avoid paying a claim. An experienced personal injury lawyer knows how to fight unwarranted accusations of fault against the victim.
Contact Our Sacramento Pedestrian Accident Attorney for a Free Case Review
Call The Tiemann Law Firm at (916) 999-9000 or visit our websiteto schedule a free consultation with one of our personal injury lawyers.
