Common Pedestrian Injuries in Indiana
At Doehrman Buba Ring, we understand the complexities and the severe nature of injuries resulting from pedestrian accidents in Indiana. Such injuries frequently result from either the immediate impact of a vehicle hitting a pedestrian or the subsequent consequences, like being hurled against another object. Common injuries include bone fractures, skin abrasions, internal damage, and, in more serious incidents, head and spinal trauma. These injuries occur under various circumstances, including the speed and angle of the impacting vehicle and the pedestrian’s condition at the time of the accident.
Our team is well-versed in the legal intricacies of pedestrian accidents and is committed to assisting victims and their families. If you or a loved one has experienced an injury from a pedestrian accident, or tragically, if a pedestrian accident has resulted in a fatality, our seasoned pedestrian accident attorneys at Doehrman Buba Ring are here to help.
If you’re an injured pedestrian in need of expert legal help, contact us for a free consultation to explore your legal options for seeking compensation.
Common Injuries From Pedestrian Accidents
Pedestrian accidents often lead to diverse and serious injuries due to the unprotected exposure of individuals to vehicular impact. These injuries can range from minor to life-threatening, significantly impacting the quality of life of the victims.
Head Injuries & Concussions
One of the most severe outcomes of pedestrian accidents is head injuries, including traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) and concussions. The force of impact during these incidents can cause the brain to move within the skull, leading to bruising, bleeding, or swelling of the brain. Symptoms of a concussion or more severe TBIs can range from mild, such as headaches and temporary confusion, to life-altering, including prolonged unconsciousness, memory loss, and changes in personality. Immediate medical attention is crucial following any head impact, as early diagnosis and treatment can significantly influence recovery outcomes.
Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) stands as one of the most critical and potentially life-altering injuries that can result from pedestrian accidents. These injuries are caused by a blow or jolt to the head severe enough to disrupt the normal function of the brain. TBI can manifest in a wide spectrum of symptoms and severities, from mild, temporary conditions like concussions to more severe and permanent disabilities such as cognitive impairments, emotional and behavioral changes, and physical disabilities.
Broken Bones
Broken bones, or fractures, are a common injury among pedestrians involved in vehicular accidents. The force of a collision can easily fracture the legs, arms, ribs, or even the pelvis, depending on the point and severity of contact. Such injuries can range from simple fractures, which may heal with the aid of casts and rest, to more complex ones like compound fractures, where the bone pierces the skin, or comminuted fractures, where the bone is shattered into multiple pieces. Recovery from broken bones can require surgical intervention, physical therapy, and prolonged periods of immobilization, significantly affecting the victim’s daily life and ability to work. The road to full recovery can be long and may involve both physical and emotional rehabilitation to overcome the trauma of the accident.
Broken Bone Punctures
In some cases, a vehicle’s impact on a pedestrian can result in broken bones piercing through the skin, leading to puncture wounds. These injuries require immediate medical attention, as they can increase the risk of infection and may damage surrounding nerves and tissues. In severe cases, surgery may be necessary to repair the damage caused by these types of injuries.
Spinal Cord Injuries
Pedestrian accidents can also result in severe spinal cord injuries, which can cause permanent damage and significantly impact the victim’s quality of life. The force of impact from a collision can compress or damage the vertebrae, leading to nerve damage, paralysis, and loss of function below the point of injury. These types of injuries often require long-term medical care and rehabilitation and may result in permanent disability.
Cuts and Bruises
In pedestrian accidents, the occurrence of cuts and bruises is almost inevitable due to direct contact with the vehicle and subsequent contact with the ground or other objects. These injuries, while often considered minor compared to others like head injuries or broken bones, should not be overlooked. Cuts can vary in severity from superficial scrapes to deep lacerations requiring medical stitches, and they pose a risk of infection if not properly treated.
Bruises, on the other hand, are caused by bleeding under the skin resulting from the forceful impact, and they can be an indicator of more serious underlying injuries. It’s important for victims to undergo a thorough medical examination after an accident to ensure that all injuries, including cuts and bruises, are properly identified and treated.
Internal Injuries
Internal injuries are among the most dangerous and life-threatening consequences of pedestrian accidents. These injuries occur when force from an impact damages internal organs or causes internal bleeding, and they may not be immediately evident without medical examination. Common internal injuries from pedestrian accidents include damage to the liver, spleen, kidneys, or lungs. Such injuries can result in significant internal bleeding, necessitating emergency medical intervention. Symptoms of internal injuries might include abdominal pain, deep bruising, dizziness, fainting, or blood in urine. Due to their potentially concealed nature, it is critical for pedestrians involved in vehicular accidents to seek medical attention promptly to diagnose and treat any internal injuries, thereby preventing long-term health complications or even fatal outcomes.
Pedestrian Fatalities
Unfortunately, pedestrian accidents do result in fatalities, a tragic outcome that leaves families and communities in mourning. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports show that in 2020, pedestrian deaths accounted for 16% of all motor vehicle accident fatalities, with around 6,000 deaths reported annually in the United States alone.
The sudden loss of a loved one is devastating and often brings about a complex web of emotional, financial, and legal challenges. Fatalities can occur immediately at the scene due to the severity of injuries, or they may happen later as a result of complications arising from sustained injuries. Factors such as the speed of the vehicle, point of impact, and the pedestrian’s health condition play a critical role in the survivability of such accidents.
In cases of pedestrian fatalities, it is crucial for the bereaved families to seek legal advice to understand their rights and the potential to claim compensation for their loss. This compensation can cover funeral costs, loss of income, emotional distress, and other damages. While no amount of money can replace a lost life, holding those responsible accountable can provide a sense of justice and financial stability during a difficult time.
Seeking Compensation for Pedestrian Accident Injuries
If you or a loved one has been injured in a pedestrian accident, it’s essential to seek legal assistance to explore your options for seeking compensation. The medical expenses, lost wages, and emotional trauma caused by these incidents can be overwhelming, and holding the responsible party accountable can provide much-needed financial support.
Compensation available to pedestrian accident victims includes:
- Medical expenses, including emergency treatment, surgery, hospital stays, and medications
- Rehabilitation costs for physical therapy, occupational therapy, and other long-term rehabilitation needs
- Lost wages for time missed from work due to injuries and the recovery process
- Loss of earning capacity if the injuries prevent the victim from returning to their previous job or working at the same capacity as before the accident
- Pain and suffering compensation for the physical pain and emotional distress experienced as a result of the accident
- Payment for disfigurement or permanent disabilities resulting from the accident
- Funeral and burial expenses in the case of fatal accidents, along with compensation for the family’s loss of companionship and support
Our expert pedestrian accident attorneys can help you understand the amount of compensation you may be entitled to and guide you through the legal process of seeking it. Time is of the essence in these cases, so don’t hesitate to reach out for help as soon as possible.
Proving Fault For Your Injuries and Damages
To prove fault for your injuries and damages stemming from a pedestrian accident, certain key elements must be demonstrated. These include:
- Proof of Duty: Establishing that the driver had a legal duty to exercise reasonable care towards the pedestrian. This is generally accepted, given the laws requiring drivers to be cautious and follow traffic regulations.
- Breach of Duty: Demonstrating that the driver failed to uphold this duty of care. Evidence of speeding, ignoring traffic signals, driving under the influence, or engaging in distracted driving can serve as proof of this breach.
- Causation: Linking the driver’s breach of duty directly to the pedestrian’s injuries. It must be shown that the injuries would not have occurred if not for the driver’s negligent actions.
- Damages: Document the specific injuries and other losses incurred as a result of the accident. This includes medical records, bills, proof of lost wages, and any other documentation that quantifies the financial and emotional impact of the accident.
Collectively, these elements contribute to establishing the driver’s fault and are critical in securing compensation for a pedestrian’s injuries and damages. The law firm of Doehrman Buba Ring has a team of pedestrian accident lawyers who have the experience and knowledge necessary to prove these elements and fight for justice on your behalf. Whether through a settlement or in court, we are dedicated to helping you obtain the compensation you deserve for your suffering.
Doehrman Buba Ring Fights For You
If you or a loved one has been injured or killed in a pedestrian accident, don’t hesitate to reach out to our team of Indiana pedestrian accident lawyers. At Doehrman Buba Ring, we understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll these accidents can bring and are dedicated to fighting for your rights. Our lawyers have a proven track record of success in obtaining favorable settlements and verdicts for our clients, and we are ready to do the same for you. Contact us today for a free consultation and take the first step towards getting the justice and compensation you deserve.
