What Types of Injuries Can Occur in a Pedestrian Accident?
South Carolina ranks in the top 10 states for pedestrian deaths, with 159 pedestrians being killed in 2023. Unlike motorists who have the safety of an enclosed vehicle, as a pedestrian, you are vulnerable to catastrophic injuries. Pedestrians place their lives at risk each time they walk on the sidewalk or cross a busy street, with cyclists and motorcyclists also being susceptible road users.
In this blog, our Charleston pedestrian accident lawyers discuss common types of injuries in pedestrian accidents and the timeframe you have to take legal action.
Fractures
A pedestrian who is struck by a vehicle may suffer a broken bone or fracture. The arms, wrists, ribs, thigh bone, shin bone, and pelvis are amongst the most frequent fractures seen in pedestrian accidents. The severity of the break will depend upon the impact of force, with some fractures requiring surgical intervention.
Spinal Cord Injuries
The spinal cord is a tubelike structure composed of a column of nerves that transmits signals from the brain to the rest of the body. When the spinal cord suffers damage, a person may experience numbness, tingling, difficulty breathing, extreme pain or pressure in the back or neck, and abnormal sweating. If left untreated, an individual may be at risk for permanent paralysis.
Internal Bleeding
A pedestrian hit by an oncoming vehicle may experience a ruptured blood vessel, causing internal bleeding. The symptoms may present as confusion, fatigue, or lightheadedness, which may go largely unnoticed until it is too late. About 60,000 lives are lost each year to this “silent killer.”
Amputations
A pedestrian can be pinned down by a car, causing a limb to be severed, in what is referred to as a traumatic amputation. In other cases, a limb may become mangled, requiring surgical amputation. In certain situations, upon assessing the severity of soft tissue, nerve, and blood vessel damage, a surgeon may be able to salvage a severed finger or toe.
Traumatic Brain Injuries
Each year, more than 69,000 people die from traumatic brain injuries. A traumatic brain injury, or TBI, is any bump or strike to the head that disrupts brain function. About 55% of pedestrians struck by a car suffered a severe TBI. Symptoms may present as a headache, loss of consciousness, vision changes, difficulty with balance, and irritability. Among patients still alive five years after a TBI, 57% were moderately or severely disabled.
Filing a Pedestrian Accident Claim in SC
South Carolina law allows personal injury victims three years to file a legal claim. If you were in a pedestrian accident, you likely have exorbitant medical bills, which could easily drain your bank account. At John Price Law Firm, LLC, we are committed to helping pedestrians obtain maximum compensation for their suffering. If you were struck by a vehicle while obeying traffic regulations, you are most likely entitled to compensation for your hardship.
Injured? Contact Our Charleston Pedestrian Accident Lawyers
Pedestrian right-of-way laws are put into place to protect individuals traveling by foot. If you were hit by a car while attempting to cross the street or walking on the shoulder of a road where no sidewalk was available, do not hesitate to contact our legal team. To learn more or arrange your free consultation with a Charleston pedestrian accident lawyer, contact us online or give us a call today.