What You Need to Know About Pedestrian Accident Injuries

Everyone is a pedestrian at some point in their day, whether
it’s walking alongside a road, crossing the crosswalk, or walking in a developed area.
Unfortunately, pedestrians were one of the road-using groups to see a rise in fatalities
in the US as of late. On average, a pedestrian is injured in an auto-related accident
every seven minutes. It is no question with these numbers that pedestrian safety has
been a growing concern in the US. If you or someone you know have been hurt in a
pedestrian accident, it is important to be informed of the proper process.

There are many types of pedestrian injuries, with the most
common including:

• Brain Trauma – Brain dysfunction often from a violent blow to
  body/head in result of an auto accident. Brain trauma injuries range from minor to
  severe medical consequences.
• Spinal Cord – Sudden blow to the spine that fractures/dislocates
  vertebrae. Any damage to the spinal cord or nerves near the spinal cord can cause
  permanent impairment
• Fractures – Fractures can happen when force on a bone is stronger
  than the bone and causes a loss in continuity of the bone. Although bone fractures
  can heal and are treatable, the injury may cause permanent pain and other issues
  that impacts the overall quality of life.
• Broken Bones – Broken bones can also occur when there is a break in
  part or all of a bone (like a fracture). One of the most common pedestrian-related
  injuries involving cars and other vehicles are broken bones. Broken bones can be
  very painful and may require medical treatment to repair.
• Emotional trauma – Being struck by a vehicle can cause physical
  injuries and more. A victim can suffer permanent emotional trauma after a pedestrian
  accident. Many victims seek emotional support through counseling for months to years
  after the traumatic experience.

Any accidents involving a vehicle, truck, or motorcycle and
pedestrian not in an automobile falls in the category of a pedestrian car accident. Here
are some common types of pedestrian accidents involving vehicles below.

• Crosswalks
  Crosswalk accidents often occur when a pedestrian is using the crosswalk legally at
  the time and a vehicle fails to stop in time, hitting them in the crosswalk.
• Parking Lot/Back-Over
  These type of accidents happen when a car is reversing out of a parking space in the
  lot and strikes a pedestrian while doing so. “Back-over” accidents happen when other
  cars may be blocking the driver’s view such as in a parking lot, with many shoppers
  walking from all directions to or from their car and a vehicle hits them.
• Loss of Control
  These accidents usually happen when a driver loses control of the vehicle they are
  driving and sideswipes or strikes a pedestrian. Many of these accidents result in
  running over the pedestrian or crushing the victim into a wall, building, or other
  unmoving objects.

Time is particularly of the essence in the actions victims take
or fail to take following a pedestrian accident. Time makes a significant impact on the
strength of your case, evidence, and ability to collect compensation. If you or a loved
one has been involved in a pedestrian accident, it is crucial to follow the steps below
immediately.

1. Seek Medical Attention. Whether or not you or the people involved
   in an accident believe there are serious injuries, it is important to seek medical
   attention as soon as possible. Seeking medical attention will help ensure all
   injuries are properly treated and identified and create official medical records
   documenting the injuries, severity of injuries, and required treatments.
2. Document the Accident. It is crucial to record and document all
   details of the scene of the accident while it remains fresh in your memory. Waiting
   to record information about the accident will cause potential loss of critical
   details. Facts to record include the names and contact information of everyone
   involved in the accident including witnesses, license plate numbers of cars
   involved, the date, time and place of the accident, etc. Taking pictures of any
   injuries and the scene of the crash will also help preserve precious evidence.
3. Seek a Pedestrian Accidents Attorney. It is important for victims
   to understand the laws and regulations governing pedestrian accident claims in your
   state. We at Khashan Law are very familiar with the California laws involving a
   pedestrian accident. Our experienced team understands the process and deadlines to
   follow to properly file your claim in a timely manner.

If you or someone you know has been involved in a pedestrian
accident, don’t wait any longer to consult with one of our knowledgeable pedestrian
accident attorneys to file your claim. Let an experienced pedestrian accidents lawyer
from Khashan Law represent you to help you claim the compensation you deserve so you can
focus on recovery. The time is now. Call us today for a free consultation.