Pedestrian accidents cause many injuries and deaths yearly in Sacramento County and elsewhere. California leads in the number of pedestrian deaths, with 460 reported in 2019 and a jump of 5 percent during the first six months of 2020. Pedestrians are vulnerable to injuries during a traffic accident due to their lack of protection. Many accidents involving pedestrians result in permanent pain and long-term disability.

At AutoAccident.com, we’ve represented many Rosemont clients since 1982 and helped them get the compensation they deserve following a pedestrian accident. We understand the trauma you experience and your pain and suffering and are here to help you in your time of need. No one should suffer injuries or the loss of a loved one and be responsible for the financial burden, which is the at-fault party’s responsibility. Our injury attorneys are there for you throughout the process to answer your questions and keep you abreast of all developments in your case.

Although a pedestrian who is involved in an accident with a motor vehicle can experience a wide range of injuries, the following are the most common:

• Lower extremity injuries: The lower extremities are where the body of a pedestrian is most likely to be struck by a motor vehicle. Almost half of the pedestrians in accidents suffer these types of injuries. A fractured pelvis, broken bones, and muscle and ligament trauma are typical.
• Head, face, and neck injuries: If pedestrians are struck and lifted off their feet, they often hit the vehicle’s hood or the windshield. Around 38 percent of injured pedestrians exhibit head, face, or neck trauma. Some injuries include a dislocated shoulder, fractured jaw, traumatic brain injuries, and trauma to the vertebrae.
• Upper body injuries: Aside from injuries to the head, face, and neck, pedestrians can suffer injuries to their upper body, such as in the hands, wrists, and arms. Chest and abdominal injuries may also occur.

If a pedestrian suffers severe injuries from a negligent motorist or other entity, they can face mounting medical bills, lost wages from the inability to work, and physical and emotional pain and suffering. If they wish to pursue a compensation claim, it can include the following:

• Medical expenses: Medical costs that have arisen as a result of the accident are all recoverable, including ambulance fees, hospital stays, prescriptions, surgeries, specialists, testing, and physical therapy. If the injury is expected to continue or is permanent and requires further medical treatment, that is factored into the cost.
• Out-of-pocket expenses: The cost of going to the doctor for appointments, such as gasoline or using a vehicle for hire, and other out-of-pocket costs can be recovered.
• Home care: Often, an injured person returns home after an injury to continue recuperating. However, they may require a walker, wheelchair, or even a home healthcare worker to aid them. Those are recoverable damages.
• Lost wages: Unpaid salary from the inability to work plus any other bonuses or the like from the job is recoverable.
• Job change due to the injury: In some cases, the harm suffered by the pedestrian prevents them from returning to their job. The difference can be compensated if they have to change careers and the pay is lower.
• Enjoyment of life: An injured party whose life is disrupted because they can no longer participate in activities they once enjoyed can claim compensation for the loss. For example, someone who participated in marathons enjoyed hiking or some other physical activity and can no longer do so can ask for compensation.
• Scarring and disfigurement: Disfigurement and scars can cause physical problems and emotional and psychological damage. Compensation can be recovered in addition to the cost of restorative surgery, which insurance usually does not cover.
• Post-traumatic stress disorder: Some people suffer severe anxiety, depression, fear, and other symptoms following an accident. The cost can be recovered if professional care is needed to treat PTSD.
• Loss of consortium: This is the loss of the love and affection of the injured party that can be recovered for the spouse. Sometimes the wounded party joins the spouse in the claim for loss of consortium.

There are several things that a motorist can do to help prevent accidents involving pedestrians. Some of the following suggestions might help:

• Avoid distracted driving: Distracted driving is the number one cause of all types of pedestrian accidents. Texting or talking with passengers in the car or cell phone takes the driver’s eyes and focus off the roadway.
• Use extra caution at intersections: Many pedestrian injury accidents occur at intersections. Always stop before you reach the crosswalk, keep a sharp eye out, and proceed cautiously.
• Obey traffic laws: Speeding, running a red light, and other reckless behaviors cause many pedestrian accident injuries yearly. 
• Avoid fatigued driving: An overly tired driver can miss spotting a pedestrian in a crosswalk or may accidentally run a red light.
• Exercise patience: Children, the elderly, and the disabled may need more time crossing the street. They have the right of way at a crosswalk and should be yielded to.
• Use extra caution in bad weather: Rain, snow, and sleet can obscure pedestrians crossing the street. Adjust your speed accordingly and keep a careful lookout for people on foot.
• Don’t drink and drive: Intoxicated drivers injure many people and cause serious accidents yearly.
• Use caution when backing: Whether you are backing out of your own driveway or a parking lot space, someone on foot may start to cross behind you. Make sure the way is clear before proceeding.

Watch the following YouTube video to learn more about pedestrian safety.

Related Articles by accident lawyer Ed Smith:

• Older Pedestrians and Injuries
• Speed and its Relationship to Pedestrian Accidents 

If a negligent driver or other entity caused your injury, call our experienced Rosemont pedestrian accident lawyers for compassionate, free, and friendly advice at (916) 921-6400. We can also be reached at (800) 404-5400 or online.

Find out how our legal team has helped others by viewing our Settlements and Verdicts page.

^{Editor’s Note: updated [cha 6.23.23] Image by min woo park from Pixabay cd cha [cs 1053]}