A pedestrian who is hit by a car is frankly lucky to survive. Anytime a 5,000-pound vehicle contacts a human, even at slow speeds, strikes a human, there is a potential for the pedestrian to sustain significant injuries that can be permanent, cause tremendous pain and suffering, and lead to a permanent alteration of one’s life. The risk of severe injury and death increases exponentially when the vehicle moves at higher speeds.
There are two mechanisms of injury in nearly all pedestrian versus motor vehicle accidents. The first mechanism of injury is the car hitting the person. The second mechanism is the person landing on the ground or other surfaces after contacting the pedestrian. Each mechanism of injury has the potential to cause severe damage on its own or in combination with the second mechanism of injury.
Several factors figure into the severity of the injuries the pedestrian sustains in an accident. The age, height, weight, overall health, and fitness of the individual play a role in the survivability of pedestrian accidents. Those factors can also figure into whether the person’s injuries are severe. Older pedestrians and younger pedestrians are particularly vulnerable to sustaining severe or catastrophic injuries in a collision with a motor vehicle. Also, the speed of the vehicle, the size of the vehicle, the angle at which the vehicle strikes the pedestrian, and where on the body the vehicle contacted the person are factors that could determine whether the pedestrian sustains an injury.
Injuries in pedestrian accidents are the product of all of the factors mentioned above. Injuries to pedestrians include damage to the chest, head, arms, and legs. Additionally, traumatic brain injuries, internal organ damage, spinal damage, broken bones, lacerations, and amputations.
Recovery from these severe injuries can be long and arduous, requiring surgery, painful rehabilitation, and healing. The victim might lose a substantial time out of work or school in addition to suffering tremendous physical and emotional pain.
Injured? Call Stein Shulman, LLC For Your Instant Case Analysis
Stein & Shulman, LLC has over 45 years of combined experienced in Illinois Personal Injury Injury Law. You can receive a free and instant case review by calling our office at 312.422.0500.
Stein & Shulman, LLC
134 N LaSalle St, #820
Chicago, IL 60602
312.422.0500
