5 Reasons Why Pedestrian Accident Cases Can Be More Serious Than They Appear

pedestrian accident cases can be more serious

Behind the facade of a simple accident, life-altering consequences often lie hidden. Unbeknownst to them and those around them, victims may suffer from internal bleeding, brain damage, or develop PTSD. Their families’ fight for justice may spiral into a maze of insurance complications and hard-to-understand facts around tort law. An experienced personal injury lawyer can help you get the proper care and just compensation.

Internal Injuries

Pedestrian accident cases can be more severe than they appear because the full extent of a victim’s injuries may not become apparent until days or even weeks after the accident.

Victims might leave the scene feeling okay but not realize they’ve been seriously injured until days later when their pain increases.

Many people who suffer spinal cord damage may not show any outward signs of this until weeks after their accident. But by then, it may be too late for them to get proper medical care or treatment, so they may suffer permanent consequences from their injuries.

Other hidden injuries, such as internal bleeding, traumatic brain injuries, or soft tissue damage, can lead to long-term health complications or disabilities. That makes the case more complex and the victim’s recovery more uncertain.

Even if you don’t exhibit physical signs of injury after a pedestrian accident, getting checked at a hospital is critical. If you don’t go to the emergency room and they find out later that you did have a severe injury, the insurance company might weasel out of its obligation to pay your bills.

Jacoby & Meyers Personal Injury Attorneys are knowledgeable pedestrian accident attorneys available to guide you through the circumstances surrounding your accident, evaluate whether you qualify for compensation, and create the best strategy for you to proceed.

Emotional Damage and Mental Anguish

Society needs to recognize and address the long-term effects of psychological trauma in pedestrian accident cases. These psychological traumas can significantly impact the victim’s quality of life, ability to work, and overall well-being.

Even if the person survives and recovers from their physical injuries, they could suffer psychological trauma. That stems from thoughts about what could have happened had they not been lucky enough to survive.

The mental and emotional scars of a pedestrian accident are not always visible, but they can be just as debilitating as physical injuries. Victims may experience post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, depression, or other mental health issues due to the accident.

Those with PTSD may experience flashbacks that make it difficult to participate fully in social activities.

Difficulty Navigating the Law of Torts

If a pedestrian is injured in an accident, they may be entitled to compensation for emotional distress, medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

But if the fault is not established correctly, the victim may not receive maximum compensation.

Sometimes, the driver and the pedestrian may share some responsibility for the accident. This can make proving negligence and securing compensation for the victim’s injuries more difficult.

According to Forbes, some common causes of pedestrian accidents include:

  • Distracted driving or walking
  • Speeding drivers
  • Intoxicated drivers or pedestrians
  • Drivers or pedestrians failing to yield the right of way
  • Fatigued drivers

Drivers may argue that the pedestrian was jaywalking, not paying attention, or acting recklessly. But the pedestrian may counter that they had no choice but to cross where they did because it was unsafe elsewhere. This makes pedestrian accident cases more serious than they appear.

Long-term Consequences

The long-term adverse effects of a pedestrian accident can be far-reaching and life-altering. Victims may require extensive medical treatment, rehabilitation, and ongoing care, leading to significant financial burdens.

Their relationships, hobbies, and overall quality of life may suffer due to the accident. They may also be unable to work, either temporarily or permanently.

And if they don’t have enough savings to pay their bills, they might need to file for bankruptcy protection.

Children may also suffer from losing an involved parent if injured in a pedestrian accident.

Many couples also experience the loss of consortium after a serious pedestrian accident because one spouse cannot participate in everyday activities. This can lead to a vicious cycle of pain, suffering, loneliness, separation, and PTSD.

Insurance Company Push and Pull

Navigating the complexities of insurance claims and negotiations can be challenging. Insurance companies are notorious for trying to minimize their payouts in accident cases. Victims may struggle to receive the compensation they deserve without the assistance of an experienced attorney.

The vehicle’s driver must have insurance coverage that will cover them if they are involved in an accident with a pedestrian. If not, you can hold them personally liable for all the costs associated with the accident. You may need an experienced personal injury lawyer to help with that.

Conclusion

In summary, pedestrian accident cases can be more serious than they appear for many reasons. Victims of pedestrian accidents must seek legal counsel to ensure they receive the compensation they deserve and navigate their cases’ complexities.

Gretchen Walker
Gretchen is a homemaker by day and writer by night. She takes a keen interest in life as it unfolds around her and spends her free time observing people go about their everyday affairs.