The Common Types of Injuries Suffered in Pedestrian Accidents
Though collisions with pedestrians account for only about one in ten motor vehicle accidents, the consequences are far more likely to be serious or fatal. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), nearly 70,000 people were injured as pedestrians in 2011, with more than 4,000 fatalities resulting from car-pedestrian collisions. About 15% of the injured were children, and an equal percentage were over the age of 65.
The Common Types of Injuries Suffered by Pedestrians
Because of the sheer mass of a motor vehicle, a car traveling at nearly any rate of speed, even as slow as 10 miles an hour, can cause serious injury.
The most common injury sustained by pedestrians is known as “bumper fracture,” where the car’s bumper hits the pedestrian in the leg-typically the femur or thigh bone-either fracturing the femur or throwing the pedestrian to the ground, leading to fractures in other parts of the body, such as the lower legs, pelvis or arms. These types of injuries occur most often when a pedestrian is struck in a cross-walk or while walking across the road.
Another frequent pedestrian injury is the “scoop” injury, where the pedestrian is lifted off the ground by the hood of the car and collides with the windshield. These types of injuries typically occur at significantly higher rates of speed, and can lead to traumatic brain injury (if the pedestrian hits the windshield head first), spinal cord trauma, broken bones, contusions or bruises and road rash.
Often, in these types of accidents, the pedestrian’s injuries are exacerbated by the actions of the driver. The natural reaction to step on the brakes may cause the driver to throw the victim to the ground, causing further injury.
Contact the Motor Vehicle Accident Injury Attorneys at Mallon & Tranger
We offer a free initial consultation to anyone who has suffered an injury as a pedestrian in a motor vehicle accident. To set up a meeting, contact us online or call us at 732-702-0333 for an appointment. We have offices in Freehold and Point Pleasant.