Pedestrian Accident Injuries in Erie, PA
Pedestrian accident injuries often result in permanent impairments and life-threatening conditions. A pedestrian does not have any protection from injury when being struck by a vehicle. Individuals struck by a vehicle should seek immediate medical attention. They should also seek legal advice regarding a personal injury claim against the driver.
Common Pedestrian Accident Injuries
Studies have shown that SUVs and trucks can result in more severe injuries and higher chances of death. The height of the vehicle causes significant damage when the vehicle strikes the pedestrian. Pedestrians struck by SUVs are twice as likely to die than pedestrians struck by cars.
However, pedestrians struck by any vehicle can sustain life-threatening injuries. Common injuries pedestrians sustain in accidents involving vehicles include:
- Multiple broken bones and complex fractures
- Traumatic brain injuries and skull fractures
- Lacerations and abrasions
- Internal organ damage and crushing injuries
- Amputations and loss of limbs
- Neck and shoulder injuries
- Back and spinal cord injuries
- Paralysis and loss of bodily function
Regardless of the severity of the injury, you should see a doctor immediately after being struck by a vehicle. Symptoms of internal injuries or brain injuries may not be noticeable immediately after the accident. A doctor may need to conduct several diagnostic tests to diagnose injuries, such as x-rays, MRIs, and CT scans.
Documenting injuries through medical records is essential for recovering compensation for your injuries and damages. Delays in medical care or failure to follow your doctor’s treatment plan could hurt your case.
Damages Available for Pedestrians Struck by a Vehicle
If a negligent driver caused your pedestrian accident injuries, you could recover compensation. A personal injury case could result in compensation for:
- Diagnosis and treatment of injuries
- Cost of personal care and in-home health care
- Financial losses, including property damage, lost wages, travel expenses, and other out-of-pocket costs
- Physical pain and suffering
- Emotional and mental trauma and distress
- Scarring, permanent impairment, disabilities, and disfigurement
- A decrease in earning potential
- Loss of enjoyment of life
The value of your pedestrian accident claim depends on several factors.
How Much Is My Pedestrian Accident Work?
The severity of your injuries is one of the most important factors in the value of an injury claim. Catastrophic injuries and permanent impairments increase the value of an injury claim. Your total financial losses also impact the value of the claim. If the other party was entirely at fault for the crash, you should be entitled to full reimbursement for all financial losses.
Any fault that you might have for the accident’s cause could also impact the value of your claim. Under Pennsylvania’s comparative fault laws, your compensation for pedestrian accident injuries could be reduced if you were partially to blame for the accident.
Many factors could impact how much money you receive for an injury claim, including whether you hire an attorney to handle your case. Our legal team aggressively pursues maximum compensation for your injuries and damages. We do not leave any avenue unexplored if it could lead to additional compensation for your claim.
Call an Erie Pedestrian Accident Attorney for a Free Consultation
Pedestrian accidents are at their highest rate in 30 years. If a car hits you, let us help you hold the negligent driver responsible for his actions. Call (800) 401-2066 now to schedule your free legal consultation with a pedestrian accident lawyer in Erie, PA.