When you take to the sidewalk on foot, you probably don’t give a whole lot of thought to your safety. After all, you’ve been walking safely for quite a while now. Pedestrian accidents, however, are some of the most dangerous accidents you can encounter because—when you’re on foot—there’s absolutely nothing to protect you from the impact of an accident. When you’re walking—whether you commute, shop, go sightseeing in the beautiful and historic city of Philadelphia, or are simply walking in a parking lot—always make safety your top priority.
Pedestrian Accidents: The Sobering Statistics
The statistics related to pedestrian accidents are worth careful attention. The Pedestrian and Bicycle Information Center relays several statistics that every single pedestrian should consider:
- In 2015, more than 5,000 pedestrians died in pedestrian/motor-vehicle accidents—the highest number of these fatalities since 1996
- In the years from 2006 through 2015, the number of pedestrians injured in pedestrian/motor-vehicle accidents rose by nearly 15 percent
- In the years from 2006 through 2015, the total number of traffic-accident fatalities fell by almost 18 percent—but the number of pedestrian/motor-vehicle accident fatalities rose by 12 percent
Pedestrian accidents are exceedingly dangerous, are often emotionally devastating, and increasing in number. If you or someone you love was injured in a pedestrian accident, you need experienced legal counsel. The skilled personal injury attorneys at The Levin Firm in Philadelphia have the experience and compassion to fight for your rights and for your claim’s best possible resolution. We understand all of the difficulties that pedestrian accidents cause, and we’re committed to helping you recover on your damages.
Common Pedestrian Injuries
Pedestrian accidents are dangerous, and they often lead to ongoing physical issues that necessitate ongoing medical care. While every pedestrian accident is unique, four kinds of injuries are closely associated with these dangerous accidents:
- Traumatic brain injuries. Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are caused by a blow or trauma to the head, which is an exceedingly common occurrence in pedestrian accidents. Because your brain acts as your body’s central command center, even a minor injury can cause highly unpredictable physical and psychological consequences. A Traumatic brain injury can lead to extreme physical damages, altered mental and emotional functioning, altered language capabilities, and diminished sensory perceptions that can include your sense of smell and your hearing. All these elements combine to make you exactly who you are. In fact, many TBI sufferers contend that their traumatic brain injuries left them with an altered sense of self, which significantly exacerbated the severity of their physical injuries’ consequences. Furthermore, some TBIs victims develop chronic seizures. It’s difficult to overstate how significantly a TBI can damage your life.
- Spinal cord injuries. A spinal cord injury is caused by damage to your vertebrae, to your ligaments, to the discs in your spinal cord, or to your spinal cord itself. Spinal cord injuries don’t always reveal themselves at the time of the accident. Sometimes, spinal cord injuries develop with time as the associated bleeding, swelling, and accumulation of fluid in your spinal column continues to collect. Coupled together, your spinal cord and your brain make up your body’s central nervous system, which manages all your physical movements and sensations. If your spinal cord suffers significant injury, it can impede your body’s ability to accurately receive messages from your brain, which can cause your motor system to dysfunction and can lead to partial or complete paralysis.
- Broken bones. Pedestrian accidents frequently result in fractured bones, where an external force that’s stronger than the bone itself causes it to fracture or break. Doctors can usually treat these injuries and they may heal well, but in the meantime they can cause extreme pain and can necessitate extensive medical treatments or even surgeries. Furthermore, broken and fractured bones sometimes develop complications that can lead to ongoing pain and medical issues.
- Soft tissue injuries. Injuries to the soft tissues are common in nearly any kind of accident, and this is especially true of pedestrian accidents. Such injuries can include bruising, cuts, tears, dislocations, and sprains. While some soft-tissue injuries heal themselves with time, others require extensive medical and therapeutic care. These injuries can hurt terribly and lead to extended periods of lost work hours.
Staying Safe
You can help yourself stay safe when you head out on the streets of Philadelphia:
- Remain alert to the traffic all around you—and obey all posted pedestrian signs, signals, and warnings
- Always cross at marked crosswalks (or other designated walkways) whenever they’re available
- Cross with a group whenever possible—groups of pedestrians are easier for motorists to see
- Wear comfortable, supportive, well-fitting, nonslip footwear that allows you to safely and swiftly make your way across the street
- If you need to walk after dark, ensure that vehicles can see you by wearing a prominent piece of clothing that incorporates reflective material
Because pedestrian accidents are so serious, always make safety your top priority when you head out the door on foot.
If You Were Injured in a Pedestrian Accident, Consult an Experienced Philadelphia Personal Injury Lawyer
If you or someone you care about was injured in a pedestrian accident, you know the problems that can result. Because your rights and your case are too important to leave to chance, you need experienced legal counsel. The dedicated legal team at The Levin Firm in Philadelphia has the experience and commitment to aggressively advocate for the compensation to which you are entitled. Our skilled personal injury attorneys care about your case, and we’re here to help. Please contact or call us at (215) 825-5183 today. For more information about pedestrian accidents review the steps you should take after a pedestrian accident.