Every step you take on the busy streets of California holds unseen risks, and one wrong move can instantly shatter lives. Pedestrian accidents have become an alarming epidemic, leaving a trail of devastation. That is why hiring a Buena Park pedestrian accident lawyer from Simmrin Law Group is so important.
n the face of overwhelming medical bills, lost wages, and physical and emotional suffering, having a legal advocate on your side can mean the difference between justice and despair.
Buena Park Pedestrian Accident Statistics
Accidents involving pedestrians are way more common than you may realize. About 8,984 pedestrians are killed in either traffic or non-traffic-related accidents every year. While these numbers are tragic, they often don’t feel real to many people because they haven’t experienced it or know someone who has.
However, the California Office of Traffic Safety released its 2021 Annual Traffic Report, which released some surprising statistics that may feel too close to home. It is startling to know that over 30,000 people lost their lives, and an additional 100,000 individuals suffered severe injuries on California roads since 2010. Plus, there seems to be a trend in pedestrian fatalities in California—so much so that there has been nearly a 50% increase in yearly pedestrian deaths and serious injuries.
Types of Pedestrian Accidents
Pedestrian accidents in California are not one-size-fits-all. Every accident is different, and the reasons for them can vary significantly. These unfortunate incidents can also occur anywhere, at any time.
Some common types of pedestrian accidents are:
Excessive Speed
When vehicles race through streets without regard for their surroundings or prevailing weather conditions, the likelihood of spotting pedestrians diminishes significantly. In these situations, drivers often struggle to react quickly to avoid a devastating collision, amplifying the risk factor.
Low Visibility
When it’s dark out, whether before the sun rises or after the sun sets, it makes it difficult to see pedestrians, particularly if they are also wearing dark clothing. Reduced lighting and insufficient visibility pose a significant hazard, increasing the likelihood of pedestrian accidents.
Unpredictable Weather
Rain, snow, fog, or intense sunlight, can substantially impair a driver’s ability to perceive their surroundings. These weather conditions can affect how well drivers judge distances and see the road ahead, including pedestrians. Drivers need to be careful and pay extra attention when the weather is bad to avoid accidents like these.
Impaired driving
Impaired drivers exhibit various dangerous behaviors, from inattentiveness to lane drifting and erratic decision-making, posing an imminent threat to pedestrians sharing the roads. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) found that 46% of all pedestrian accidents involve drivers under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
Distracted Driving
Drivers should have their undivided attention on the road at all times. However, sometimes drivers get tempted by their gadgets and lose focus on the road. They might start texting or changing the music they’re listening to, all while driving.
While it may seem like no big deal, these distractions can make them swerve out of their lane, make sudden moves, and make it more likely for accidents to happen with pedestrians.
Types of Injuries Sustained in Pedestrian Accidents
In the aftermath of collisions between vehicles and pedestrians, severe injuries can impact the victims’ lives. Below are some injuries that victims can sustain after a pedestrian accident.
Loss of Limbs
Sometimes, the force of impact can lead to amputations, where individuals suffer the loss of limbs due to injury, complications, or poor blood flow and healing. These life-altering injuries require extensive medical care, prosthetic support, and adaptive rehabilitation.
Bone Fractures
The force that happens during collisions can result in the fracturing of bones in various body parts, including the legs, arms, shoulders, back, hands, and wrists. Because of the high impact, the recovery process for fractures like these often entails medical interventions, immobilization, and rehabilitative therapies.
Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
The head, particularly vulnerable to the forces of impact, can sustain severe trauma, leading to traumatic brain injuries. These can manifest as loss of consciousness, concussions, skull fractures, and long-term disabilities. The road to recovery may involve extensive medical treatment, cognitive rehabilitation, and ongoing care.
Neck Injuries
The sudden jolt and movement of the head during accidents can cause neck injuries, such as whiplash, tears in the soft tissues, crushed discs, and mobility issues. These injuries may require physical therapy, pain management, and other interventions to alleviate symptoms and restore functionality.
Spine Injuries
The spine is very vulnerable to fractures, ruptures, and dislocations in the event of an accident. These types of injuries can result in significant impairment and even permanent paralysis. Treatment often involves surgical interventions, rehabilitation, and adaptive measures to enhance mobility and independence.
Soft Tissue Injuries
Alongside the more visible injuries, pedestrian accidents can cause soft tissue damage, including cuts, lacerations, muscle tears, joint damage, and disfiguring scars. These injuries may require stitches, wound care, physical therapy, and, in some cases, cosmetic procedures.
Emotional Trauma
The emotional toll of a pedestrian accident should not be underestimated. Individuals may experience post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), fear, anxiety, panic attacks, and depression due to the traumatic event. Emotional healing may involve therapy, counseling, and support to help individuals navigate their recovery.
These injuries can take weeks, months, or years to heal—and sometimes, there is no way they can heal at all. Understanding the seriousness of any injury after an accident is crucial because it can affect how much compensation you are awarded in court. Thankfully, a pedestrian accident attorney in Buena Park, CA, can help you determine how much compensation is right—and help you fight for it.
Contact a Pedestrian Accident Lawyer in Buena Park, CA, Today
The Buena Park pedestrian accident attorney at Simmrin Law Group has expertise in navigating the legal system and is ready to help ensure you receive the justice and financial support you deserve. They will provide unwavering support, compassion, and guidance throughout the legal process, ensuring your voice is heard and your concerns are always addressed.
We strive to simplify this stressful period, allowing you to focus on your recovery and well-being. Please give us a call or fill out our contact form to contact us today.