Adult victims most commonly sustain injuries to the lower extremities, including the knees and lower legs. The front bumper of the oncoming vehicle typically first strikes the lower extremities, causing the pedestrian to fold toward the point of impact. The pedestrian’s upper body and head may then come into contact with the hood of the vehicle. Finally, the pedestrian may collide with other parts of the vehicle, such as the windshield or roof, or the roadway depending on the speed of the crash.
The severity of pedestrian injuries will depend on the speed of the vehicle, the height of the vehicle, and the height of the person. Child victims will more commonly suffer injuries to the chest, neck, and head, as the front of the vehicle collides with these areas first. The most common types of injuries in pedestrian collisions are bone fractures, traumatic brain injuries, musculoskeletal injuries, and superficial injuries.
Minor pedestrian accidents can result in lacerations, contusions, and broken bones, while serious collisions can lead to traumatic injuries to the brain, spinal cord, and internal organs. While most people will eventually recover from pedestrian accident injuries, some will live with lifelong disabilities, disfigurements, or chronic pain. These are what the court calls “catastrophic” injuries – they are eligible for the greatest amount of compensation in a personal injury case. If a loved one died in a pedestrian collision, you may be able to file a lawsuit for a Mesquite wrongful death.