Pedestrian injuries tend to be quite severe due to the height and weight differential between a person and a vehicle, and the likelihood that the pedestrian is not going to just be struck by the vehicle, but also thrown onto the hood or windshield or through the air.
Even low-speed accidents such as the one you experienced can result in debilitating or fatal injuries—even a “gentle” fall onto a concrete curb or street is bound to hurt or break something.
The taller the front end of the vehicle is, the more catastrophic the injuries generally are.
Some common injuries suffered by pedestrians in an accident with a motor vehicle include:
Traumatic brain injuries. TBI is a major source of death and disability in the U.S. Brain injuries may result in permanent deficits in a person’s ability to function at home, work, school, or within the community, and often lead to health complications requiring further medical treatment, a reduced life expectancy, and a diminished quality of life.
Spinal cord injuries. Damage to the spinal cord can leave a Brooklyn pedestrian accident victim paralyzed, facing a life transformed by a senseless, preventable accident.
Broken bones. The force of the collision between a pedestrian and a vehicle, or the pedestrian’s subsequent impact with the ground, can lead to severe bone breaks that take months to heal and lead to permanent disability and chronic pain.
Internal injuries. The impact in a Brooklyn pedestrian accident can damage the lungs, kidney, liver, and spleen, among other vital organs. Internal injuries pose the risk of internal bleeding, which can be fatal if not responded to quickly, and often lead to lifelong health complications.
Deep lacerations. Between broken glass from a windshield and the rough surface of the road, very few pedestrians survive an accident without severe cuts and abrasions. Infection, blood loss, and scarring can easily result from these injuries.