You may have made a conscious decision to walk to work each day. Or, perhaps taking a long stroll helps you to wind down after a hard day at the office. In either case, your safety is pivotal.
Sadly, many pedestrians are injured each year across the country after being struck by a vehicle. In fact, over 4,000 pedestrians are tragically killed each year. The truth is, you just don’t have the same levels of physical protection as a pedestrian, which places you in a vulnerable position. Identifying some of the more common injuries associated with pedestrians could raise awareness and contribute to preventing such incidents.
Injuries to the lower section of your body
The lower parts of your body are most likely to come into contact first with a vehicle. Approximately half of the pedestrians experience some form of injury to their lower body after being struck by a car. The extent of the injuries can vary, from lacerations to fractures. Trauma to the pelvic area can be especially dangerous and may even result in life-altering injuries.
Trauma to the upper sections of the body
The upper sections of the body are also exposed during a collision with a vehicle. Injuries to the arms, hands, wrists are not uncommon, with fractures potentially involving a recovery period of several months.
By far the most serious outcome is when a victim suffers severe trauma to the head. Concussions can cause significant pain and suffering and brain injuries could inflict permanent damage.
Pedestrian safety in Louisiana is a key issue that warrants careful consideration. If you have had the misfortune of being involved in an accident, it may benefit you to further explore your legal options.