Seguin Pedestrian Accident Injuries

Pedestrian accidents come with a considerable risk of severe injuries or even death. In fact, pedestrians have a higher risk of death or severe injury than anyone else involved in a vehicle accident.

Why are your risks of injury so high in a pedestrian accident? It comes down to the lack of protective gear or a protective cage. A steel cage surrounds drivers and passengers in automobiles. Plus, modern vehicles have safety equipment like seat belts and airbags. Even cyclists and motorists often wear protective clothing and helmets to protect themselves from accidents.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a pedestrian accident, you may be dealing with long recovery times, hefty medical expenses, and lost income. If the driver was at fault, they should be responsible for those costs. A skilled attorney who handles Seguin pedestrian accident injuries can help you learn more about potential compensation.

Fault in Pedestrian Accidents

Many drivers and pedestrians operate under the misconception that pedestrians always have the right of way. Under this theory, any time a pedestrian stepped into the pathway of a vehicle, the vehicle would be required to stop. That is not true.

Pedestrians do not always have the right of way. The law requires pedestrians to use crosswalks, follow signals, and obey traffic rules. Failing to do so can make a pedestrian responsible for an accident. Even if a pedestrian has the right of way, they need to watch out for cars.

Making an effort to avoid pedestrians, even if the pedestrian is breaking the law, is the duty of every driver. Failing to stop or swerve when they can safely do so can open a driver to liability. Licensing is one of the factors that makes a difference. The mere fact that drivers have to obtain a license means that they have demonstrated knowledge of traffic laws, while pedestrians have no similar requirements.

Responsibility for causing injuries in a pedestrian collision in Seguin depends on the factual scenario. An attorney can help explain fault based on the facts of a case.

Potential Injuries in Pedestrian Crashes

Depending on the speed of the impact, how a pedestrian was standing, the size of the vehicle, and other factors, the injuries in a pedestrian accident in Seguin can range from nonexistent to fatal. Experiencing at least some injuries is common for most pedestrians, even if they are only minor scrapes and bruises.

Not every person is at equal risk. People with a higher likelihood of being a pedestrian are at a higher risk of being in an accident. Children and people with fewer financial resources—and therefore less likely to have a car—are at a higher risk of being in accidents. Some people are more likely to experience severe injuries when they are hit. Children and older adults are more vulnerable to serious injuries.

Hitting a pedestrian creates two opportunities for injuries—the initial impact of the vehicle and the secondary impact of the pedestrian and the ground. Often, the second impact is the dangerous one because it can lead to head injuries. Adults commonly experience injuries to their heads, legs, pelvis, and knees. Children are more likely to sustain head, neck, musculoskeletal, or crush injuries. Crush injuries can be particularly severe, potentially resulting in amputations or damage to internal organs.

An impact or sudden jolt to the head can result in a traumatic brain injury (TBI). Hitting their head when they hit the ground often leads to TBIs. These injuries can be mild to severe, and the outcomes for them can vary. Medical treatment is essential—early intervention improves the odds of survival and recovery.

Call to Learn More About Seguin Pedestrian Accident Injuries

Severe Seguin pedestrian accident injuries can lead to numerous challenges, including lengthy recovery periods, lost work time, and caregiving needs. Medical expenses can accumulate, and you and your family may need to make adjustments at home to accommodate physical or cognitive changes.

Recovery from a severe injury has multiple components. Financial recovery from the wrongdoer is one of them. Schedule a consultation with an attorney to learn more about your potential rights and remedies after an accident.