Because pedestrians have nothing to protect them from the force of a collision with a large, often fast-moving vehicle, accidents can result in severe injuries. Albuquerque pedestrian accident injuries can require significant recovery periods, a long time out of work, and a lot of challenges for the injured individual. Working with a pedestrian accident attorney provides much-needed support as you navigate the claim process.
Head trauma occurs when a pedestrian hits their head in an accident in Albuquerque, either because the vehicle hits them or because they strike their head on an obstacle or the pavement. The brain swells inside the skull. As pressure increases, damage rises. At the scene of the accident, victims may show signs of confusion and disorientation. Those symptoms can linger as memory loss, focus and concentration difficulties, and even sensory challenges like tunnel vision or ringing in the ears long after the initial accident. Severe traumatic brain injuries can lead to permanent damage.
Back and neck injuries often have a permanent impact on the injured person’s mobility and quality of life. Injuries to the spinal cord can even result in paralysis, including loss of function in the limbs and challenges related to organ function below the site of the injury. Herniated discs and muscle damage can interfere with overall mobility and make it difficult for the injured individual to engage in normal activities, from work to hobbies.
Many pedestrians suffer not just a broken arm or leg, but multiple broken bones as a result of the force of the collision. Broken bones can cause immediate challenges, including loss of mobility and pain, but may also lead to significant ongoing issues that can affect the injured person’s quality of life long-term, like permanent loss of mobility or ongoing pain. Broken bones are one of the most common Albuquerque pedestrian accident injuries.
Sprains and strains are also common Albuquerque pedestrian accident injuries. Whether the pedestrian trips while trying to get away from the oncoming vehicle or the force of the vehicle sends them plummeting to the ground, those soft tissue injuries can take a long time to heal completely. In fact, some pedestrians will suffer ongoing pain or loss of movement around soft tissue injuries.
Not only are pedestrians in accidents with cars hit by the vehicle itself, but they can end up shoved to the ground or into obstacles around them. Often, that includes sharp objects or edges that result in significant cuts or lacerations. In addition, some pedestrians may end up drug over the pavement, which can lead to road rash: a friction burn that may cause significant scarring.
Severe injuries often mean high costs after a pedestrian accident in Albuquerque. Injured pedestrians can include all of those damages as part of their claim, including:
Working with a lawyer is an essential part of ensuring that injured pedestrians recover the compensation they deserve after their injuries. A lawyer could help lay out the full damages the injured pedestrian can include and make sure they are represented fairly in the claim.
Albuquerque pedestrian accident injuries can range from relatively minor bruises and abrasions to severe injuries that can permanently impact the injured individual’s quality of life. We understand the challenges that pedestrians can face when they need to pursue compensation for their injuries, and we strive to provide the support our community needs to navigate those complex situations. Contact our firm to discuss your legal actions.