According to recent statistics, almost 900 pedestrians are seriously injured or killed on roads across Northern Ireland every year. Many pedestrian accidents happen at zebra crossings, where a distracted driver fails to notice a pedestrian. Others often occur at parking lots where drivers are pulling out and fail to check to see whether everything is clear.
Whether at high or low speeds, pedestrian accidents can have devastating impacts. In this blog, we explore the most common pedestrian accidents that we have encountered during the course of the past 50 years of practice:
Soft Tissue Injuries
Soft tissue injuries are very common amongst pedestrians involved in a road traffic accident. These are injuries to the soft tissues in the body like muscles, ligaments, and tendons. They typically result from a sudden, uncontrolled movement. While these types of injuries typically take a short time to recover from, they are still painful and can leave long-term scarring.
Lacerations
Under certain circumstances, pedestrians can be injured by broken glass from a car windshield and side windows. These lacerations can range from minor to very serious, depending on the amount and size of glass involved. Some injuries can penetrate many layers of skin and could require immediate medical attention. Some lacerations could even result in permanent scarring or even amputation.
Broken Bones
Broken bones are unfortunately a very common pedestrian accident injury. When a pedestrian is struck by a vehicle, they typically fall on their hands, legs or back. These injuries can be quite painful and can range from partial fractures to complete fractures. Some injuries can have long-term consequences and can require months of hospitalization.
Brain Injuries
Traumatic brain injuries are commonly associated with pedestrian accidents. They can have life altering consequences and often require immediate medical attention. Common symptoms can include lightheadedness, headaches, fatigue, dizziness, memory loss, and seizures. We have explored many common issues related to head injuries in a past blog which you can explore to find out more about brain injuries.
Paschal O’hare solicitors has been helping pedestrians involved in car accidents across Northern Ireland for over 50 years. Our friendly solicitors have the expertise to help you through your claim. Contact us today to find out how we can help.
