4 Catastrophic Injuries One Could Sustain in a Pedestrian Accident

Pedestrian accidents can be some of the most devastating. The injuries you could sustain from something like this aren’t just bumps and bruises. They can be life-altering.

It’s scary to think about, but the truth is, when you’re hit by a car, your body takes the full impact. There’s no seatbelt, no airbag, nothing at all to protect you.

Let’s talk about four of the worst injuries someone can suffer in a pedestrian accident.  And if you’ve gone through something like this, or you’re worried about it, it’s important to know what to expect and why getting legal help might be important to seek compensation for your injuries.

Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)

We’re starting with TBIs because it is one of the most severe injuries you can suffer as a pedestrian. You might think that hitting your head on the ground or against a car would just give you a bad concussion. But the reality is far worse.

When you’re hit by a vehicle, the force can cause your brain to slam against the inside of your skull, leading to bruising, bleeding, or even permanent damage.

TBIs can range from mild concussions to severe brain damage that can leave you unable to walk, talk, or even think like the way you used to. You could experience memory loss, difficulty concentrating, mood swings, and, in the worst cases, complete loss of independence.

What’s especially terrifying about TBIs is that the symptoms don’t always show up right away. You might feel okay right after the accident, but then, days or weeks later, you start noticing headaches, dizziness, or confusion.

By the time you realize how serious it is, the damage could be permanent. This is why it’s so important to get medical attention immediately after any accident—even if you think you’re fine.

Spinal Cord Injuries

Your spine is incredibly fragile, and when you’re hit by a car, your back can be thrown in ways that it was never meant to move. Spinal cord injuries are another catastrophic result of pedestrian accidents, and they can change your life in ways you never thought possible.

You could lose feeling in your arms, legs, or even your entire body. In the most severe cases, you could become paralyzed from the neck down. Imagine going from being able to walk around, do your job, or take care of your family, to being completely dependent on others for even the simplest tasks.

And it’s not just paralysis. You could also deal with chronic pain, loss of bladder or bowel control, and a host of other complications that make everyday life incredibly difficult.

Broken Bones

Now, a broken bone might not seem as catastrophic as a brain or spinal cord injury at first, but consider the reality of a high-impact crash.

It’s not just one bone; many pedestrian accidents lead to multiple fractures, some of which are so severe they require surgery, pins, plates, or even amputation in extreme cases.

Think about what it would be like to break your legs so badly that you’re in a wheelchair for months, unable to work or take care of your family. Even if you eventually heal, there’s the possibility that you’ll never be the same again.

You might face chronic pain, limited mobility, or the need for extensive physical therapy just to get back to a fraction of what your life was before.

Internal Injuries and Organ Damage

When a car hits you, the external injuries might be obvious, but what you can’t see right away are the injuries inside your body. Your organs, your liver, lungs, kidneys, are all vulnerable to being crushed or torn in a pedestrian accident.

Internal bleeding is particularly dangerous because, if it’s not treated quickly, it can be life-threatening. You could be walking away from the accident, thinking you’re okay, only to collapse later from internal damage you didn’t even know you had.