Every year, motor vehicle accidents kill approximately 5,000 pedestrians. More than 75,000 people suffer injuries from being hit by a motor vehicle. Accidents between motor vehicles and pedestrians usually occur when the pedestrian is trying to cross the street, walking on the shoulder or walking on the sidewalk. Often, accidents between motor vehicles and pedestrians or bicycles are the result of negligence. Regardless of who is at fault, the injuries that result from accidents between motor vehicles and pedestrians or bicycle riders are usually severe.
If you have suffered injuries because you got hit by a motor vehicle, call the experienced personal injury lawyers at Alonso Krangle, LLP. We are here to help you navigate the complex world of insurance companies and litigation. Our goal is to secure a fair outcome; one that accurately reflects the value of your injuries and suffering.
What are Some of the Most Common Types of Accidents that Occur Between Bicycle Riders, Pedestrians, and Motor Vehicles?
As personal injury lawyers, we see a variety of clients involved in motor vehicle accidents. When accidents occur between pedestrians, bicycles, and motor vehicles, they usually happen in scenarios similar to these:
- The driver of a motor vehicle goes through a red light, hitting a pedestrian or bicycle rider in an intersection
- The driver of a motor vehicle turns at an intersection while pedestrians are crossing the street
- The driver of a motor vehicle loses control of their motor vehicle and hits a pedestrian on the sidewalk
- The motor vehicle driver turns while a bicycle rider is in his or her blind spot, hitting the rider
- The motor vehicle driver does not stay in his or her lane, hitting a pedestrian or bicycle rider on the shoulder of the road
- Pedestrians cross against traffic putting themselves in danger of oncoming motor vehicles
- Motor vehicles hit bicycle riders when bicycle riders weave in and out of traffic, ride on the wrong side of the road, get dangerously close to motor vehicles, and ignore traffic signals
Injuries from Pedestrian, Bicycle and Motor Vehicle Accidents are Serious
Injuries that occur during an accident between a motor vehicle and pedestrian or bicycle rider are often some of the worst we see. Why? Because pedestrians and bicycle riders have no protection against the weight and speed of a motor vehicle. A bike helmet does little to help when a 2-ton motor vehicle is coming at you. Even if a motor vehicle is driving slowly, an unprotected person, when hit, can suffer severe injuries.
The following injuries frequently result from accidents between motor vehicles and pedestrians or bicycle riders:
Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs)
TBIs result from a severe blow to the head or body. TBIs usually result in brain dysfunction of some type. The damage to the brain can be minor or severe, but both can have lasting medical and emotional consequences for the victim and his or her family.
Broken and Fractured Bones
Broken arms, legs, hips, and ankles are common injuries when you are hit by a motor vehicle. Most of these injuries are treatable but can cause pain and quality of life issues for years.
Spinal Cord Injuries
The force of a motor vehicle with a pedestrian or bicycle rider can cause vertebrae in the spinal cord to tear, dislocate, or break. Any damage to the spinal cord can cause problems such as pain, loss of function, and paralysis.
Amputations
Pedestrians and bicycle riders often suffer such severe injuries from being crushed, pinned or hit that they require amputations of limbs.
Soft Tissue Injuries
These include bruises, sprains, dislocations, cuts, and more. Such injuries may resolve with little medical intervention. However, soft tissue injuries can impact the ability to work and perform every-day tasks due to pain, swelling, and scarring.
Death
Because they have no protection, pedestrians, and bicycle riders who are hit by motor vehicles are more likely to suffer fatal injuries than other victims of accidents.
Emotional Injuries
Physical injuries can result in pain and suffering. Emotional injuries can also cause victims of accidents to suffer. The emotional trauma from a motor vehicle accident can cause anxiety, stress, depression, and a lifetime of problems for the victim.
Collecting Damages for Your Injuries
If you have been in an accident, you may be able to collect damages to compensate you for your injuries. You can file insurance claims or lawsuits to collect some of the following:
- Medical expenses
- Medication costs
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Property damage
- Emotional Trauma
- Therapies
Know that it can be complicated to navigate a claim while you are recovering from your injuries. It can also be intimidating “going up” against a big insurance company. Their goal is to settle your case for as little money as possible. Don’t settle for less than you deserve. Consult with our lawyers at Alonso Krangle, LLP to ensure your case receives the attention needed to secure a fair outcome. Whether you want to settle your claim for a fair amount or litigate in court, our lawyers can provide you with passionate, skilled representation.
Contact Our Personal Injury Lawyers at Alonso Krangle, LLP for Help
If you have been injured by a motor vehicle, there is a time limit on filing your claim. We can’t know how much time is left without hearing the details of your accident. Call Alonso Krangle, LLP today and receive a free evaluation of your motor vehicle accident case. Call 516-350-5555 and speak with our experienced personal injury lawyers.