California is consistently ranked as one of the most dangerous states for pedestrians. Reports have shown a 10% increase in pedestrian traffic fatalities in recent years.
Of course, as one of the most populated states in the country, it makes sense that traffic accident numbers would be higher in California. But it’s not just that it’s the most populated state. The problem is that California also sees a lot of foot traffic because of its year-round beautiful weather and because many cities in the state are tourist attractions.
California is also notorious for traffic congestion, so when you combine a lot of cars on the road with a lot of foot traffic, you tend to get more pedestrian accidents. This is especially common in more populated cities like San Francisco and Los Angeles.
When these accidents occur, the injuries sustained are often severe and even fatal. Lower body injuries, in particular, are most common, such as leg injuries. For example, it’s common for a pedestrian to have their leg run over by a car in an accident, which can lead to serious lower body injuries.
If you were injured in a San Francisco area pedestrian accident, our team at Sally Morin can help. We understand how devastating pedestrian accidents can be and are dedicated to ensuring our clients receive the high-value settlement they deserve for their pain and suffering.
Risk of Lower Body Pedestrian Injuries from Car Accidents
The injuries are most often located in the lower body region because of how the impact occurs when a pedestrian is struck by a vehicle. Specifically, when the bumper of a vehicle hits a pedestrian, studies show that lower body injuries, such as leg injuries, are most common.
In 43% of pedestrian cases where a serious injury had occurred, the injury is typically a serious lower-body injury. Lower body injuries also account for 20% of cases where injured pedestrians end up disabled after a car accident.
Of course, there are other factors that can play a role in the injuries sustained and how bad they are, such as the age or physical size of the pedestrian that was struck and how fast the car was traveling before hitting them.
Common Types of Pedestrian-Related Car Accident Leg Injuries
The lower body comprises numerous bones, muscles, tendons, and ligaments, so any number of injuries can occur when the lower body is affected. However, with leg injuries specifically, the following tend to be the most common in pedestrians who were struck by a car:
- Hip fractures
- Tibia and fibula fractures
- Knee fractures
- Femur fractures
- Crushed legs/amputations
- Soft tissue injuries and nerve damage
- Severe lacerations and blood loss
When a pedestrian sustains a leg injury after a car accident, it’s not uncommon for there to be multiple fractures and even crushed bones. Thus, recovery can be long and extensive.
Pedestrians who sustain such severe leg injuries might be unable to walk for weeks or months. And some may never walk again. Even if they do start walking, they can suffer for the rest of their life with pain and difficulty with movement.
Recovering Compensation as a Pedestrian for a Leg Injury After a Car Accident
A leg injury after a car accident can be a life-altering, traumatic experience for a person. Being hit by a car as a pedestrian alone is a traumatic experience, but the injuries that follow and how they will affect their life can also be stressful and traumatizing to deal with.
This is why it is crucial that injured pedestrians work with a lawyer to ensure they not only win their case but are able to recover a high-value settlement that fully and fairly compensates them for all they have suffered.
It’s not uncommon for insurance companies to try to downplay pedestrian accident claims to avoid paying them what’s fair. But a lawyer can protect their rights and fight hard to ensure the insurance company awards a fair pedestrian accident settlement.
Damages pedestrians can be compensated for after sustaining a leg injury after a car accident can include:
- Medical bills and expenses
- Rehabilitation and therapy costs
- Long-term costs for disability
- Lost income or wages
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Physical pain endured
- Emotional trauma endured
We Handle Your Accident Claim So You Can Focus On Your Life
If you have sustained a leg injury after a car accident as a pedestrian, our team can assist you. We know how devastating the aftermath of a pedestrian accident can be. Let us help you navigate your claim so you can focus on rest and recovery.
At Sally Morin Personal Injury Lawyers, we care about the people of California and work hard to ensure our clients get the full settlement they deserve. Call us at 877-380-8852 or contact us online today for a free case evaluation.
