In the contest between a pedestrian and a car, there is no question as to who is going to end up injured. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 5,000 pedestrians are killed in accidents each year. In those pedestrian accidents that are not fatal, many results in extremely serious injuries, including traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, and amputations.

What is Traumatic Brain Injury?

Traumatic Brain Injury – or TBI – is a serious injury to the head. TBI can have mild symptoms, such as headache, blurred vision, and temporary memory loss — also known as a concussion. More serious TBIs can involve swelling or bleeding in the brain and can leave long-term or permanent brain damage. Many pedestrian accidents cause severe TBIs and can leave a victim with hearing loss, personality changes, speech difficulties, and depression for the rest of their life. TBIs can require weeks, months, or years of treatment, recovery, and rehabilitation.

What is a Spinal Cord Injury?

Spinal Cord Injury occurs when there is trauma to the head, neck, or back. SCIs can be serious and life-changing. The spinal cord carries the central nervous system to locations throughout the body, and if damaged, it can result in neuropathy or paralysis. The spinal cord cannot yet be medically repaired, although there are constant advances in this field. Medications are available to manage pain and muscle spasms; new technologies are in constant development, from electric stimulation devices to standing wheelchairs. Some people do recover from spinal cord injuries. Statistics show that if a patient begins to recover within the first six months, the chances of a full recovery are more likely. In most cases of serious SCI, therapy and technology can help a patient live a full life with many adaptations.

When Amputation is Necessary

Amputation – also called loss of limb — is the loss or medical removal of an arm, leg, finger, or toe. Accident victims who lose a limb, either at the scene of the accident or through surgery, must make changes and adaptations for their radically changed lives. Arms and legs can be replaced by prosthetic limbs, and these are constantly advancing. However, nothing truly places a limb in terms of sensation, control, and functioning. While amputation in an accident is not a common injury if all people involved are inside the car, but is a tragic result when a pedestrian is hit by a car.

A Los Angeles Personal Injury Lawyer is Here to Help You

Pedestrian accidents not only result in some of the most horrific and life-changing injuries, but they are completely preventable. If a car, bus, or truck strikes a person, the likelihood is high that the person will be seriously injured or killed. If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident, you need a car accident attorney to help you get the compensation you deserve. Contact Jahrmarkt & Associates to set up your free consultation. We care about our clients. Let us help you.