Those hurt in pedestrian crash scenarios often have immediate injury symptoms. Their injuries may be so severe that they require transportation to emergency facilities. Without appropriate interventions, they could be at risk of medical complications related to blood loss, extreme trauma or severe infections.
In some cases, the body’s reaction to a pedestrian crash may cover some of the initial warning signs of serious injuries. In 2022, there were more than 8,000 pedestrian deaths and 140,000 emergency room visits related to non-fatal pedestrian collisions. Some of the people involved in pedestrian collisions might leave the scene of the crash without realizing they sustained injuries. They may only notice symptoms days later when their condition worsens.
What types of medical issues often follow pedestrian crashes?
Broken bones
The point where the vehicle strikes the human incurs significant trauma. People often have broken bones in their lower extremities after car crashes. They can also break bones if they hit the ground hard when they fall. As such, upper extremity fractures are also possible in a pedestrian collision scenario. If the fracture remains stable, people may not realize initially that they have a broken bone. They may need to undergo a medical evaluation to identify and treat the fracture they sustained.
Internal bleeding
Taller vehicles may not strike people in their legs. They could make contact with their torso or chest. Particularly when the pedestrian is a child or the vehicle is tall, the possibility of bleeding into the abdominal cavity or torso is a major safety concern after a pedestrian crash. Blood can pool internally without any lacerations leading to external blood loss. Left without treatment, internal bleeding can put people’s lives at risk. People may require surgery and blood transfusions. They may also require procedures to alleviate the pressure that the internal blood loss puts on their lungs, heart or digestive tract.
Traumatic brain injuries
Sometimes, people hit their heads when they fall in a pedestrian crash scenario. Other times, the incident causes violent motions that can shake the brain inside the skull and cause inflammation. Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) can produce a variety of different, potentially debilitating symptoms. People often don’t notice TBI injuries initially unless they are particularly severe. However, the pressure on the brain or the bleeding inside the skull can continue without appropriate medical attention.
Pedestrians often need to undergo an evaluation by a health care professional to diagnose or rule out severe internal injuries. They may have medical expenses and lost wages that exceed the available insurance coverage. Getting a prompt diagnosis is critical for those hurt in pedestrian crashes for medical and legal reasons alike. Accurate medical records make it easier for people to negotiate insurance settlements or pursue personal injury lawsuits after pedestrian crashes cause major injuries.