The Most Common Injuries When Pedestrians Are Hit by a Car

To stay safe and keep other people safe, it’s necessary for Florida pedestrians to follow the laws, just like drivers. However, accidents still happen every day. If a pedestrian is hit by a vehicle, the injuries can be extreme.

Some facts about pedestrian accidents around the country include:

  • Most pedestrian accidents occur in urban areas
  • Each year 60,000 pedestrians are injured and over 4,000 are killed
  • Up to 75% of all pedestrian fatalities take place outside of an intersection
  • Every 8 minutes a pedestrian suffers an injury and every 113 minutes, a pedestrian is killed
  • Approximately 40% of all pedestrian fatalities will involve a person who is intoxicated with 18% involving a drunk driver
  • It’s more likely for males to be injured than females
  • The most common time of day that pedestrian accidents occur is between the hours of 6 PM and 12 AM

While the statistics are quite shocking, the likelihood of an accident isn’t all you need to know. It’s also a good idea to know some of the most common type of injuries that occur in a pedestrian-vehicle collision.

The Lower Extremities

One of the first parts of a pedestrian’s body that are likely to come in contact with the vehicle is the lower body. Up to 50% of pedestrians experience injuries in the lower part of their body. Trauma to the ligaments and muscles, pelvis fractures, lacerations, and broken bones are all common.

The Neck, Face, and Head

The second part of the body that is typically impacted is the neck, face, or head. This occurs when this part of the body strikes the windshield or hood. Approximately 38% of pedestrians suffer an injury to their neck, face or head. Some of the common examples of these injuries include shoulder displacement, vertebrae injuries, neck injuries, jaw fractures, skull damage, lacerations, and concussions.

The Upper Extremities

The last impact, in many cases, is if a pedestrian lands on the hood of the vehicle or if they are tossed over the vehicle. Approximately 27% of pedestrians will experience an injury to their upper extremity. Various musculoskeletal injuries occur in the arms, wrists, and hands. Other injuries that may occur include those to the abdominal area or chest.

It’s estimated that pedestrians are up to twice as likely to have a head injury than to have an injury to their abdomen or chest. Any injury to this part of the body can be severe and even fatal to pedestrians.

Tips to Help Pedestrians Remain Safe

One of the best things you can do is to follow all the laws when you are a pedestrian. According to the Florida statutes, there are certain expectations for pedestrians, with some of these being:

  • Never enter or stay on a railroad crossing or bridge after a signal is given
  • Obey all traffic controls unless there is a police officer to direct something else
  • Pedestrians aren’t allowed to suddenly walk or run into the path of a vehicle
  • If a sidewalk is available, it must be used
  • Pedestrians need to cross the road at a right angle
  • In a crosswalk, pedestrians have the right-of-way

Even if you follow all the rules, accidents still happen. If you are the victim of a pedestrian-vehicle accident, contact a personal injury attorney for help. To learn more, contact Fetterman & Associates for by calling 561-845-2510.