How Distracted Drivers Hurt Pedestrians
Every day, people opt to walk instead of driving their cars, especially when the weather is nice. For some, walking is an enjoyable form of exercise. For others, it is a responsible way to reduce their carbon footprint when walking to work, to get groceries, or even to meet up with friends for dinner. Although pedestrians do have the right of way when crossing the street at a green light or in a crosswalk, there are times when a driver will not be paying attention, and this can result in a serious accident.
One of the greatest dangers facing pedestrians is the possibility of being hit by a driver who is distracted. Even a driver who looks down at their phone for a single second is at risk of hitting a person who is crossing the street. When a pedestrian is hit by a distracted driver, the possibility of sustaining a serious injury is very real. For this reason, it is always important for pedestrians to be hyper-aware when they are crossing the street. Although it is not always possible to get the attention of a distracted driver, attempting to do so could help to prevent a dangerous accident.
Common Injuries Distracted Drivers Cause When They Hit a Pedestrian
The aftermath of an injury can be confusing, frightening, and frustrating, especially if you were injured unexpectedly as a pedestrian. After all, you were simply attempting to cross the street when the light turned green, and then out of nowhere, a deadly vehicle collided with you. Some of the common injuries that are caused by distracted drivers who hurt pedestrians include but are not limited to:
- Broken bones
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Road rash
- Serious lacerations
- Muscle strains
- Back injuries
- Damage to the spinal cord
- Paralysis
If you have been injured by a distracted driver, it is important to first call the police to report the accident and then seek medical attention right away, even if you don’t think your injuries are all that serious. Some injuries that are caused by distracted drivers will not show symptoms right away. For this reason, it is essential to be able to show that you received medical attention directly after an accident. Otherwise, the negligent driver’s insurance company might attempt to claim that your injuries were not actually caused by being hit by the distracted driver.
If You’ve Been Injured Call a Round Rock Personal Injury Lawyer Right Away
Although it might be tempting to walk away and leave the entire incident behind you, pedestrian injuries can result in long term pain, medical bills, and lost wages due to a change in your ability to perform your work. For this reason, it is advisable to speak with an experienced Round Rock Personal Injury Lawyer as soon as possible. At Elissa I. Henry Law Firm, PLLC, we are dedicated to fighting for the rights of those pedestrians who have been injured by a distracted driver. Call us today at (512) 766-4529 to schedule an initial consultation and learn more about how we can help.