Our California Personal Injury Lawyer Can Fight for Fair Compensation After a Pedestrian Accident Broken Bone Injury
If you’re a pedestrian who suffered a broken bone injury in an accident with a negligent driver, you could be entitled to compensation. The results-driven attorneys at Case Barnett Law serve clients throughout Orange County and Southern California who have been hurt while on foot. We understand the physical, financial, and emotional distress a car accident can cause, and we will help provide compassionate legal counsel for pedestrians who were struck while going about their daily lives. When you need answers, reach out to our skilled personal injury lawyers to schedule a free initial consultation.
Common Broken Bones After a Pedestrian Accident
When any pedestrian is struck by a negligent driver, they are likely to suffer severe injuries, such as broken bones. Cars, trucks, and SUVs pose an immense threat to pedestrians, given their size and weight compared to an unprotected human body. When a pedestrian is hit by a car, even at relatively low speeds, the force of impact can cause extremely serious and life-altering bone fractures.
Broken bones sustained in pedestrian accidents can range from simple fractures, which might require minimal treatment, to compound breaks that pierce the skin, known as compound fractures. These carry a significant risk of infection and further complications. Compound fractures often necessitate surgical intervention, where medical devices like plates, rods, or pins are used to secure and correctly position the bones to ensure proper healing.
Some of the most common types of broken bone injuries that pedestrians suffer include:
Broken Legs and Knees
The legs are often the first point of contact in a pedestrian accident, making them particularly vulnerable. The femur, or thighbone, is the largest and strongest bone in the body, but it can still fracture under the force of a collision. The bones in the knee – the patella (kneecap), tibia (shinbone), and fibula (the smaller bone in the lower leg) – are also at high risk. These injuries can be debilitating, impacting mobility and potentially leading to permanent disability. Surgical intervention like rod insertion or knee reconstruction may be necessary in some cases.
Broken Arms and Wrists
Pedestrians will instinctively use their arms to try to brace for impact, making forearm and wrist fractures very common in pedestrian crashes. The force of the impact can result in everything from simple wrist fractures to more severe injuries like compound or comminuted fractures of the forearm bones, the radius, and the ulna. These injuries can significantly impact a person's ability to perform daily activities and may require surgical fixation or, in severe cases, reconstructive surgery.
Pelvic Fractures
The strong bones of the pelvis are not easily broken but can fracture under the incredible forces involved in a pedestrian vs vehicle collision. These fractures are particularly concerning due to their proximity to vital organs and blood vessels. They can lead to significant internal bleeding and are often associated with other severe injuries. Treatment often involves surgical stabilization and a prolonged period of immobility.
Rib and Vertebral Fractures
The torso, when impacted, can sustain fractured ribs and vertebrae. Rib fractures are not only painful but can lead to complications like punctured lungs or damage to other internal organs. Vertebral fractures are a major concern due to the risk of spinal cord injuries, which can result in paralysis or other long-term disabilities. Treatment for these injuries can range from bracing and pain management to complex spinal surgeries.
Skull and Facial Fractures
Head injuries, including skull and facial fractures, are among the most severe consequences of pedestrian accidents. The skull protects the brain, and any fracture can be life-threatening, especially if it leads to a traumatic brain injury (TBI). Fractures to the facial bones – such as the jaw, nasal bones, and orbital bones around the eyes – not only require specialized surgical care but can also have long-lasting aesthetic and functional consequences.
Broken Bones Treatment and Recovery
The treatment for broken bones typically depends on the severity and location of the fracture. Treatment can range from casting and bracing for simple fractures to surgical interventions like internal fixation for more severe breaks. The recovery process can vary significantly, from weeks to months, and often involves physical therapy.
The long-term implications of broken bones from pedestrian accidents can be substantial. Apart from the physical pain and the time needed for recovery, these injuries can lead to:
- Reduced mobility. Suffering broken bones can impact your ability to work, engage in physical activity, and perform daily tasks.
- Trauma and psychological issues. A pedestrian accident broken bone injury can lead to psychological issues such as anxiety, depression, or PTSD.
- Financial loss. Medical bills, lost wages, and the need for long-term rehabilitation can be financially draining.
Our California Pedestrian Injury Attorney Can Explain Your Legal Rights and Options
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, there were over 60,000 pedestrian injuries nationwide in 2021. Being hit by a car while you’re crossing the street, walking, running, or riding a bike can be very traumatizing. Aside from the mental and emotional stress, you will likely face expensive medical bills and be away from work during your recovery.
When you’re a victim of a pedestrian-car accident that results in broken bones, you need a lawyer you can count on. Case Barnett is a dedicated attorney who can help you during the financial recovery process and will work hard to help ensure you receive the compensation you deserve for medical expenses, lost wages, emotional distress, and other damages.
While all cases are unique, we were able to recover $100,000 for a client who was hit by a car in a crosswalk. California follows a comparative fault system, where the jury assigns fault to each party involved in an accident. Even though pedestrians have the right of way, they must obey traffic signals and signs. If a pedestrian fails to do so, they may be held partially responsible for the accident.
To recover compensation for your broken bone injury, you must establish who is at fault. In many cases, the driver of the vehicle may be held liable, especially if they were speeding, distracted, or otherwise negligent. Case Barnett will gather the necessary evidence, such as witness statements, police reports, and medical records, to help prove your claim. He will negotiate a fair settlement with the insurance companies. He will be prepared to take your case to court if that doesn't produce a positive outcome.