Las Vegas Pedestrian Accidents
Pedestrian accidents can result in terrible injuries. Our bodies are capable of withstands all sorts of bumps, knocks, and traumas, but doesn't stand much of a change when it comes in contact with two tons of metal propelling toward it at speeds of 25 to 60 miles per hour. It is not uncommon for the victim of a pedestrian accident to sustain serious injuries such as broken bones, paralysis, brain injuries, coma and sometimes-even death. If you are injured in a pedestrian accident, don't risk losing even more. You deserve to be compensated for the injuries, lost wages, emotional suffering, and medical expenses you incurred as a result of your pedestrian injury accident. The attorneys at H3 Law are committed to work tirelessly in their efforts to obtain the justice you deserve.
Could a Pedestrian Accident Happen to Me?
A pedestrian accident could happen almost anywhere. People walk in areas that are also generally busy with vehicle traffic. Because of the close proximity between people on foot and drivers in vehicles, pedestrian accidents are sometimes unavoidable. Common locations a pedestrian accident may occur are in or near crosswalks, residential areas, and near high traffic areas such as schools and shopping centers. A pedestrian accident may happen if a child darts out into the street, or a teen is busy visiting with friends and doesn't realize they stepped into traffic or was nudged by a joking friend, and sometimes distracted drivers or walkers may fail to notice traffic signals or stop signs, or chose to ignore them because they are in a hurry. Any of these scenarios and many more could result in a pedestrian accident.
What Should I Do If I See a Pedestrian Accident?
As with any accident, when a pedestrian accident occurs, the first thing a witness should do is secure the area. This could mean any number of things from extinguishing fires to make the area safe, making sure running vehicles are in park, and moving injury victims from harms way. If you are unable to move a victim due to severe injury, seek the help of other witnesses to block the traffic to avoid aggravated injury until law enforcement arrive at the scene.
While securing the accident area, call 911 for help. The sooner emergency assistance arrives, the greater the chances are for the injured persons survival.
Once you have secured the scene and contacted emergency assistance, you can try to treat the injured person with basic first aid. You can put pressure on bleeding wounds or administer CPR to a victim who is not breathing. It is important for you to help the victim understand that they must lie as still as they can to avoid further injury, and never move the victim unless it is absolutely necessary for their safety. It is not uncommon for a victim to suffer increased injury when they are not moved properly. Whenever possible leave the task of moving an injured person to trained medical professionals.
If you are involved in a pedestrian accident, or any other injury accident, it is always important to seek a thorough medical evaluation, even if you believe you are all right. A complete medical examination can often reveal any hidden injuries you may have sustained that may not bother you at the moment, but that may cause problems later on.
It is also important for you to answer any questions asked by the law enforcement officer handling your injury accident. You should try to be as thorough as you can in providing the details surrounding your injury while the accident is still fresh in your mind. Another important person that may contact you in the hospital directly after an injury is an onsite insurance adjustor. You should provide the adjustor with your contact information but should not answer any further questions about the accident.
What Type of Injuries Can I Expect in a Pedestrian Accident?
Common injuries in a pedestrian accident may include:
- Head trauma, sometimes including brain damage
- Vision problems
- Broken teeth
- Facial disfigurement
- Ruptured eardrums
- Broken bones
- Internal bleeding
- Punctured or collapsed lung(s)
- Broken ribs or pelvis
- Skin abrasions and burns ("road rash")
- Neck injuries (soft tissue, "whiplash")
- Back injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Contusions and bruises
Should I keep records of the accident?
If you are the victim of a pedestrian accident, it is not likely that you will be in any condition to begin any kind of documentation at the site of the accident. Because you are typically unable to document information regarding the accident, witness accounts and the documentation provided by first responders like police officers, paramedics, doctors, and nurses are vitally important. When possible, ask for the name of the police officer in charge of your accident, he or she will have access to most of the critical information you need if you decide to pursue a personal injury claim.
As soon as you are able, try to review the details of the accident to help cement them in your memory for later recall.