The Growing Number of Pedestrian Injuries
Countless Baltimore-area residents can be founding walking up and down busy community streets. Whether by choice or out of necessity, these residents anticipate their streets and crosswalks will be safe.
Sadly, Baltimore-area residents are learning that many state streets are more dangerous than they should be. The number of pedestrians killed or injured on state streets remains problematic. The state has been aware of this problem for some time. Now, communities and state-based organizations such as the Maryland State Highway Association are attempting to implement changes that improve pedestrian safety.
Evidence shows that progress has been made. Changes in engineering, enforcement, and education have reduced the number of serious pedestrian injuries and fatalities. Yet, it remains important to remember area roads were designed with vehicles in mind, not pedestrians. More improvements remain necessary.
COMMON TRAFFIC-RELATED INJURIES SUFFERED BY BALTIMORE-AREA PEDESTRIANS
Baltimore-area residents should be able to safely walk their streets. This is true even as the different agencies and organizations work to make these streets safer. Accidents involving can result in severe injuries including:
Death. The number of pedestrian deaths has increased in recent years. According to the Center for Disease Control, 5,376 pedestrians were killed in traffic crashes in 2015.
Brain Injury. Pedestrians involved in traffic accidents are at risk of suffering a brain injury. Traumatic brain injury (TBI) occurs whenever the brain strikes the inside of the skull. The impact can affect various areas of the brain including those that affect cognition and motor skills. These injuries can be either temporary or permanent, and the severity of the injury may have a dramatic effect on the victim’s life.
Neck, Back, and Spinal Injuries. The force of impact from a traffic accident can injure a pedestrian’s neck, back, or spine. These injuries can have lasting consequences because they are sensitive areas of the body. It is not uncommon for pedestrians to suffer injuries such as temporary or permanent paralysis, broken bones, or a decrease of mobility.
Broken Bones and Contusions. Pedestrians may, with some luck, escape a traffic accident without serious injuries. Even whenever this is the case, pedestrians may suffer broken bones and contusions. These minor injuries can cause pain, require medical treatment, and complicate the pedestrian’s everyday tasks.
RECOVERING DAMAGES FROM YOUR ACCIDENT
A pedestrian injured in a traffic accident may be able to recover damages. An injured party may be able to recover damages if the traffic accident was a result of someone who is not the pedestrian. Negligence occurs whenever an individual causes an injury after he or she deviates from the standard of care that a reasonably prudent person would exercise in that situation.
Some of the damages to which an injured pedestrian may be entitled include:
- Medical expenses
- Pain and suffering
- Lost wages
- Loss of consortium
- Loss of Enjoyment
- Wrongful death
- Punitive damages
CONSULT A BALTIMORE CAR ACCIDENT ATTORNEY TODAY
You may be entitled to compensation if you or a loved one have been injured as a pedestrian in a traffic accident. First, get the medical attention you require. Once recovered, seek the legal counsel of an experienced personal injury attorney. Here at the Law Offices of Randolph Rice, we are committed to advocating on your behalf. It is our goal to help you receive the compensation you deserve. We will evaluate the facts of your case and develop the legal strategy that best suited for your case. Schedule an initial consultation by calling 410-288-2900 today.