Leg Injuries Reported in Fresno Pedestrian Accident
A pedestrian was hospitalized for severe leg injuries after being pinned against a light pole by a pickup truck in Fresno on March 18, 2019. The pedestrian accident occurred shortly before 9:00 p.m. at the intersection of Olive Avenue and Blackstone Avenue. Officers from the Fresno Police Department witnessed a pickup truck traveling east along Olive Avenue, swerved and struck a light pole at the intersection. Officers found a pedestrian with both of his legs pinned between the pole and the vehicle. Emergency personnel was contacted to the scene to free the man. He was transported to a local hospital and was reported to be in stable condition.
Common Reasons for Pedestrian Accidents
Pedestrian accidents are often caused by driver error. This includes:
- Driver inattentiveness such as texting on a cell phone or talking to passengers
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Failing to look for cyclists and pedestrians, and allowing them the right of way to avoid a crash
- Speeding prevents a motorist from slowing down in time to avoid a pedestrian accident
Common Pedestrian Accident Injuries
Pedestrians, like drivers, are expected to exercise a duty of care toward others. This means they must be cautious to prevent or mitigate collisions. When a driver is at fault for a pedestrian accident, they may be held financially responsible for an incident that causes injuries to others. These include:
- Brain Injuries: After a pedestrian is hit by a car, their upper body may be propelled back, crashing into the hood or windshield of the vehicle. This can cause bruises or cuts to the head, concussions or traumatic brain injuries.
- Broken Bones: Bone fractures are serious anywhere but even more so when it involves the pelvis, spine or hips.
- Lower Extremities: Injury to the legs is common in a pedestrian collision. This location in adults is commonly struck by a motor vehicle.
- Spinal Cord Injuries: Trauma to the spinal column can result in long-lasting or permanent damage. In more severe cases, partial or complete paralysis may occur.
- Upper Extremities: Damage to the upper limbs is common in a pedestrian crash. This is caused by a pedestrian landing on the ground or impact with a car. Bone fractures, abrasions, scrapes, and cuts often occur.
What Damages Can Be Recovered in a Pedestrian Accident?
When a pedestrian is injured in an accident caused by the fault of a driver, the injured pedestrian may seek compensation for their damages. This includes reimbursement for past and future loss of earnings, past and future medical expenses, and pain and suffering. In cases involving disfigurement, the cost of cosmetic surgery and the immense emotional suffering caused by the unsightly mark may be recovered. When the incident is caused by an egregious act, punitive damages may also be claimed. If the pedestrian succumbs to their injuries, his or her surviving family members may be able to seek compensation for the loss of comfort and societal care of the decedent as well as economic losses resulting from the pedestrian’s wrongful death. To learn what factors may affect the value of a pedestrian injury claim, watch the below video.
How a Fresno Personal Injury Attorney Can Help
The assistance of an experienced Fresno personal injury attorney is beneficial when you have suffered injuries in a pedestrian accident. The attorney can help by communicating effectively with the insurance company to obtain the compensation you need and deserve. When a personal injury causes mounting medical expenses or chronic pain, the attorney can build a strong case for compensation to cover past and future expenses. This way, the injured person can focus on recovering from their injuries without financial worry.
Fresno Personal Injury Lawyers
I’m Ed Smith, a Fresno personal injury lawyer. After suffering injuries in a pedestrian accident, it is essential to obtain the insight of an experienced injury lawyer. Please call me at (559) 377-7676 or toll-free at (800) 404-5400 to receive my free, friendly case advice.
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