Highway 4 Crash Injures Pedestrian and Involves Multiple Vehicles
A traffic crash involving four vehicles and a pedestrian occurred in Antioch on October 3, resulting in injuries to the person on foot. The collision was reported by the California Highway Patrol (CHP) as occurring around 11:16 in the evening along Highway 4 close to L Street. A Sig Alert was issued for the area surrounding the accident to warn other motorists to find alternate routes.
Pedestrian Injured in Traffic Crash
The male pedestrian involved in the accident was reported to have fractures to his arms as well as a lower leg. Emergency Responders with the Contra Costa County Fire Protection District transported the injured pedestrian to John Muir Medical Center in Walnut Creek to treat those major injuries. The lanes were reopened, and the Sig Alert canceled around 1:30 a.m.
Pedestrian Injuries in a Traffic Crash
Pedestrians lack the protection motor vehicle drivers have and, because of this, are vulnerable to multiple injuries and death. Depending on the speed and size of the vehicle, the following injuries can occur:
- Traumatic brain injuries: This is one of the most devastating injuries a walker can incur. The degree of trauma depends on the severity of the damage and the part of the brain involved. Some TBIs, such as concussion, usually heal within six months with rest and supervision. However, in some cases, the symptoms, including headaches, memory difficulties, and concentration, can persist for a year or more. Other types of TBI, such as subdural hematomas, require hospital care and, most times, surgery.
- Spinal cord injury: Spinal cord injuries affect the pedestrian differently, depending on where and how the cord was affected. Injuries to the cervical cord (neck area) are considered to be life-altering, and the individual may be unable to eat, breathe, or move without assistance. This requires long-term care for the remainder of their life.
- Internal injuries: If the pedestrian is hit in the torso, the risk of internal injuries is high. This includes rib fractures, heart contusion, or bleeding into the abdominal cavity. On occasion, the intestinal organs will dump their contents into the abdominal cavity, resulting in a serious and life-threatening infection.
- Pelvic injuries: Depending on the height of the vehicle’s hood, the pedestrian can suffer a pelvic or femur fracture. Both usually require hospitalization and surgical treatment.
- Broken bones: This type of injury is common in a pedestrian traffic crash.
- Lacerations: Cuts to the face and body are often seen in a pedestrian accident. Those that occur on the face may require plastic surgery. The problem here is that insurance rarely covers plastic surgery, leaving the walker to face life with facial scars. A lawsuit can force the defendant or their insurance company to pay for restorative surgery.
Investigating a Traffic Crash
At our firm, we know that early detection of evidence is important before it disappears or is covered up. To accomplish this, we dispatch our investigative team to the site of the traffic crash. They interview witnesses and obtain video footage of the incident and review police reports for inaccuracies. They also use accident reconstruction techniques to determine liability. Once all the necessary information is gathered, it is turned over to our legal team, who use it to build a strong case for our client.
Antioch Personal Injury Lawyer
My name is Ed Smith, and I’m an Antioch personal injury lawyer. If you suffered injuries because of someone else’s negligence, you can call me at (925) 428-5220 or (800) 404-5400 for my free and friendly advice. I can be reached online also.
I’m proud to have served Antioch residents since 1982 to help them get compensation for their traumatic injuries, all types of traffic accidents, and wrongful deaths.
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