Fracture Cases in Pedestrian Accidents
In a recent study by Miao et al., an analysis was conducted to identify the pattern in bone fracture cases in vehicle vs. pedestrian accidents. This was based on video surveillance footage of approximately 42 roadway crashes and motion trajectories of pedestrians.
What Were the Methods for the Case Study?
Researchers collected video surveillance footage of approximately 42 roadway crashes involving the front of a small vehicle striking the side of the pedestrian while applying the brakes. An in-depth analysis of the paths and video surveillance footage helped determine the movement trajectory of the pedestrian, the relationship between the pedestrian and the car leading up to the crash, and the vehicle’s speed. The type and severity of pedestrian injuries were identified through autopsy.
The characteristics of the car pathway of travel and the pedestrian injuries were evaluated based on the length and height of the vehicle hood, the height of the individual on foot, and the type of fracture and injuries involved. These were identified from the speed of the traffic collision and characterized based on the speed being less than 40 kilometers per hour, between 40 to 60 kilometers per hour, and between 60 to 90 kilometers per hour. In units of miles per hour, this would be approximately 24.85 mph, 24.85-37.28 mph, and 37.28-55.92 mph, respectively.
Findings from Analysis of Bone Fracture Cases in Pedestrian Accidents
In the case study reported by Miao et al., it was found that the front bumper first makes contact with the lower extremities of the pedestrian. From there, the pedestrian falls to the side of the car. This causes a secondary crash with the front windshield and hood. Based on this information, it was determined that the pedestrian was propelled at a speed comparable to that of the car when falling on the pavement and moving forward a specific distance.
Conclusions from Study on Fracture Cases in Car vs. Pedestrian Accidents
The prevalence of pedestrian injuries is related to various factors, including the speed of the involved car, the height of the person on foot, the length of the vehicle hood, and the height of the car hood. When the speed of a vehicle involved in a pedestrian accident is less than 24.85 miles per hour (40 kilometers per hour), serious injury does not generally occur in pedestrians. Conversely, the case study reported that fatal injuries occurred in 10 pedestrian accidents involving vehicular speeds less than 40 km/h, when the pedestrian’s head did not strike the windshield but from colliding with the ground.
When the vehicle’s speed is more than 40 kilometers per hour, the pedestrian will likely suffer severe rib and pelvic fractures and severe head trauma from contact with the windshield. In 16 reported cases involving a vehicle speed higher than 60 kilometers per hour, the pedestrian’s head contacting the windshield caused severe head trauma and cervical spine fractures (37.5 percent). In these cases, broken ribs occurred in approximately 31.25 percent of patients and pelvic fractures in 43.75 percent.
Can You Seek Compensation if You Were Injured in a Pedestrian Accident?
Even if pedestrians follow the rules of the road by obeying all traffic signs and signals, they may find themselves seriously hurt at crosswalks and intersections. Some of the most common reasons for car versus pedestrian collisions include poorly lit roads, alcohol impairment on the driver’s part, failure to yield the right-of-way to pedestrians at crosswalks, speeding or driving too fast for roadway conditions, and more.
After a vehicle vs. pedestrian crash, gathering and preserving evidence before it is too late is crucial. That is because evidence may be lost or destroyed as time goes on. Without evidence, proving a personal injury claim for a pedestrian accident may be challenging. These cases may be proven through evidence such as medical records, traffic incident reports, eyewitness statements, expert witness testimony, and more.
Before discussing a bodily injury claim with the insurance company representing the negligent driver or your own for an uninsured or underinsured motorist claim, it is in your best interest to schedule a free consultation with a California pedestrian injury attorney with experience in pedestrian accident cases. Retaining legal counsel will help protect your rights and best interests from start to finish of your case. Learn how our legal team from AutoAccident.com can help by watching this video.
Personal Injury Lawyer in California
There are one too many pedestrian accidents across the Golden State. If you have been injured in a traffic collision while walking, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries and losses. Our legal team from AutoAccident.com is available anytime to review your case in detail and provide free, friendly advice. Call our compassionate and knowledgeable California personal injury lawyers at (916) 921-6400 or (800) 404-5400 to get started.
At our law office, we understand that pedestrian injuries can potentially take over an individual’s life. This may make it challenging for them to move forward. Injured parties and their families have turned to us for compassionate and legal representation since 1982. Our legal team is focused on helping our clients rebuild their lives while we work to secure a maximum financial recovery on their behalf through verdicts and settlements.
Before contacting our law firm for a free consultation, we recommend you check out our ratings and reviews by former clients on Yelp, Avvo, and Google. Providing outstanding service to clients is what we do best at AutoAccident.com. In recognition of this and our history of successful results, we were invited to join the California divisions of various legal groups, such as the National Association of Distinguished Counsel and the Million Dollar Advocates Forum.
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