According to data from the Oklahoma Highway Safety Office, there were 485 pedestrian accidents in Oklahoma in 2020. Unfortunately, many of these accidents resulted in serious injuries for the pedestrians involved. In this blog post, we will explore the most common injuries sustained in Oklahoma pedestrian accidents.
Head Injuries
Head injuries are common injury in pedestrian accidents and can range from mild concussions to traumatic brain injuries. Even when a pedestrian is wearing a helmet, they can still suffer a head injury if they are struck by a vehicle. Head injuries can result in long-term cognitive and physical impairments, making them some of the most serious injuries a pedestrian can sustain.
Spinal Cord Injuries
Spinal cord injuries occur when the spinal cord is damaged, which can result in paralysis or loss of sensation below the site of the injury. These injuries can be life-altering and require extensive medical treatment and rehabilitation.
Broken Bones
Pedestrians who are struck by a vehicle often suffer from broken bones. These injuries can include broken arms, legs, and hips, which can result in long-term disabilities and chronic pain.
Internal Injuries
Internal injuries can occur when a pedestrian is struck by a vehicle, even if they do not have any visible external injuries. These injuries can include damage to internal organs such as the liver, spleen, or kidneys. Internal injuries can be life-threatening and require emergency medical attention.
Cuts and Bruises
Cuts and bruises may seem minor compared to the other injuries on this list, but they can still be serious. Cuts can become infected, and bruises can be a sign of internal bleeding. Even if the injuries are not severe, they can still require medical treatment and time off work.
Preventing Pedestrian Accidents
While it is impossible to completely eliminate the risk of pedestrian accidents, there are steps that pedestrians and drivers can take to reduce the likelihood of an accident. Pedestrians should always use crosswalks when crossing the street and should be aware of their surroundings. Drivers should pay attention to pedestrians and slow down in areas where there are many pedestrians.
Additionally, there are steps that municipalities can take to make their streets safer for pedestrians. This can include improving pedestrian infrastructure, such as sidewalks, crosswalks, and pedestrian signals. Traffic calming measures, such as speed bumps, roundabouts, and chicanes, can also help to reduce vehicle speeds and improve safety for pedestrians.
Educational campaigns can also play a role in reducing pedestrian accidents. Drivers should be educated about the importance of yielding to pedestrians, especially in crosswalks and at intersections. Pedestrians should also be educated about the importance of being visible to drivers, especially at night or in low-light conditions.
Pedestrian accidents can result in serious injuries, but they are preventable. By taking steps to improve pedestrian infrastructure, educating drivers and pedestrians, and encouraging safe behavior on the roads, we can work to reduce the number of pedestrian accidents in Oklahoma and across the United States. If you have been injured in a pedestrian accident, seek medical attention immediately and contact an experienced personal injury attorney to learn about your legal rights and options.
Murray Law Firm has a team of experienced personal injury attorneys who can help if you have been injured in a pedestrian accident in Oklahoma. Our attorneys have handled numerous cases involving the most common injuries sustained in Oklahoma pedestrian accidents, including head injuries, spinal cord injuries, broken bones, internal injuries, cuts, and bruises.
We understand that being injured in a pedestrian accident can be a traumatic and overwhelming experience. That’s why we work tirelessly to help our clients receive the compensation they deserve for their injuries and related expenses. We will investigate the accident to determine who is at fault and work to negotiate a fair settlement with the insurance company or take the case to trial if necessary.
Our attorneys have a deep understanding of Oklahoma’s pedestrian accident laws and can help you navigate the legal system to obtain the compensation you need to cover your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.
If you have been injured in a pedestrian accident, do not hesitate to contact Murray Law Firm for a free consultation. We will listen to your story, answer your questions, and help you understand your legal options. Our goal is to help you obtain the compensation you need to recover from your injuries and move forward with your life.