Pedestrian accidents often result in severe injuries. This is because pedestrians are no match for a speeding car or truck that hits them while crossing the street or walking alongside a road. And one of the most serious injuries pedestrians can sustain is a traumatic brain injury.
So, just how common are brain injuries in pedestrian accidents? What are common brain injuries? How do you know if someone has a brain injury after being hit by a car? What are the warning signs and symptoms? And how does compensation work for brain injuries in Connecticut? The legal team at Vishno Law Firm explains.
How common are brain injuries in pedestrian accidents?
Not surprisingly, pedestrians sustain brain injuries at an alarming rate. According to one scientific study, the likelihood of a pedestrian sustaining a traumatic brain injury (TBI) after being hit by a car was:
- 90 percent probability of a moderate brain injury.
- 55 percent probability of a serious brain injury.
- 18 percent probability of a severe brain injury.
Here's another startling statistic – 14 percent of all brain injuries occur due to car accidents, making motor vehicle accidents one of the top five causes of TBIs, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
What are common brain injuries?
Brain injuries sustained by pedestrians that get hit by cars can cover a wide range, including:
- Concussions, which are often classified as mild TBIs.
- Hematoma (blood clot in the brain).
- Contusion (bruising in the brain).
- Brain hemorrhage (bleeding in the brain).
What are the symptoms of a brain injury?
Many brain injuries can be life-threatening if not diagnosed and treated right away. This is why you must seek immediate medical attention if you suspect that you or a loved one sustained a brain injury as a result of being hit by a car while crossing the street or walking alongside a road.
Common brain injury symptoms include:
- Dizziness and poor balance after the accident.
- Nausea or vomiting.
- Sensitivity to loud noises or bright lights.
- Ringing noise in ears.
- Frequent, severe headaches.
- Unexplained mood changes.
- Difficulty waking up from a deep sleep.
Filing a brain injury claim after a pedestrian accident
If you've been injured as a pedestrian in an accident, it's crucial to know your rights and the steps necessary to pursue compensation for your injuries, lost wages, and other damages.
In Connecticut, pedestrian accident claims fall under the umbrella of personal injury law. The state operates under a modified comparative negligence system, meaning that compensation can be affected by the injured party's degree of fault in the accident. If you are found to be less than 51% at fault for the accident, you may still recover damages, though the amount will be reduced by your percentage of fault.
The process begins with gathering evidence to support your claim. This includes medical records, witness statements, police reports, and any other documentation that can help establish the circumstances of the accident and the extent of your injuries. It's also important to note Connecticut's statute of limitations for personal injury claims, which generally requires that lawsuits be filed within two years of the accident date.
Why should I hire a Connecticut pedestrian accident attorney?
Pedestrian accidents in Connecticut that result in brain injuries often turn into complicated legal cases due to the significant medical costs, the need for expert testimony on long-term impacts, and the challenges of dealing with insurance companies that care mostly about protecting their profits.
This is why it's critical that injury victims talk to a lawyer as soon as possible to learn more about their legal options.
At Vishno Law Firm, we can help you every step of the way. We know what it takes to build strong cases and hold negligent drivers accountable for their actions. Get the Connecticut law firm that gets results. Contact us and schedule a free case evaluation. Make an appointment at one of our two offices in Fairfield and New Haven, Connecticut.