Pedestrian accidents can leave victims facing catastrophic injuries, the recovery process and a significant disruption to their lives. A pedestrian victim recently suffered serious and life-threatening injuries following an auto-pedestrian accident in the Tampa Bay area. The pedestrian accident that left the woman seriously injured is being investigated. The 69-year-old woman was walking across the street in a marked crosswalk when she was struck by a 25-year-old driver driving a compact SUV. Authorities reported that the 25-year-old driver did not see the pedestrian in the crosswalk. The victim was pinned under the vehicle after it struck her and had to be transported by helicopter to the hospital.
Injuries pedestrians may suffer after being unexpectedly struck by a careless driver can be significant. Victims can suffer head injuries; neck, back and spinal cord injuries; serious broken bones; cuts and contusions; and other disabling injuries they may be left dealing with for the rest of their lives. In addition, injuries suffered by pedestrian accident victims may cost them time away from work and can be significantly disruptive in the lives of victims.
Because of the serious nature of the injuries and damages suffered by pedestrian accident victims, the legal process provides resources to hold negligent drivers accountable and help victims obtain compensation so they can focus on recovery following being hit by a careless driver. Victims may be able to recover compensation for damages including medical expenses, lost wages, loss of enjoyment of life and pain and suffering damages.
Because damages that may be available depend on the unique nature of each situation, additional damages may be available depending on the circumstances. It is important for any pedestrian accident victim to know that they can rely on the protections available to them through the legal process after being harmed in a pedestrian accident.
Source: Tampa Bay Times, “SUV hits Dunedin woman, badly injured in crosswalk,” May 28, 2016
