Broken Bones in Maryland Pedestrian Accidents
When a car comes into contact with a pedestrian, their body does not have the protection of a vehicle, let alone any other protection, which is why broken bones are some of the most common injuries that take place. At least 3,000 pounds of metal and steel colliding into the unprotected person, usually in the area of the leg and hip, can result in very serious injuries, such as broken hips and legs to include the femur, tibia, the fibula, knees, ankles, arms, elbows, and wrists. Many times, pedestrians also suffer head injuries from the contact itself and being thrown onto the car and the ground.
Due to the severity of broken bones in pedestrian accidents and the major impact they can have on a person’s life, as well as their loved ones’ lives, it is imperative that the injured person contact a Maryland pedestrian accident attorney as soon as possible to ensure they receive the representation and compensation they deserve. Although no amount of money can undo the damages done, compensation can help relieve the burden of expensive medical bills.
Impact on Daily Life
Broken bones in pedestrian accidents can be very disabling in terms of mobility. For example, if a person’s leg is broken and they are in a cast, their mobility is severely restricted. If their arm is broken, particularly their dominant arm, they are severely limited in performing normal activities, both of a recreational and work nature. If the break is serious and surgery is required, then they must undergo a surgical procedure to repair the broken bone and promote the union of the pieces. These injuries can leave a person unable to carry out normal functions, such as bathing, grooming, cooking, cleaning, and the like for a period of time. Such restrictions are very disabling over a period of time until recovery allows for a gradual resumption of activities.
Due to the impact broken bones have on a person’s everyday life, they can also greatly affect their ability to earn income. The lack of mobility and severe restrictions, such as a wheelchair, walker, or crutches, can cause an extended absence from work while recovering from injury. The injured party likely will not be mobile enough to travel for a period and will be restricted in the activities of daily living, such that work will not be possible, leading to loss of income.
Additionally, depending on the seriousness of the injuries, the injured party may not be able to return to the type of work in which they were engaged at the time of the accident. Therefore, there may be a gap in employment while seeking work within those restrictions. Broken bones are some of the most painful type injuries that can be sustained in a pedestrian collision, and, many times, such injuries are painful for an extended period of time.
Expenses
Broken bones from pedestrian accidents vary from hairline fractures to single and multiple fractures, to compound fractures, and to skull fractures. Although some of these many require minimal care, others can require surgical repairs, casting, and/or hospitalization.
More serious injuries may also require hospitalization, surgery followed by orthopedic care, physical therapy, and rehabilitation as well as a lengthy recovery period. The injured party will incur substantial medical bills resulting from the necessary treatment. Hopefully, the injured party has health insurance to cover the medical bills for treatment, however, in many instances, there will be out-of-pocket expenses or deductibles and copays.
The health insurer will likely be entitled to repayment of the liens or payments made for injuries resulting from the incident from any compensation recovered. Many times there are many procedures—both surgical and rehabilitative—that a person has to undergo after breaking bones in a pedestrian accident that are painful as well. Although this pain may be managed by strong pain medication, the healing process can still be lengthy, painful, and expensive.
