Taking Legal Action After a Pedestrian Accident Results in a Traumatic Brain Injury

 Posted on October 26, 2022 in Personal Injury

While any injury can have painful, debilitating implications, traumatic brain injuries are often especially life-changing. TBIs are unique in that a serious injury to the brain often results in not only physical symptoms, but also psychological, cognitive, and emotional consequences. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), an individual who suffers a moderate or severe TBI is also much more likely to suffer from infection, pneumonia, and other illnesses and has a life expectancy nine years shorter than average. 

If you or someone you care about suffered a traumatic brain injury in a pedestrian accident, it is important to take legal action to protect your rights. You may be able to hold the driver accountable for the harm he or she caused you or your loved one. You may also be entitled to financial compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and other damages. 

Pedestrian Knock-Down Accidents in New York City 

Every driver should drive carefully and follow all traffic signs and signals. However, responsible driving is even more crucial in a bustling city like New York.  With so many people on the streets, sidewalks, and roads, a driver who is not paying attention can easily cause an accident. 

Texting and driving, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, speeding, running stop signs and signals, and other negligent driving behavior can all contribute to pedestrian knock-down accidents. In most pedestrian accidents, the driver of the vehicle who struck the person is legally responsible for the accident. However, there are some exceptions. A personal injury attorney experienced in pedestrian accident claims can help identify the liable party and hold that party responsible. 

Money Damages May Be Available 

Traumatic brain injuries often incur tremendous medical expenses. Many TBI sufferers require extensive hospitalization, CT scans, MRIs, other medical tests, and surgery to repair skull fractures or relieve intracranial pressure. They must attend physical therapy, speech therapy, cognitive therapy, or psychological counseling for long after the accident. Many are prescribed medications including anti-anxiety medication, muscle relaxants, and anticonvulsant mediation. The costs associated with these medical needs can be exorbitant. 

Through a personal injury claim, a pedestrian accident victim suffering from a TBI may be entitled to compensation for past and future medical expenses. He or she may also be entitled to monetary damages for: 

• Lost wages and lost earning capacity caused by the brain injury

• Pain and suffering 

• Loss of enjoyment of life

• Emotional distress 

Contact Our Metro New York Area Brain Injury Lawyers

If you or a loved one suffered a traumatic brain injury in a pedestrian car accident, contact Ivey, Barnum & O'Mara, LLC to get the legal help you need. You may be able to hold the at-fault party accountable for the accident and recover monetary damages for lost income, medical bills, and more. Call our experienced New York pedestrian accident lawyers at 203-661-6000 for a free initial consultation. 

Sources:

https://www.cdc.gov/traumaticbraininjury/moderate-severe/potential-effects.html

https://www.nichd.nih.gov/health/topics/tbi/conditioninfo/treatment