When a vehicle hits another vehicle, seatbelts, airbags, and a steel frame help absorb part of the impact. When a vehicle hits a person, the body takes the force. That one difference explains why injury patterns — and legal claims — look very different in auto versus pedestrian crashes.
This guide walks through the injuries we see most often, how they shape a claim, and the steps an injured pedestrian can take to protect their rights. If you’re looking for a pedestrian accident lawyer, the details below will help you speak with counsel and move your case forward.
Mechanics of Impact: Why Pedestrians Suffer Worse Harm
In a typical vehicle-pedestrian collision, the bumper strikes the lower legs first. The torso then rotates onto the hood, and the head or shoulders often hit the windshield or the ground. By contrast, in vehicle-to-vehicle crashes, restraints and engineered crumple zones disperse energy before it reaches the occupants. Those physics drive the injury types you see below.
If you need a refresher on basic personal injury terms while reading, visit our personal injury glossary.
Common Injuries in Pedestrian Accidents
Head and Brain Injuries
Direct head impact with a hood, windshield, or asphalt often causes concussions, skull fractures, and traumatic brain injuries. Symptoms can include headaches, memory issues, and changes in mood or concentration. Medical records documenting early symptoms matter; they help prove causation and support compensation for pedestrian injuries.
Spinal and Neck Injuries
High-energy impacts can damage vertebrae, discs, and the spinal cord. Outcomes range from chronic neck pain to partial or complete paralysis. Claims often include future medical care and lost wages when mobility limits work.
Broken Bones and Lower-Extremity Trauma
Because bumpers hit low, fractures to the tibia/fibula, femur, pelvis, and hips are common. These injuries may require surgery, hardware, and a lengthy rehabilitation. Strong documentation of treatment plans supports claims for rehabilitation costs and lost wages.
Internal Injuries and Organ Damage
Blunt force can injure the spleen, liver, or lungs and cause internal bleeding. These injuries are sometimes missed at first. Early imaging and follow-up are essential for your health and to build the medical record that supports your claim for damages.
Soft-Tissue Injuries, Lacerations, and Road Rash
Deep cuts, abrasions, and contusions may accompany more serious trauma. Photograph wounds early and track healing. Thorough files help the insurer (or a jury) understand the extent of pain, suffering, and scarring.
Common Injuries in Auto (Vehicle-to-Vehicle) Accidents
Vehicle occupants are protected by structure and safety systems, but injuries still occur: whiplash and other neck strains, herniated discs, rib and arm fractures, and head injuries when restraints fail or aren’t used. Compared with pedestrian cases, injuries in auto crashes are, on average, less severe, but serious harm still happens, especially at higher speeds or in truck impacts.
How Injuries Influence a Legal Claim
In both auto and pedestrian cases, four elements drive the value of a claim:
- Severity and permanence. Catastrophic injuries typically lead to higher non-economic damages for pain, suffering, and loss of quality of life.
- Treatment trajectory and future care. Surgery, therapy, assistive devices, and life-care plans increase economic damages.
- Proof. Medical records, imaging, expert opinions, and consistent symptom reports create a clear link between the crash and the injury.
- Liability and fault. A negligent driver lawsuit must show the driver breached a duty (for example, failing to yield at a crosswalk or driving distracted).
Crosswalk Claims and Pedestrian Rights
Marked and unmarked crosswalks come with rules for drivers and pedestrians. Cases often turn on whether the driver yielded, obeyed signals, and kept a proper lookout; whether the pedestrian followed signals; and whether lighting, signage, or design contributed to the crash. In some situations, a public entity’s crosswalk design or maintenance may be at issue, which triggers different notice and timing rules.
Key Steps After a Pedestrian Collision
- Get medical care immediately. Follow up as scheduled and keep every record.
- Document the scene. Photos of the vehicle, the crosswalk, skid marks, lighting, and weather conditions help preserve facts.
- Get the police report and witness statements. These often anchor liability findings.
- Preserve bills and receipts. These support damages for medical expenses and lost wages.
- Speak with a pedestrian accident lawyer early. Counsel can obtain video footage, handle the insurer, and track deadlines.
Contact Prince & Schmidt early so we can secure video footage, handle the insurer, and track deadlines.
When Higher Compensation is More Likely
Claims tend to be larger when injuries are catastrophic or long-lasting, when the injured person can’t return to the same work, and when future care will be significant. Damages can include medical expenses, future medical costs, lost income and earning capacity, and pain and suffering. Families may also bring wrongful death claims when a pedestrian is killed.
How Our Team Helps
Prince & Schmidt has represented New Mexicans in serious injury cases for decades. The firm’s attorneys handle motor-vehicle and pedestrian claims among a wider personal-injury practice. Readers can learn more about the team or browse related resources here:
- Our practice areas provide an overview of personal injury services
- Our contact page for a free consultation and details on contingency-fee representation
- Individual attorney biographies to learn more about the lawyers who may handle your case
Next Steps for Recovery and Justice
Pedestrian crashes often result in more severe injuries than vehicle-to-vehicle collisions. The value of a case rests on the medical story, proof of negligence, and a careful accounting of both economic and non-economic losses. If you or a loved one was hit by a car or injured in a crosswalk accident, speak with a pedestrian accident lawyer at Prince & Schmidt as soon as possible. The earlier you get help, the easier it is to protect evidence, document injuries, and pursue the compensation you may be entitled to.
Ready to talk? Start with our contact page to request a no-cost review of your case.
FAQs
What is a crosswalk accident claim?
A crosswalk accident claim is a claim that arises when a driver strikes a pedestrian in a marked or unmarked crosswalk. It often turns on right-of-way and driver attentiveness.
How soon should I contact a lawyer if I’ve been involved in an accident?
Right away. Evidence like surveillance video is often overwritten quickly; counsel can send preservation letters and coordinate early investigations.
Can I be partly at fault?
Yes. Comparative-fault rules may reduce recovery if a pedestrian shares responsibility. A lawyer can explain how that might apply to your case.
What compensation is available if I’ve been injured in an accident?
Economic damages (medical expenses, lost income) and non-economic damages (pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life). Catastrophic injuries may also involve life-care plans and long-term costs.
How long do I have to file my claim?
Deadlines vary. Government-related claims usually have shorter notice periods. Talk with counsel promptly to avoid missing a cut-off.
