Walking is sometimes the most convenient and fastest way to get to your destination in Downtown Miami. However, it is not always the safest. Even when you are not in a motorized vehicle, you are considered a road user and a vulnerable one compared to other drivers. The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) reports that there have already been almost 6,500 pedestrian accidents so far this year statewide. By the end of 2023, there will be up to 730 fatalities and more than 7,900 victims injured while walking.
Unlike other vulnerable road users like motorcycle riders and bicyclists, people do not wear a helmet when on foot. This puts them at risk of serious head injuries in collisions, and the long-term effects can be severe. If you were hurt, it is important to consult with a Miami pedestrian accident lawyer right away. An overview of head injuries and what to do after a crash is also useful.
Common Head Injuries in Accidents
A traumatic brain injury (TBI) is an umbrella term referring to any type of harm to the brain that affects how it functions. There are certain types of head injuries that happen frequently in pedestrian accidents:
- A concussion occurs when the brain shifts inside the skull and strikes up against hard bone. Many are minor, but a serious concussion affects memory, speech, balance, and muscle coordination.
- An intracranial hematoma involves bleeding in the brain that forms a clot. As the blood collects in the brain or underneath the skull, it puts significant pressure on the brain.
- The trauma of a pedestrian accident may cause the brain to rotate or twist inside the skull, which tears and shreds delicate nerve fibers termed axons. A diffuse axonal injury is one of the most serious head injuries, often resulting in a coma.
What to Do After a Pedestrian Accident
With serious head injuries, it is possible there will be little to do because you will be transported directly to the emergency room. However, in the immediate aftermath and days following the pedestrian accident, there may be a few tasks you can handle:
- If first responders do not transport you to the ER, take time to gather as much evidence from the scene as possible. Take pictures of the vehicle damage, your injuries, traffic signage, and lane markings.
- Ask witnesses for contact information. Their recollections about the pedestrian accident may be useful for your claim, especially since they are neutral with respect to any legal action you take.
- Jot down the names of businesses in the area surrounding the crash. They may have surveillance video showing how the pedestrian accident happened.
Reach Out to a Miami Pedestrian Accidents Attorney
If you can manage a few of these tasks based on your injuries, you can count on Gerson & Schwartz, PA, to tackle the legal requirements and claims process. To learn how we support victims, please call (305) 371-6000 or go online. We can set up a free consultation at our offices in Miami, Fort Lauderdale, or West Palm Beach, FL.