GA Pedestrian Accidents: Is Your Brain Injury Undiagnosed?

Did you know that a pedestrian is injured in a traffic crash every 75 minutes in Georgia? As a lawyer specializing in pedestrian accident cases, I’ve seen firsthand the devastating impact these incidents have on individuals and families in communities like Alpharetta, Georgia. What are the most common injuries we see, and what do they really mean for your recovery and your claim?

Traumatic Brain Injuries: The Silent Epidemic

One of the most concerning injuries we see in pedestrian accident cases in Alpharetta and throughout Georgia is traumatic brain injury (TBI). According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), TBIs are a major cause of death and disability in the United States, and falls and motor vehicle crashes are leading causes. CDC data reveals that even what seems like a “minor” bump to the head can result in long-term cognitive and emotional problems. This is especially true for pedestrians, who have no protection in a collision.

In my experience, the challenge with TBIs is that they are often difficult to diagnose immediately. Symptoms like headaches, dizziness, and confusion can be easily dismissed as shock or stress following the accident. But these symptoms can persist and worsen over time, leading to significant impairments in memory, concentration, and even personality. We had a client last year who initially seemed “okay” after being hit by a car near North Point Mall. However, weeks later, he started experiencing severe memory loss and difficulty concentrating at work. An MRI eventually revealed a diffuse axonal injury, a type of TBI. His life was irrevocably changed.

Lower Extremity Fractures: A Long Road to Recovery

The legs and feet are particularly vulnerable in pedestrian accidents. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) reports that lower extremity injuries are common in pedestrian crashes, often requiring extensive surgery and rehabilitation. Think about it: when a car strikes a pedestrian, the legs are usually the first point of impact. I’ve seen countless cases involving fractures of the tibia, fibula, femur, and ankle in the Windward and Haynes Bridge Road area.

These injuries not only cause excruciating pain but also can result in long-term mobility issues. The recovery process often involves multiple surgeries, physical therapy, and assistive devices like crutches or walkers. In severe cases, amputation may be necessary. What’s more, these injuries can lead to chronic pain, arthritis, and other complications that significantly impact a person’s quality of life. This is particularly true for older adults, whose bones are more brittle and take longer to heal. O.C.G.A. Section 51-1-13 outlines the duty of care drivers owe to pedestrians, and failing to uphold that duty can lead to devastating consequences.

Spinal Cord Injuries: A Life-Altering Event

While perhaps less frequent than other injuries, spinal cord injuries (SCIs) are among the most devastating outcomes of pedestrian accidents. The National Spinal Cord Injury Statistical Center estimates that around 18,000 new SCI cases occur each year in the United States, and motor vehicle crashes are a leading cause. Their data shows that even a seemingly “minor” impact can cause damage to the spinal cord, leading to paralysis, loss of sensation, and other neurological impairments.

The long-term consequences of an SCI can be profound. Depending on the severity and location of the injury, individuals may require lifelong care, including assistance with daily activities, medical treatments, and rehabilitation. The financial burden of SCI can also be substantial, with costs often exceeding millions of dollars over a lifetime. We recently settled a case for a pedestrian who suffered a spinal cord injury after being struck by a distracted driver near the intersection of GA-400 and Mansell Road. The settlement covered his medical expenses, lost wages, and future care needs, but no amount of money can truly compensate for the loss of mobility and independence.

Internal Injuries: The Hidden Threat

Internal injuries, such as damage to the spleen, liver, kidneys, or lungs, are often overlooked in the immediate aftermath of a pedestrian accident. These injuries can be difficult to detect without medical imaging, and symptoms may not appear until hours or even days after the incident. The Georgia Department of Public Health publishes data on injury-related hospitalizations, and internal injuries are a significant contributor to these statistics.

I’ve seen many instances where clients initially focused on visible injuries like cuts and bruises, only to later discover they had a more serious internal problem. Internal bleeding, for example, can be life-threatening if not promptly diagnosed and treated. We ran into this exact issue at my previous firm. The client, a young woman, was hit by a delivery van in downtown Alpharetta. She seemed to be doing fine aside from a few scrapes, but two days later, she collapsed at home due to internal bleeding from a lacerated spleen. She required emergency surgery and a lengthy hospital stay. The lesson here? Always seek immediate medical attention after a pedestrian accident, even if you feel “okay.” If you’re in Alpharetta, remember these 5 steps to take now.

The Myth of “Minor” Injuries

There’s a common misconception that only severe pedestrian accidents result in significant injuries. This is simply not true. Even low-speed collisions can cause whiplash, soft tissue damage, and other injuries that can have a lasting impact. Don’t underestimate the potential consequences of what appears to be a “minor” accident. I disagree strongly with the idea that if you can “walk away” from an accident, you’re necessarily fine. The adrenaline rush after an accident can mask pain and other symptoms, leading people to delay seeking medical care. That delay can make it harder to prove your case later.

Think about this: a pedestrian hit by a car, even at a relatively low speed, experiences a tremendous amount of force. That force can jolt the body, causing microscopic tears in muscles, ligaments, and tendons. These injuries may not be immediately apparent, but they can lead to chronic pain, stiffness, and limited range of motion. The Fulton County Superior Court sees countless cases where seemingly minor accidents result in significant long-term disability.

If you are involved in a pedestrian accident in Alpharetta, seeking immediate medical attention and consulting with an experienced attorney are crucial steps. Don’t let the insurance company downplay your injuries or pressure you into accepting a settlement that doesn’t fully compensate you for your losses. You have rights, and you deserve to be protected. Many people wonder, GA Pedestrian Accident Settlements: What’s Realistic?. It’s a good question to consider. You also want to make sure you’re taking the right steps to protect your rights.

The single most important thing to remember after a pedestrian accident is this: document everything. Keep detailed records of your medical treatments, expenses, and lost wages. The stronger your documentation, the stronger your claim will be.