Serious Injuries From Pedestrian Accidents
Unlike vehicle occupants, pedestrians absorb the full force of impact. Even low-speed collisions can cause catastrophic harm.
Common injuries include:
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Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
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Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
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Broken bones and crush injuries
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Internal bleeding and organ damage
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Severe road rash and lacerations
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Permanent disability
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Psychological trauma
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Fatal injuries in wrongful death cases
Pedestrian accidents often lead to long recovery periods, multiple surgeries, and permanent life changes.
Why Pedestrian Accidents Happen
Most pedestrian crashes are preventable and occur because of driver negligence. Nationwide, pedestrian fatalities have reached historic highs, highlighting the growing danger for people on foot.
Common causes include:
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Distracted driving (texting or phone use)
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Failure to yield at crosswalks
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Speeding in pedestrian-heavy areas
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Drunk or impaired driving
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Running stop signs or red lights
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Poor visibility at night
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Failure to watch for pedestrians in parking lots
Busy corridors near campus, shopping areas, and residential neighborhoods are especially dangerous.
Pedestrian Risks Around Auburn University
College towns create unique hazards for both drivers and pedestrians. Students frequently walk between classes, housing, restaurants, and events — often at night or during high-traffic periods.
We regularly see accidents involving:
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Crosswalks near campus buildings
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Intersections along College Street and surrounding roads
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Late-night incidents involving impaired drivers
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Parking lot collisions near apartments or shopping centers
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Ride-share and delivery vehicle traffic
Drivers must exercise extra caution in these areas. When they do not, serious injuries can occur in seconds.
Compensation Available After a Pedestrian Accident
If a driver’s negligence caused your injuries, you may be entitled to compensation for:
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Emergency and ongoing medical care
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Surgery and rehabilitation
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Lost wages and future income loss
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Pain and suffering
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Permanent disability or disfigurement
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Emotional distress
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Long-term care needs
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Wrongful death damages for surviving families
Insurance companies often attempt to minimize payouts in pedestrian cases, making experienced representation essential.
Pedestrian Accidents
According to Governors Highway Safety Association, United States Pedestrian fatalities reached a 40 year high, with 7,485 people killed while on foot. In Alabama, pedestrian accident fatalities increased 24% from 2020 to 2021, with 126 fatalities. In Georgia, pedestrian accident fatalities increased 23% from 2020 to 201, with 348 fatalities. (source) In 2021, Alabama Law Enforcement investigated 769 pedestrian accidents involving motor vehicles.
Unfortunately these pedestrian accidents happen regardless of the general caution taken by most pedestrians and result in debilitating, permanent injuries.
Pedestrian accidents can have a significant impact beyond serious personal injuries and often affect the financial wellbeing of the victim through lost wages, inability to pay household bills, and even funeral expenses. While monetary recovery can never repair the lasting damage done to the victim, it can at least ease the burdens created when a pedestrian is injured through negligence on behalf of the vehicle operator.