Every day, pedestrians face the risk of being struck by vehicles on busy streets. These incidents can leave individuals coping with physical pain, fear, and mounting medical bills.
At Johnnie Bond Law, we put our energy into looking out for people living through these life-altering events, keeping you informed and standing by your side throughout your claim.
Today, we want to talk about different pedestrian accident injuries and outline your legal options in Washington, DC.
Why Pedestrian Accidents Occur in Washington, DC
Pedestrian accidents can happen in any city, but Washington, DC has its own set of conditions that raise the possibility of serious collisions. It’s a walkable area with a robust public transportation system, which puts a large number of walkers and drivers in close proximity. As a result, any lack of attention from drivers or pedestrians can spin out of control in a heartbeat.
Commuters, buses, and delivery drivers all share roads that see more traffic than many suburban regions. Distracted driving, speeding, and failing to yield are consistent hazards on these streets. Although DC continues taking steps to improve pedestrian safety, such as adding crosswalk markings and pedestrian signals, accidents still pose a problem across the District.
Common Injuries Sustained in Pedestrian Accidents
Pedestrian accidents may result in injuries that range from mild aches and bruises to lasting physical harm. When someone on foot is hit by a car, they have little protection from the impact, so these collisions can leave individuals facing major disruptions in their everyday routines. Below are five categories of injuries we regularly see.
Head and Brain Injuries
Collisions often involve a sudden blow or jolt to the head, leading to conditions such as concussions or traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). Pedestrians do not have helmets or airbags to reduce the force of impact, so they are more vulnerable to head trauma. Some survivors of TBIs report memory problems, headaches, and mood changes, which can last for months or even years.
Individuals recovering from brain injuries may require extended visits with highly knowledgeable physicians or repeated scans, and compensation in these cases can account for pain, follow-up appointments, and prescribed care. Since head trauma can be unsettling and tricky to evaluate, it’s wise to keep clear records of doctor evaluations and store all medical receipts for your claim.
Spinal Cord Injuries
In the most severe pedestrian crashes, spinal cord injuries might lead to permanent or partial paralysis. Because the spine transmits signals between the brain and the rest of the body, damage can disrupt motor skills and bodily movements. Medical professionals classify these injuries based on how much function is lost and which parts of the spine are hurt.
Complete spinal cord injuries mean total paralysis below the injury site, while incomplete ones allow for limited motor function or feeling. The higher up the spine the damage occurs, the more of a person’s body can be affected. Extensive rehabilitation is often needed, along with medical equipment or home modifications.
Bone Fractures
Fractures are common in vehicle-pedestrian collisions, particularly in the arms, legs, pelvis, or ribs. While these may not be as life-altering as severe spinal injuries, they tend to interfere with work tasks and family routines. A person with multiple fractures might need surgery, casts, or ongoing physical therapy to regain mobility.
Fractures can come in various forms, such as:
- Closed fractures (bones break without puncturing the skin)
- Open fractures (bones pierce through the skin)
- Comminuted fractures (bones shatter into several fragments)
- Displaced fractures (broken bone pieces move out of alignment)
- Stress fractures (hairline cracks from repetitive force)
Soft Tissue Injuries
Soft tissue injuries, such as sprains or strains, are often linked to neck or back pain. Many people with these injuries do not see the effects right away. Over time, they may experience soreness, loss of range of motion, and an impact on day-to-day duties.
These injuries are generally among the more treatable ones, but it’s still essential to visit a healthcare provider. The right documentation helps strengthen your claim if you decide to pursue compensation.
Internal Injuries
In some collisions, pedestrians face hidden internal trauma. Examples include organ lacerations, punctures, or bleeding in the abdomen. These problems can be life-threatening if not diagnosed promptly, and they might not be spotted at the crash site.
A thorough checkup at an emergency department can detect damage to internal organs or internal bleeding. Pedestrians with internal damage may require immediate surgery or close observation in a hospital to prevent severe complications.
Below is a brief table showing categories of injuries and potential treatment approaches:
| Injury Type | Common Symptoms | Typical Treatments |
| Head/Brain | Dizziness, confusion, loss of consciousness | Imaging scans, rest, rehab therapies |
| Spinal Cord | Numbness, loss of motor function | Surgery, braces, long-term rehabilitation |
| Fractures | Swelling, severe pain, limited movement | Immobilization, surgery, pain meds |
| Soft Tissue | Stiffness, swelling in muscles/ligaments | Physical therapy, massages, rest |
| Internal | Abdominal tenderness, unexplained faintness | Emergency care, surgical repair |
Factors Contributing to Pedestrian Accidents
Many contributing factors come together to cause injuries in crosswalks or along busy roads. Often, minor details like an obstructed line of sight, a sudden downpour, or vehicles double-parked on a curb can increase the chance of a crash.
Rain is another issue because it limits visibility for both drivers and pedestrians. Younger children might dash into the street unexpectedly, and older adults may not be able to react in time if a car appears out of nowhere. Other causes are distracted drivers on phones, aggressive lane changes, and failing to yield when turning.
Legal Options for Pedestrian Accident Victims in DC
People hurt in a pedestrian collision can seek payment for what they’ve suffered. DC follows rules allowing individuals who prove a driver behaved carelessly to demand coverage for bills, lost paychecks, and more. Even so, these claims historically involve gathering a lot of evidence, negotiating with insurance carriers, and sometimes taking a case to court.
Establishing Negligence
To hold a driver liable, you need evidence that they owed a duty of care, broke that duty, and caused your injuries. Distracted driving, texting, and running red lights are examples of this behavior. Making a solid argument often means gathering witness accounts, traffic camera tapes, and crash site photos.
If the at-fault driver was found to be speeding or intoxicated, you can incorporate those facts into your claim. Keep all official documentation, from police reports to your x-rays, to help show the full picture of what happened.
Types of Recoverable Damages
Settlement offers and verdicts can include various forms of compensation. Many people focus on hospital charges, but other losses might also be covered, such as:
- Medical costs — current and upcoming treatments
- Lost wages and job benefits
- Reduced earning ability if you can’t go back to the same line of work
- Pain and suffering tied to physical or mental stress
- Emotional hardship from trauma or changes in daily life
- Loss of enjoyment of regular hobbies and family outings
- Permanent scarring or disability
The Case Process
Below is a quick breakdown of the steps in a pedestrian injury claim. Though every situation may differ, these are the usual phases:
- Injury happens and details are gathered at the scene.
- Legal consultation to see if you may have a claim.
- Medical visits and ongoing care while you recover.
- Review of medical bills, official reports, and records.
- Settlement negotiations with auto insurance carriers.
- Filing a lawsuit if out-of-court talks fail.
- Final resolution through settlement or trial.
During the lawsuit stage, attorneys file legal documents, take depositions of witnesses, and often go back and forth with the responsible party’s insurer. Although many claims do settle, being ready for court can be crucial if talks collapse.
Statute of Limitations
DC law generally sets a three-year window for filing a personal injury claim after a pedestrian crash. If you miss that window, you may lose your right to seek compensation in court. It’s wise to speak with an attorney soon after your accident, so they can preserve any evidence before it disappears. Prompt legal assistance is especially helpful for locating eyewitnesses and gathering photos or surveillance footage from local businesses.
Johnnie Bond Law: Fighting for Pedestrian Accident Victims
Our team at Johnnie Bond Law puts your needs first. We draw from experience and a deep sense of caring to help you traverse the legal process related to pedestrian accidents. Our work isn’t just about paperwork—it’s about making sure you have the support you need to get through this hard time.
We invite you to reach out and tell us about your situation. Call (202) 683-6803 or visit our Contact Us page to get started. If you feel ready to ask questions or explore your options, we’re here to offer information and step in for you when dealing with insurers and the courts.