Pedestrian hit by car injuries can vary drastically depending on the vehicle’s speed, size, and the point of impact. A compact car at low speed might cause fractures or bruising, while a larger SUV moving quickly can lead to traumatic brain injuries, spinal damage, or internal bleeding. No two cases are the same, which is why it's crucial to understand the most common injuries doctors encounter in these accidents. This article will walk you through the seven injury types seen most often in pedestrian collisions and what they mean for recovery.
What Determines the Severity of Pedestrian Accident Injuries?
Pedestrian injuries from car accidents are rarely uniform because so many variables influence the outcome. One of the biggest factors is speed. A car going 15 mph may knock someone over and cause bruises or sprains, but at 35 or 45 mph, the same impact can result in broken bones, internal bleeding, or even death.
The type of vehicle also plays a role. SUVs and trucks tend to strike pedestrians higher on the body compared to sedans, which often make first contact with the legs. This difference can lead to more severe injuries to the pelvis, chest, or head. The angle and location of the impact matter too. A direct hit from the front is different than being clipped by the side mirror or bumper, and each causes different trauma patterns.
Finally, the condition of the victim affects injury severity. Older adults, children, or those with preexisting health issues are more vulnerable to complications, even from what seems like a low-speed crash.
What are The Most Common Injuries When a Pedestrian is Hit By a Car?
The most common pedestrian hit by car injuries include:
- leg fractures,
- pelvic trauma,
- head injuries such as traumatic brain injury (TBI),
- spinal cord damage,
- chest injuries,
- facial fractures, and
- soft tissue damage.
The severity of these injuries depends on the speed of the vehicle, the type of impact, and the pedestrian’s physical condition. Some injuries may require surgery and long-term rehabilitation.
Leg and Lower Body Fractures
When a car strikes a pedestrian, the legs are usually the first part of the body to absorb the impact. This is especially true when the vehicle is a sedan, which tends to hit around the knee or shin area. These collisions often result in fractures to the femur, tibia, fibula, or patella, depending on how the person is hit and whether they are thrown onto the hood or down to the pavement.
These injuries are not only painful but also highly disruptive. Leg fractures typically require casting, physical therapy, or in more serious cases, surgery involving pins or rods. Recovery timelines can stretch from weeks to several months, often affecting a person’s ability to walk, work, or perform daily activities during that time.
Pelvic Injuries
Pelvic injuries often occur when the impact from a vehicle shifts the pedestrian's body upward and inward. This typically happens in mid-speed collisions or when struck by a taller vehicle such as an SUV. After the legs absorb the initial force, the energy travels through the lower body and into the pelvic area, making fractures in this region a common outcome.
These injuries are some of the most complex and painful to treat. They can severely affect mobility and may even involve internal organ damage in more serious cases. Healing usually requires hospitalization, limited movement, and, in some cases, surgical repair. Recovery is slow and often includes physical therapy and long-term pain management.
Head Trauma and Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
Head injuries are among the most serious consequences of pedestrian accidents. They usually occur when the pedestrian’s head strikes the vehicle’s hood, windshield, or the pavement. Even in lower-speed crashes, the force of impact can cause the head to snap back or hit a hard surface, resulting in anything from a mild concussion to severe traumatic brain injury (TBI).
These types of pedestrian accident injuries can lead to long-term cognitive and neurological issues. Victims may experience memory loss, difficulty concentrating, mood changes, or in severe cases, permanent disability. Recovery often involves brain scans, extended rest, and sometimes specialized neurological care. Because symptoms may not appear immediately, it’s critical to seek medical attention right after the accident, even if the person appears alert.
Spinal Cord and Back Injuries
Back injuries often occur when a pedestrian is thrown to the ground or makes secondary contact with the vehicle after the initial impact. These injuries can range from strained muscles and herniated discs to more severe damage involving the spinal cord.
In the most serious cases, spinal cord trauma can lead to partial or complete paralysis. Even less severe back injuries may result in long-term pain, reduced mobility, and the need for ongoing physical therapy. These outcomes often interfere with daily life, affecting a person’s ability to work, rest, and maintain their independence. The emotional toll and financial strain that come with these injuries make early diagnosis and treatment especially important.
Chest Injuries (Rib Fractures & Internal Organ Damage)
Chest injuries often occur in mid to high-speed pedestrian accidents, especially when the upper body hits the windshield, hood, or pavement. The force can break ribs and cause serious trauma to internal organs such as the lungs and heart. In some cases, the impact may lead to bruised or collapsed lungs or even internal bleeding that requires immediate medical attention.
These injuries are sometimes difficult to identify right away. A victim might feel only mild discomfort at first, but symptoms can worsen over time as swelling or fluid builds up. Chest injuries often require imaging tests and close monitoring. Without proper care, complications can quickly become life-threatening.
Facial Injuries
Facial injuries are common when a pedestrian’s head hits the pavement or the vehicle itself during a collision. These injuries can include broken noses, fractured cheekbones, dental trauma, and eye injuries. The face is especially vulnerable during a fall, and even a low-speed impact can result in visible damage.
Beyond physical pain, facial injuries can also lead to emotional distress due to disfigurement or permanent scarring. Treatment often involves dental repair, reconstructive surgery, or vision correction. Recovery may be both medical and cosmetic, and in many cases, long-term care is needed.
Soft Tissue Damage (Sprains, Tears, Contusions)
Soft tissue injuries are often overlooked in the immediate aftermath of a crash, but they can be just as disruptive as fractures. These include sprains, muscle tears, bruising, and damage to tendons or ligaments. They typically result from the force of being thrown to the ground or twisted unnaturally during impact.
Although these injuries might not show up on X-rays, they can cause ongoing pain and mobility issues. Recovery may take weeks or months, and some soft tissue damage can reoccur if not properly treated. Physical therapy, rest, and anti-inflammatory care are often part of the treatment plan.
What Should You Do After a Pedestrian Accident Injury?
After being hit by a car, it’s important to seek medical attention immediately, even if you feel okay. Some injuries, especially internal ones or soft tissue damage, may not show symptoms right away. Delaying care can lead to complications and make it harder to connect your injuries to the accident.
Keep detailed notes on how you feel in the hours and days following the incident. Document all symptoms, changes in mobility, and any emotional or cognitive issues. This information can be essential if you need to pursue a claim.
You should also avoid speaking with insurance representatives before consulting with an attorney. Insurance companies often look for statements they can use to minimize your case. To protect your rights, speak with an experienced personal injury lawyer as early as possible. Contact Browning Law Firm for a free consultation and legal guidance.
How Legal Support Can Help Injury Victims Recover
For many pedestrians injured by a car, the physical recovery is only part of the challenge. Medical bills, time away from work, and long-term care can create financial pressure that quickly becomes overwhelming. This is where legal support can make a real difference.
A personal injury attorney can handle communication with insurance companies, file claims on your behalf, and negotiate medical costs. More importantly, they can accurately assess the full value of your case, including future treatment, lost income, and pain and suffering.
At Browning Law Firm, Attorney Coy H. Browning brings the experience of a former Florida State Trooper to every case. That background in accident investigation and traffic law gives the firm a strong foundation for building clear, evidence-based claims. The focus is always on protecting injured victims and helping them secure the support they need to move forward.