Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) are among the most devastating consequences of pedestrian accidents. When the human body collides with a vehicle, the head may strike the hood, windshield, pavement, or other hard surfaces with tremendous force. Even with no visible head wounds, the brain can sustain severe damage that permanently alters victims' lives.
How Pedestrian Accidents Cause Brain Injuries
The mechanics of pedestrian collisions create high risks for brain trauma. Upon impact, pedestrians are typically thrown onto the vehicle or to the ground, with the head striking hard surfaces. The brain continues moving inside the skull after sudden deceleration, causing it to impact the skull's interior.
Common TBI mechanisms in pedestrian accidents include direct head trauma from striking the vehicle or pavement, acceleration-deceleration injuries (coup-contrecoup) from sudden stops, rotational forces that tear brain tissue, and secondary injuries from brain swelling and oxygen deprivation.
Types of Brain Injuries in Pedestrian Cases
Concussions represent the mildest form of TBI but can still cause lasting symptoms, especially with repeated injuries. Contusions (bruising of brain tissue) and hemorrhages (bleeding in or around the brain) require emergency medical intervention.
Diffuse axonal injury (DAI)—widespread tearing of nerve fibers—is particularly common in pedestrian accidents due to rotational forces and causes extensive, permanent damage. Skull fractures may cause direct brain damage or allow infection.
Recognizing Brain Injury Symptoms
Brain injuries may not be immediately apparent. Symptoms that develop in hours or days include persistent headaches, confusion, memory problems, dizziness, sleep disturbances, mood changes, and sensitivity to light or noise. More severe injuries cause loss of consciousness, seizures, slurred speech, weakness, or personality changes.
Immediate medical evaluation including CT or MRI imaging is essential after any pedestrian accident involving head trauma. Some bleeding and swelling develops gradually and can become life-threatening without prompt treatment.
Long-Term Impact of Pedestrian TBI
Moderate to severe brain injuries often cause permanent cognitive impairment affecting memory, concentration, reasoning, and problem-solving. Executive function deficits make it difficult to plan, organize, and complete tasks. Personality changes may strain relationships.
Physical effects may include chronic headaches, seizure disorders, motor impairment, vision and hearing problems, and increased risk of neurodegenerative diseases. Many TBI survivors cannot return to their previous employment and require ongoing care.
Valuing Brain Injury Claims
Brain injuries justify substantial compensation reflecting their catastrophic impact. Damages typically include emergency and acute medical care, ongoing rehabilitation and therapy, neuropsychological evaluation and treatment, future medical needs over the victim's lifetime, lost earning capacity (often totaling millions for young victims), and pain, suffering, and diminished quality of life.
Proving the full extent of brain injury damages requires expert testimony from neurologists, neuropsychologists, life care planners, and vocational experts who can document deficits and project future needs.
Challenges in Brain Injury Litigation
Insurance companies often dispute brain injury claims, particularly when imaging appears normal. Many brain injuries do not show on CT or standard MRI despite causing significant symptoms. Advanced imaging, neuropsychological testing, and testimony from treating physicians help demonstrate injury.
Defense experts may attribute symptoms to pre-existing conditions, malingering, or psychological factors. Thorough documentation of pre-accident functioning and consistent medical treatment supports the validity of claims.
If you sustained a head injury in a pedestrian accident, seek comprehensive medical evaluation and legal consultation to ensure the full extent of your brain injury is documented and compensated.