What is the Severity of a Pedestrian Accident in Iowa?

When a catastrophic accident in Iowa strikes, you will probably not be given any warning. This type of accident can leave you with a severe disability or end your life within a matter of seconds. For example, if you are walking across the crosswalk and you are struck by a driver who did not see you, you will probably suffer catastrophic injuries which may result in severe disabilities or even death.

Generally, when a pedestrian is hit he or she is thrown onto the ground, hood of a vehicle, through a windshield, under the vehicle, or over the top of it. Serious injuries occur due to the force and weight of a vehicle striking a person without anything more than a body to absorb the impact. Severe leg injuries, pelvis injuries, and head injuries are common injuries pedestrians in Iowa sustain in these types of accidents. Other injuries include:

  • Broken bones

  • Knee, ankle and leg injuries

  • Neck and back injuries

  • Nerve damage

  • Brain hemorrhage, closed head injury, or traumatic brain injury

  • Death

Pedestrian deaths are one of the highest categories of motor vehicle deaths. In fact, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety 2008 fatality facts report indicates that pedestrian motor vehicle accidents account for 12 percent of crash deaths. In 2008, a total of 4,378 pedestrians died as a result of motor vehicle accidents in the United States.

When pedestrians are struck by vehicles, these accidents typically occur when pedestrians are crossing at crosswalks. This occurs because drivers run red lights and hit pedestrians who are already crossing the street. However, the majority of pedestrian crosswalk accidents in Iowa take place when drivers are stopped at red lights waiting to make right hand turns. They are so focused on traffic coming from a certain direction that the drivers fail to see a pedestrian walking in the crosswalk.

Pedestrians have also been struck on sidewalks, crossing streets, walking behind cars that are backing up, on traffic islands and in parking lots. These accidents occur because drivers who are entering a parking lot, exiting a parking lot, or are backing up fail to see a pedestrian.

If you or someone you love has been a victim of a pedestrian accident in Iowa, contact Cedar Rapids personal injury attorneys at Brady Preston Gronlund today at (319) 866-9277. Find out your pedestrian rights today, and call us for a free legal evaluation.