Pedestrians Hit By Vehicles in Cook County Can Suffer From Permanent Back Injuries

 Posted on December 28, 2021 in Personal Injury

Every year, dozens of pedestrians in Illinois are seriously injured or killed when they are struck by a vehicle. Drivers may be distracted by traffic or cell phones, or might have their vision impaired by bad weather or nighttime driving; whatever the cause, the consequences for victims of these accidents are often life-altering.

One of the most common types of injuries suffered by pedestrians hit by motor vehicles is back injuries. Damage can be localized or distributed throughout the spine and is nearly always found in combination with associated injuries like soft tissue or organ damage. Spinal cord injuries are particularly challenging because they can cause paralysis, permanent numbness and tingling, and debilitating pain. These injuries can be expensive and prevent a victim from working their normal job for the rest of their lives. If you or someone you love has been hit by a car, you may be able to hold the person responsible for damages and compensation.

Common Types of Back Injuries From Pedestrian-Vehicle Accidents

While many different injuries are present after pedestrian-vehicle accidents, back injuries in particular pose substantial risks to the victim. Common back injuries include, but are not limited to: 

• Lumbar spine injuries - The back’s largest vertebrae and strongest muscles are in the lumbar area and damage to this area is very painful. Sprains, strains, fractures, and breaks can severely limit a victim’s ability to perform daily activities.

• Thoracic spine injuries - The thoracic region is connected to a person’s chest and ribs. Damage to the thoracic region can cause loss of sensation, weakness, and loss of feeling and function in the genital and rectal areas.

• Herniated disc injuries - Spinal discs separate the vertebrae and protect them from rubbing against each other. Herniated, or displaced, discs place pressure on the spinal cord and its nerves, often causing intense lower back pain and numbness in the legs.

• Spinal cord injuries - The spinal cord is a long, thin structure made of nerves that extends from the brainstem to the lower back. Injuries to the spinal cord are among the most serious, and often cause paralysis or death.

How Much Time Do I Have to File a Lawsuit? 

Many victims of pedestrian-vehicle injuries take time to recover and may be unsure if they want to pursue damages. While this is understandable, Illinois’ personal injury statute of limitation is two years. That means that from the date you were struck by a car, you have two years to file a case. Moving quickly is important not only to stay within the statute of limitation, but also because gathering evidence becomes difficult as more time passes. A great personal injury attorney can help victims pursue compensation while minimizing the difficulty of a lawsuit.

Call an Experienced Orland Park Personal Injury Lawyer

The injuries sustained by pedestrians in Illinois auto accidents can require extensive medical treatment and cause significant loss of quality of life. If you have been hit by a car and suffered serious injuries, a skilled Cook County personal injury attorney with Schwartz Injury Law may be able to help you recover compensation. Call our offices today at 708-888-2160 to schedule a free consultation and learn more about your case.

Sources: 

https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/fulltext.asp?DocName=062500050K11-401 

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18525489/