Understanding Head Injuries After Being Hit by a Car in New Mexico: Our Albuquerque Auto Accident Lawyer Explains Key Points
Being hit by the car is a traumatic experience. Also called a pedestrian knockdown, any time a pedestrian is hit by a motor vehicle it is a recipe for very serious personal injuries and likely wrongful death. This is because a pedestrian is not guarded with the steel shell of a car or wrapped in airbags, side curtains, or a seat belt. Most pedestrians that are hit by a car are seriously injured for that reason, and some may be wrongfully killed. A common injury is for a pedestrian to suffer some type of head injury. A particularly devastating type of head injury is a traumatic brain injury which can result in debilitating and permanent injuries for a victim of a pedestrian knockdown.
Here at the Mark Caruso, our experienced Albuquerque auto accident lawyer knows how devastating and debilitating a head injury can be for a pedestrian who has been hit by a car. This type of injury may require many experts such as medical professionals, vocational experts, life care planners, biomechanical engineers, economists, and other experts to prove liability, causation, and your damages. This includes you future medical needs and expenses, as well as any lost income due to a head injury. To learn how we can help you, call to schedule a FREE appointment by dialing (505) 308-1556.
Why Head Injuries Occur in Pedestrian Knockdown Cases
A pedestrian who is hit by a car is likely to suffer a head injury for several reasons. First, in most instances a pedestrian hit by a motor vehicle will get swept up and onto the hood of the car. His or her head will likely smash into the hood or the windshield which will result in serious injury and an impactful blow. Second, the pedestrian will be launched to the ground either when the vehicle comes to a stop or if a pedestrian if sideswiped and pushed to the side. Being knocked off his or her feet with the force of this steel linebacker could result in the pedestrian’s head hitting the ground.
Finally, a pedestrian could suffer a head injury when he or she is grazed or sideswiped and pushed into another object, such as a parked car, traffic sign or pole, telephone pole, or another object on or around the roadway.
Types of Head Injuries After Being Hit by a Car
There are many possible types of head injuries which could occur after being hit by a motor vehicle. These injuries range from bruises to traumatic brain injuries. All of the injuries may be compensable under New Mexico law if the damages are proximately caused by the crash.
Some of the most common types of head injuries caused by a pedestrian knockdown crash include the following:
- Traumatic brain injuries, including concussions, diffuse axonal injuries, coup-contrecoup injuries, and other catastrophic and debilitating damage to the brain;
- Detached retina due to the force of the collision;
- Cranial nerve injuries, particularly if there are lacerations or other cuts to the face;
- Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) syndrome, which is pain and damage to the pivot parts of the upper jaw;
- Orbital blowout fractures;
- Cranial (neck) injuries;
- Significant disfigurement and scarring; and
- Other serious injuries.
Were You Hit by a Car in New Mexico and Suffered a Head Injury? We Can Help You
If you have been struck by a motor vehicle and sustained any injuries, especially a head injury like a traumatic brain injury, orbital blowout fracture, or TMJ, please call our Albuquerque auto accident lawyer to learn how we can help. We handle cases throughout New Mexico, including in Lordsburg, Albuquerque, Las Cruces, Santa Fe, Roswell, or anywhere else. Call the Mark Caruso by dialing (505) 308-1556 to learn how we can help. You can also contact us on our website through the easy to use and convenient Contact box located by clicking here.