The physical and emotional effects of a pedestrian accident

New York is home to a lot of people who choose to walk or ride bikes around the city rather than spend the money on automobiles. With so many pedestrians out and about regularly, one would think that drivers would already be hyperaware of their presence. Unfortunately, auto versus pedestrian accidents happen all too often. When a pedestrian accident does occur, the victim, if he or she survives, is left with physical and emotional scars that can affect various aspects of his or her life.

When hit by a car, physical injuries are expected. The human body simply is not built to withstand a hit from a 3,000 plus pound automobile fully. Some victims may recover from their injuries, while others may find their bodies will never be what they once were.

One aspect of pedestrian accidents that not too many people discuss is how they can affect victims emotionally. Such incidents are traumatic. Victims are at risk of developing post-traumatic stress disorder, which can prevent them from thriving in their personal and professional lives. Symptoms of this disorder include:

• Nightmares

• Trouble sleeping

• Depression

• Social withdrawal

• Compulsive/obsessive behavior

According to the laws of New York, a pedestrian accident victim may be entitled to seek compensation for his or her emotional losses as well as any physical damages sustained. All injuries must be adequately documented. When it comes to emotional losses, a medical diagnosis is generally needed to determine acceptable compensation. Legal counsel can assist those injuries in an auto-pedestrian accident do all that is necessary to seek maximum relief for all of their losses, regardless of whether they are physical or psychological.