The high number of pedestrian accidents seems to be cause and effect. Singapore is a city state with many offices and offering many attractions that increase foot traffic. There is also an increase in vehicle traffic caused by these same visitors that, when added to regular traffic by residents, increases the risk for accidents. The resulting effect is an increase in car accidents involving pedestrians. Most of these accidents involve a degree of negligence by the driver, including:
- Failure to obey speed limit
- Failure to decrease speed in poor conditions
- Failure to observe traffic signals
- Failure to observe warning signs
- Failure to yield right-of–way
- Inattentive Drivers
- Distracted drivers, such as those texting while driving
Types of Injuries in Pedestrian Accidents
Motor vehicles are generally designed to protect the driver and passengers inside, not what they come into contact with – even if that contact is with a person. Therefore, even at relatively low speeds, a vehicle can cause severe damage to a pedestrian. Depending on the weight, size, and speed of the vehicle, it is possible to sustain the following injuries from a car accident involving a pedestrian:
- Severe cuts and bruises
- Muscle sprain or strain
- Fractured or broken bones
- Head Injury
- Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), including concussion
- Back Injury
- Spinal Cord Injury (SCI)
- Paralysis
- Paraplegia, Tetraplegia, or Quadriplegia
The two main factors that affect the severity of the injury are the impact of the pedestrian’s body with the car, and the impact of the pedestrian’s body with the ground. For instance, if a pedestrian is hit by a sedan, he or she will most likely suffer injury to the lower body from the hips down. If the speed of the sedan was such as to knock the person down, he or she may sustain a concussion or back injury due to the fall. Again, we need to mention that with the publication of the new Actuarial Tables for Personal Injury and Death Claims 2021, the awards for serious personal injuries and death may be substantially higher. It is essential to have a proper understanding of the Tables to make the appropriate claim. The link to the Table can be viewed HERE. A clear and latest example would be the award of $13.6 million awarded to a Swiss National who suffered severe brain injury.