Pedestrian accidents can cause serious injuries because a person has very little protection when struck by a car, truck, motorcycle, or other vehicle. If you or someone nearby has been hit by a vehicle, the first priority is safety and emergency medical care when needed. Call 911 for serious injuries, head trauma, loss of consciousness, severe bleeding, difficulty breathing, suspected fractures, or other emergency symptoms.
Even when an injury does not initially appear severe, pain, stiffness, swelling, headaches, or mobility problems may become more noticeable after the accident. Once emergency conditions and other serious injuries have been addressed, an evaluation can help determine whether additional treatment is appropriate for accident-related musculoskeletal injuries.
What to Do After a Pedestrian Accident
Call 911 and Get to a Safe Location
If a pedestrian has been struck by a vehicle, call 911 and follow the instructions of emergency personnel. If you witnessed the accident, avoid moving someone who appears seriously injured unless remaining in that location creates an immediate danger.
Police and emergency responders can secure the scene, evaluate injuries, and determine whether emergency transportation is necessary.
Seek Appropriate Medical Care
Pedestrian accidents can involve significant force, so injuries should be taken seriously. Head injuries, fractures, internal injuries, spinal cord injuries, severe bleeding, and other serious trauma require appropriate emergency or medical evaluation.
Some accident-related symptoms may also become more noticeable in the hours or days following the collision. Pay attention to new or worsening pain, headaches, dizziness, weakness, numbness, swelling, stiffness, or changes in mobility and seek appropriate medical attention if symptoms develop.
Document the Accident When It Is Safe to Do So
If your condition allows, gather basic information about the accident. This may include photographs of the scene, vehicle information, the driver’s contact and insurance information, witness contact information, and the responding law enforcement agency.
Your health and safety come first. Do not delay necessary medical treatment to collect information at the scene.
Common Injuries After a Pedestrian Accident
The injuries caused by a pedestrian accident can vary considerably depending on the speed and type of vehicle, where the person was struck, whether the person was thrown or fell, and other circumstances surrounding the collision.
Pedestrian accident injuries may include:
- Head and brain injuries
- Neck injuries
- Back injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Fractures
- Hip and pelvic injuries
- Shoulder injuries
- Knee and leg injuries
- Soft tissue injuries
- Muscle and ligament injuries
- Lacerations and bruising
- Internal injuries
Some of these conditions require emergency or specialized medical treatment. Chiropractic care is not appropriate as the sole treatment for fractures, internal bleeding, traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord trauma, or other medical emergencies.
Can a Chiropractor Help After a Pedestrian Accident?
Chiropractic care and rehabilitation may be appropriate for certain musculoskeletal injuries after serious trauma has been evaluated and emergency conditions have been ruled out or appropriately treated.
At Premier Injury Clinics of DFW, our accident injury doctors and chiropractors evaluate patients experiencing musculoskeletal pain and mobility problems after accidents. Depending on your condition, treatment may focus on restoring movement, improving function, and addressing accident-related pain and stiffness.
Conditions that may be appropriate for chiropractic or rehabilitation care can include neck pain, back pain, soft tissue injuries, shoulder pain, joint stiffness, muscle strain, and reduced mobility.
What to Expect During Accident Injury Treatment
Your first visit begins with an evaluation of the accident, your symptoms, and how your movement and daily activities have been affected. Your provider can evaluate whether your condition is appropriate for the care available at our clinics or whether additional medical evaluation or referral is needed.
For appropriate musculoskeletal injuries, a treatment plan may include chiropractic adjustments, rehabilitation therapy, mobility exercises, soft tissue techniques, and other supportive care based on your condition.
Recovery is different for every patient. Your progress can be monitored throughout treatment so your care plan can be adjusted as your pain, mobility, strength, and function change.
When Should You Get Checked After a Pedestrian Accident?
If you develop neck pain, back pain, muscle soreness, joint stiffness, swelling, or reduced mobility following a pedestrian accident, an evaluation can help determine what may be contributing to your symptoms and what type of care is appropriate.
Do not wait for a chiropractic appointment when symptoms suggest a medical emergency. Severe headache, confusion, loss of consciousness, vomiting, difficulty breathing, severe abdominal or chest pain, significant bleeding, weakness, numbness, inability to bear weight, or a suspected fracture should receive prompt medical attention.
Pedestrian Accident Injury Treatment in DFW
Premier Injury Clinics of DFW provides accident-focused chiropractic care and rehabilitation for appropriate musculoskeletal injuries at seven locations throughout the Dallas-Fort Worth area. Our team works with patients recovering from neck pain, back pain, soft tissue injuries, joint stiffness, and other mobility-related problems following accidents.
Same-day appointments may be available, and we offer free transportation within 15 miles of each clinic for qualifying patients. If you have already received emergency or medical care and need help with ongoing musculoskeletal pain or mobility problems after a pedestrian accident, contact Premier Injury Clinics of DFW to schedule an evaluation.
Pedestrian Accident Injury FAQs
Should I go to the emergency room after being hit by a car?
Emergency medical care may be necessary after a pedestrian accident, particularly if you have head trauma, loss of consciousness, severe pain, significant bleeding, difficulty breathing, a suspected fracture, weakness, confusion, or other serious symptoms. When in doubt after a significant collision, seek appropriate medical evaluation.
Can pedestrian accident injuries show up later?
Some symptoms may become more noticeable after the initial accident. Muscle soreness, stiffness, swelling, headaches, neck or back pain, and mobility problems may develop or change over time. New, severe, or worsening symptoms should be medically evaluated.
What injuries can a chiropractor evaluate after a pedestrian accident?
A chiropractor may evaluate certain musculoskeletal problems such as neck pain, back pain, soft tissue injuries, muscle strain, joint stiffness, and reduced mobility. Serious trauma such as fractures, internal injuries, traumatic brain injuries, or spinal cord injuries requires appropriate medical care.
What happens during my first accident injury appointment?
Your provider will review the accident, your current symptoms, and any mobility limitations before evaluating your condition. If chiropractic care or rehabilitation is appropriate, a treatment plan can be developed based on your injuries and recovery needs. Additional medical evaluation or referral may be recommended when necessary.
What treatment may be used for pedestrian accident injuries?
For appropriate musculoskeletal injuries, treatment may include chiropractic adjustments, rehabilitation exercises, mobility work, soft tissue techniques, and other supportive therapies. The treatment used depends on the patient’s injuries, symptoms, and response to care.
Does Premier Injury Clinics of DFW offer transportation after an accident?
Free transportation is available within 15 miles of each Premier Injury Clinics of DFW location for qualifying patients. Contact the clinic to confirm availability and schedule your appointment.