Each year, thousands of Americans are injured and killed in pedestrian accidents involving motor vehicles. In many cases, pedestrian accidents result when drivers are distracted or inattentive and fail to see an individual crossing the street. When a pedestrian is struck by a car or truck, the physical injuries can be crippling and result in an individual suffering permanent and debilitating injuries and, in some cases, even death.

A 32-year-old Ohio woman recently died after being hit by a car while attempting to cross the street at an intersection. The fatal accident occurred just after midnight as the woman was attempting to navigate an intersection. At this same time, a dark-colored car sped towards the woman and struck her. The driver of the car, however, did not stop but rather immediately drove away.

First responders arriving at the accident scene attempted to stabilize the young woman who was transported to a nearby hospital for emergency medical care. Tragically, the 32-year-old hit-and-skip victim died a short time after arriving at the hospital. Police continue to investigate the accident and search for the driver who hit the woman.

While not all pedestrian accidents result in an individual's death, most result in life-altering injuries. Broken and crushed bones, traumatic brain injuries and severe tissue damage are all commonly experienced by pedestrians who are hit by motor vehicles. The medical and personal costs related to such accidents are often great. In cases where a driver's actions contributed to a pedestrian being injured or killed, legal action can be an appropriate means to recovering compensation and finding closure.

Source: The Columbus Dispatch, "Pedestrian killed in Victorian Village hit-skip was Columbus woman," Laura Arenschield, July 22, 2013