A vehicle hitting a pedestrian can be termed one of the most traumatic accidents one could ever experience. Yet, it happens so regularly. According to the CDC, over 5,000 pedestrians die in car accidents annually, while an estimated 137,000 others visit the ER for non-fatal accidents. This makes one wonder, what spurs pedestrian accidents? Read on to find out.
Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents
A pedestrian is anyone walking along the road in a developed or undeveloped area. Pedestrian accidents commonly occur due to;
Motorists have a duty of care for other road users. They are required to exercise reasonable care at all times, and failure to do so is termed as negligence. Unfortunately, most pedestrian accidents happen due to the motorist’s negligence. Most motorists observe their duty of care, but others fail to do so because of;
Pedestrians Failing to Observe Duty of Care
Just like motorists, pedestrians are also legally required to practice reasonable care for their safety. They must also observe road regulations to avoid danger. Accidents stemming from pedestrian negligence often occur when;
Bad Weather
Besides driver and pedestrian negligence, another common cause of pedestrian accidents is bad weather. A slippery road on a rainy day may make it difficult for a vehicle to stop on time resulting in an accident. Similarly, a slippery road may cause a pedestrian to slip and fall into the path of an oncoming car.
Road Construction
Road construction projects don’t just cause traffic jams and slow motorists down; they also present a road hazard for pedestrians. How? Well, a road construction happening right in the middle or next to a crosswalk may leave a pedestrian no option but to jaywalk in an area of the road where motorists least expect.
Left-Hand Driver Turns
When turning left, most drivers usually focus on how to take on the busy intersection ahead instead of what’s happening on the left. This puts pedestrians at high risk of being hit by a car turning left.
What to Do When Involved in a Pedestrian Accident
A pedestrian accident can be super traumatizing. If involved in one, you should do the following;
Let the Professionals Help
Also, avoid making any statements to anyone on the scene except the police. While at it, be sure to contact an experienced pedestrian accident attorney. Remember, pedestrian accidents are subject to the statute of limitations. Therefore, you need to contact a pedestrian accident attorney as soon as possible. If you or someone you love was involved in a pedestrian accident, give us a call or hit the online chat button to schedule an obligation free consultation today.
blogs
How Much is a Slip and Fall Claim Settlement Worth?
When filing a slip and fall claim, you might want to consider the amount of compensation. While there’s no defined amount of settlement, a successful claim should adequately compensate you for physical, emotional, and monetary loss. Hiring an experienced lawyer is critical to getting adequate compensation for a valid claim. The article explains the factors […]
Do Lemon Laws Apply in Auto Dealer Frauds
You’ve recently bought your dream car but can’t shake off the feeling that you just got swindled. Despite the dealer marketing it as a brand new vehicle, it has been exhibiting major defects you hardly expected. Many buyers fall prey to auto dealer frauds which can be costly especially if you’re financing a loan to […]
Slip and Fall Injuries in Arizona and California
In desert climates especially, some property managers have a tendency to not count on inclement weather when it comes to the upkeep of their properties. This means that, over time, things like rain and seismic shifts can slowly wear away at all kinds of surfaces, making them unsafe to walk on. While property managers may […]
Top Three Scenic Motorcycle Routes in California
California is among the most beautiful destinations in the country. The raw beauty of our state is part of the reasons why myriads of people move here every day. From miles of pristine beaches, breathtaking lakes, picturesque deserts, to rugged but awe-inspiring terrains like Yosemite, the geographic diversity of the Golden State is simply mesmerizing. […]
The Most Common Types of Motorcycle Injury
The Most Common Types of Motorcycle Crashes According to the National Institute of Health, there are four main types of motorcycle crashes. Distinguishing these by category helps determine patterns that can later be used to help treat such accidents. The four main types are: The Most Common Injuries on a Motorcycle In the same study, […]
Cell Phones and Accidents on the Road
We have all done it. Even with the headsets, the hands-free devices, and the ability to connect your phone to your car, all of us have reached for the phone while driving. Whether it’s checking a quick text at a stoplight or messing around with your maps app while driving in a new place, the […]
Four Medical Alert and Slip and Fall Apps
Slip and fall accidents are unfortunately rather common in the US. The part that many people often miss when discussing slip and fall accidents, though, is that it is not just the elderly who suffer from them. Anyone of any age can have an accident, and people of all walks of life may have chronic […]
Who is Liable if an Airbag Fails to Deploy During a Car Accident?
An airbag is an automobile device designed to inflate rapidly during an automobile collision. The airbag prevents a person from hitting their face on the dashboard or steering wheel. They’re customarily hidden but inflate instantly when a crash begins. When Are Airbags Supposed to Deploy? As soon as the Airbags work by inflating vehicle starts […]
Stay Safe in Hybrid and Electric Vehicles
In the history of cars, hybrids and plug-in electric vehicles are still essentially brand-new. With new technology comes a new way to look at transportation. This includes an eye toward safety – anything new in automobiles is going to require a new understanding of how they work, what the dangers are, and how to maintain […]
Five Helpful Facts and Tips About Motorcycle Accidents
Motorcycles are specialist machines. They require their own licenses, training and a specific discipline for driving safely. Learning to drive defensively on a motorcycle can be more difficult than doing so in an automobile. Each year, there are 2,907 total motorcycle crashes, 2,274 of which result in injuries and 156 of which result in some […]
contact form
