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
Lemon Laws and How They Have Impacted Jeep Car Recalls
Lemon Laws and How They Have Impacted Jeep Car Recalls Purchasing a car calls for careful consideration if you are to find a reliable model that suits your needs. More importantly, you need to understand existing laws concerning the warranty, equity, insurance, and various other crucial aspects. Lemon laws are designed to protect buyers from […]
What to Look for When Hiring an Attorney
In Arizona and California, two big car cultures on the grow, you’re statistically more likely to be involved in some sort of motor vehicle accident or have some other legal concerns surrounding your automobile. Other injuries, like dog bites and slip and falls, are all-too common, and can be difficult to navigate with some kind […]
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 […]
Introducing MADD
As it says on their website, “the mission of Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) is to end drunk driving, help fight drugged driving, support the victims of these violent crimes, and prevent underage drinking.” And these mothers and their supporters work tirelessly to improve policy and law-making, and they are a force to be reckoned […]
Rearview Cameras and You
While it was in 2018 that the rearview camera requirement went into effect on all new vehicles, the whole debate started in 2008. That was the year Congress passed a law for automakers to take steps to increase visibility. The debate was prompted by a horrible tragedy where a father accidentally backed over his infant […]
Car Accident Compensation Laws in California
Every year, careless and reckless drivers cause many accidents leading to severe injuries and death countrywide. In California, car accidents are due to the state’s large population and a high number of vehicles. On numerous occasions, irresponsible drivers always get away with their mistakes. Luckily, there are compensation laws in California aimed to hold at-fault […]
Dog Bites: Your Dog and Compensation Law
Many people who experience severe injuries from dog bites usually wonder whether it is worth the hustle to pursue legal redress. Most fear they are a small minority and decide to suffer in silence. However, the truth is that dog bites are shockingly common and are among the most frequent types of personal injury lawsuits. […]
Slip and Fall Injury Facts
Slip and fall injuries are, unfortunately, quite common. They can occur anywhere – a public space, a business, or someone else’s home. The injuries can range in severity but can cause you to miss time away from work and make you incur huge medical debt. If you fell somewhere other than your own home, you […]
Five Types of Truck Accidents
Trucks are paramount to our country’s economy. Over 15 million trucks move across the country, transporting consumer goods from one state to another every day. But despite their essential place in our society, trucks are pretty dangerous and pose a high risk to every road user. It pays to know the different types of accidents […]
Five Helpful Facts About Dog Bites
Dog bites are not only relatively common, but they can be incredibly dangerous. If you’re bitten by a dog, you run the risk of the obvious wound to your flesh or bone, but you also are at risk for an infection, including tetanus and rabies. It can be helpful to know how to treat such […]
contact form
