Pedestrian accidents involving a vehicle usually have a very devastating outcome. According to GHSA’s annual report on preliminary data of pedestrian traffic fatalities in 2021, the number of pedestrian accidents involving a driver striking and killing a person was 7,485.
Most of those deaths result from pedestrian accidents happening at night in more urban areas. In order to prevent the amount of these incidents to be aware of what can cause pedestrian accidents.
At Pepper & Odom Law Firm, our experienced personal injury attorneys understand the physical, emotional and financial impact of being seriously injured can have on you and your family. Our compassionate and skilled legal team is committed to fighting for your rights.
Did you know?
We can help you recover maximum compensation for your medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, and other damages that result from pedestrian accidents.
Causes of pedestrian accidents
Many accidents are caused by motorists who are distracted, drive negligently or refuse to yield to pedestrians. However, it’s important to keep in mind that pedestrians don’t always have the right-of-way.
For example, if you suddenly step off the curb and enter a crosswalk into the path of a moving vehicle, the driver may not be liable for your injuries. It’s important to know the details of the incident to better understand pedestrian accidents.
Those that choose to walk near roadways of any kind should always stay aware of their surroundings. Having some knowledge on what can cause those types of accidents could help you prevent yourself from suffering an injury or worse, in a similar situation.
Oddly enough, there is a higher percentage of people who get hit by cars that are turning left than there are that are turning right at intersections. Usually, the driver is focusing on other directions another car could be coming from rather than looking for pedestrians.
Even the slightest of distracted driving has proven to be a deadly cause of pedestrian accidents. Unfortunately, most of these accidents occur because of distracted driving.
Anything that can take a driver’s attention off the road, smartphones, car stereo, navigation systems, or car air conditioner and heaters; it can all lead to distracted driving. Also, pedestrians can be at fault in this matter, too.
Smart phones are a big distraction for drivers and pedestrians alike. Even though smartphones have made certain things in day-to-day life much easier, it has also posed some difficulties such as this.
However, it is possible that unkept crosswalks or crossings without any guides for a crosswalk can cause pedestrian accidents. If a driver cannot see a visible crosswalk, they may forget to watch for people crossing the street.
Driving under the influence can cause a driver to be unable to respond to or see a pedestrian. Often times, pedestrian accidents involving intoxicated drivers can be fatal more often than not.
Reckless driving is another potential risk for those out walking near roadways. For a driver going faster than an area’s intended speed limit, being able to react in time to avoid pedestrians or other obstacles in the road.
There are times when pedestrian accidents occur from a vehicle making an improper stop at a light or stop sign. Then again, for an inexperienced driver, knowing where pedestrians typically are present on parts of the road is usually unlikely.
Chances for pedestrian accidents due to faulty traffic lights can be an occurrence. Defective traffic lights or improperly installed traffic lights can cause a driver or pedestrian to not have the proper signals for crossings.
Other than that, another cause of pedestrian accidents is failing to follow speed limits in school zones. It is possible for a driver to ignore these limits and possibly endangering the lives of students and faculty.
Not following traffic laws, like speeding, can seriously endanger other people on the roadway, including pedestrians. Not following the road signs and lights can lead to pedestrian accidents on the road at crosswalks or other areas where pedestrians are present.
Did you know?
Pedestrians can be at fault for accidents, as we stated before. Even though drivers can make many mistakes in regard to the issue, pedestrians can make their own set of mistakes as well.
Compensation for catastrophic injuries
Even though someone walking near a road can wear high-visibility clothing, it cannot guarantee their safety. Unfortunately, unlike the drivers of vehicles involved in pedestrian accidents, pedestrians do not have any type of shielding to protect them from bodily harm.
This means that pedestrians often experience catastrophic injuries injuries or death involving accidents with motor vehicles. These types of injuries may require costly long-term medical treatment, and include:
- Loss of limb
- Broken or crushed bones
- Neck, spinal cord and head injuries
- Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
- Paralysis
- Disfigurement
- Damage to internal organs
Like any other injury, getting medical attention immediately should be your top priority. Even if a person felt fine after an accident, they should seek medical care to ensure they catch any delayed pain.
Delayed pain or secondary pain can occur later on after a car accident. Usually, when our bodies trigger chemical responses to release endorphins and adrenaline, certain processes in the body may slow or stop, including pain reception.
Building a case with a person injury lawyer you can trust is important towards getting the compensation you will need for medical expenses and other damages.
If the person responsible for your injuries behaved egregiously, you may be able to pursue compensation for punitive damages in addition to compensatory damages. Each case is unique, and our attorneys are well-versed in navigating the complexities of pedestrian law in Alabama and Mississippi.
When you’re hurt as a pedestrian on the job
Construction workers, highway maintenance crews, trash collectors and delivery drivers are highly susceptible to being hit while working on or near streets and highways. If you experience an injury as a pedestrian while working, you can file not only a workers’ compensation claim, but as well as a personal injury claim against the person who’s negligence caused your injuries.
Our workers’ compensation lawyers at Pepper & Odom Law Firm can assess your case and advise you on the best course of action for your specific circumstances.
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