Common Causes of Pedestrian Injuries
Personal Injury Attorney
You sometimes hear about pedestrians running across roads thinking they can beat a car, or an individual so engrossed in and distracted by their phone that they walk straight into traffic, but these cases are not the norm. In most cases, pedestrians are not at fault when they are hit by a car, truck, or SUV. According to a pedestrian injury accident attorney, these accidents can usually be traced back to driver negligence. Common causes of pedestrian injury accidents include:
► Speeding: Driving too fast reduces the time a motor vehicle operator has to react to hazards in the road. If a pedestrian enters a crosswalk or the roadway, a driver who is going too fast may not have enough time to stop. Furthermore, the driver’s speed and the severity of the pedestrian’s injuries are directly linked.
► Failing to yield the right of way: Drivers of motor vehicles often think that they have the right of way, particularly if no sign or traffic signal is telling them otherwise. However, this is often untrue. Accidents happen because drivers don’t yield to pedestrians. Moreover, many pedestrian accidents occur in a crosswalk when the pedestrian has the legal right of way. Accidents also happen when drivers have a green light, and pedestrians have a walk signal. Drivers turn without checking for pedestrians, leading to accidents and pedestrian injuries.
► Distracted driving: Distracted driving is an ever-increasing and concerning problem on the roadways. Despite texting and driving laws, drivers continue to use their phones while driving. In the few seconds it takes to check a text, a pedestrian could enter the roadway, and the driver may not see him or her.
► Drunk driving and driving while intoxicated: Intoxication diminishes a driver’s ability to be safe. Alcohol and other depressant substances slow a driver’s reaction time and interfere with their ability to make the right decisions. When drivers are intoxicated, they may not see pedestrians entering the roadway. Alcohol reduces drivers’ ability to control their vehicles, as well, so they may swerve or drift onto the sidewalk or shoulder, injuring or killing a pedestrian.
► Poor visibility: Many factors can lead to poor visibility. Weather conditions like bright sunlight, snow, or heavy rain can cause visibility challenges. Vehicle blind spots are also a leading cause of pedestrian injury accidents. This is especially true for drivers who are backing up. If a driver fails to check his or her blind spot and cannot see the pedestrian, an accident-related injury can occur.
The type of injury you sustain can have an indirect impact in the way of costs and recovery time. Common injuries pedestrians suffer when they are hit by motor vehicles include:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Broken bones
- Internal injuries
- Psychological injuries
- And more
How a Pedestrian accident Injury Attorney Can Help
If you or a loved one has been injured by a car, truck, or SUV while acting as a pedestrian, you should contact a personal injury lawyer in Trenton, NJ right away. You deserve fair compensation. Your attorney can file a lawsuit on your behalf so you can focus on your recovery. Reach out to a law firm to schedule a case review to get started pursuing your pedestrian injury claim.
Thanks to Davis & Brusca for their insight into personal injury claims and common causes of pedestrian accidents.