Pedestrian accidents occur when a vehicle such as a car, truck, or motorcycle collides with a pedestrian. Since pedestrians are especially vulnerable against vehicle collisions; their injuries after an accident are oftentimes quite severe. They often result in death, paralysis, broken bones, and brain injury. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), over 4,000 pedestrians are killed annually in roadway accidents.
The causes of pedestrian accidents are quite diverse. Pedestrian accidents are most commonly attributed to pedestrians improperly crossing roadways and intersection, pedestrians or motorists failing to yield the right of way, pedestrian or driver physical impairment, “darting” or running into the road, and poor visibility.
The US Department of Transportation’s Pedestrian Safety Guide notes that traffic speed is often the most critical aspect to street walkability and pedestrian safety. Streets accommodating faster speeds are more likely to have pedestrian safety problems. Motorists, who are driving at high speeds, may not be able to spot pedestrians or stop in time to avoid a crash.
Children are most often the victim’s of pedestrian crashes. Children are small and less visible, and they are more likely to dart into the street, children risk becoming involved in pedestrian accidents. When it comes to legal liability, drivers are expected to exercise the utmost care around children, especially while driving near a school or park.
Pedestrian accident cases call for the court to analyze both the behavior of the driver and that of the pedestrian in apportioning liability. Drivers have a duty of care to drive reasonably and safely, in order to avoid hitting pedestrians. However, at the same time, pedestrians are also under a duty to exercise due care to avoid injury. Some of the common examples of pedestrian negligence would be the pedestrian’s failure to use marked crosswalks, pedestrians darting out into traffic, and pedestrian’s failure to obey traffic signals.
Pedestrian-vehicle accidents need the expertise of experienced personal injury attorneys; here at Del Amo Law we can help you pursue compensation or a legal claim after an accident. If you or someone you know recently suffered a pedestrian-vehicle accident, take the initiative and call us at Del Amo Law where our lawyers can speak with you about whether you could possibly be entitled to compensation for your injury. You can reach our office at 305-443-7005 or toll-free at 888-447-7005.
