Thousands of pedestrians in the U.S. suffer injuries and worse in accidents every year. It’s important to protect yourself and take legal action if you or your loved one are injured in the crash. Discover five of the most common causes of pedestrian accidents that personal injury lawyers can assist victims with today.
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1. Distracted Driving
Distracted driving accounts for a large share of pedestrian accidents every year. When drivers are focused on other things, such as scrolling on their phones, calling, texting or speaking with someone in the vehicle, they are less likely to pay attention to what and who is in front of their cars.
2. Poorly Marked Crosswalks
Thousands of pedestrians are injured each year because of poorly marked crosswalks. When they do not know where to cross, they put themselves at an increased risk of a car hitting them.
Victims in these types of incidents could take legal action against the government by hiring a personal injury lawyer from a reputable firm. They could recover damages for their medical bills, lost income, and punitive suffering.
3. Reckless Driving
Reckless drivers also cause thousands of pedestrian accidents each year. People who cannot control their emotions while driving, drive too fast for the conditions, or lack driving experience put pedestrians at risk.
Even if the reckless driver did not intend to hit someone in a crosswalk, that person still has the legal liability to pay for the victim’s accident-related expenses. A personal injury lawyer can help the victim file insurance claims or a lawsuit to recover compensation allowed under the state’s laws.
4. Driving
Sometimes even the most skilled of drivers cause pedestrian accidents. These wrecks can occur because of inclement weather. For example, a driver may not be able to break in time or slow down if the roads are icy or snow-covered.
Likewise, sometimes mechanical problems cause drivers to collide with pedestrians. If a driver’s brakes go out, for example, that person may be unable to avoid hitting the pedestrian in the crosswalk. Incidents like these can leave the car manufacturer open to legal action, particularly if the mechanical problem stems from an assembly defect or lack of a safety recall.
5. Obscure Traffic Signs and Signals
Obscured traffic signs and signals can also put pedestrians at risk of cars hitting them. City and county transportation workers must keep these signs and signals clear and visible. However, factors like overgrown trees and accumulating snow can cover them and prevent drivers and pedestrians alike from seeing them.
When they cannot see the signs and signals, pedestrians might believe it is safe to cross a street. Likewise, drivers may not know that there is a crosswalk ahead of them. Pedestrians involved in wrecks because of obscured signs and signals could take legal action against the local government.
These five causes highlight just a few that contribute to tens of thousands of pedestrian accidents in the U.S. each year. Depending on the circumstances, victims could take legal action against the responsible party. A personal injury lawyer can evaluate a victim’s case and assist with tasks like filing insurance claims and lawsuits.