Understanding the Causes of Pedestrian Accidents

The roads are supposed to be safe for motorists and pedestrians alike. However, accidents do happen no matter how much a person tries to avoid it. In the United States, pedestrian accidents are one of the concerns of the commuting public. In 2009, at least 4,000 pedestrians were killed and approximately 89,000 were injured due to road accidents.

Motorists should always take extra care when driving in streets or roads with pedestrians like school zones because an unexpected mishap may always happen. This is the same with pedestrians, people who walk in public areas should also be cautious when crossing streets especially when there are fast-moving vehicles around.

Pedestrians and motorists should learn the common causes of pedestrian accidents beforehand to maximize the possibility of avoiding it. The following are the frequent causes of pedestrian mishaps:

Violation of traffic rules

Drivers who do not follow traffic signs and rules are likely to be involved in a road accident. Motorists who disregard pedestrian-related traffic rules are more likely to injure a pedestrian compared to those who practice road etiquette.

Ignoring crosswalks

It is imperative for drivers to take extra caution when passing through crosswalks, failure to do so can result in untoward pedestrian accident.

Driving under the influence of alcohol/illegal drugs

Alcohol or illegal substance can decrease the driving performance of a driver and this may lead to loss of focus to the road that may cause pedestrian-related crash

Jaywalking

Pedestrians who do not use crosswalks are at risk of getting involved in an accident. It is highly advisable for pedestrians to cross streets using designated crosswalks.

Children crossing

Children are always at risk when crossing streets because they have little regard for traffic. Parents or companions should always assist children when crossing roads to avoid any injury or accident.

If you get injured due a pedestrian accident, you have the right to assert for compensation claims. Under the tort law, a negligent driver who inflicts injury to a pedestrian is legally obliged to provide compensation to the victim. Filing for a personal injury claim can be a complicated process that is why it is highly suggested that you consult with a pedestrian accident lawyer to properly asses your case.