Pedestrian accidents can be some of the most devastating. Whenever they happen, the person injured deserves to hold the other party accountable for their damages. However, a part of holding someone liable means showing causation and proving that they were negligent in causing a crash.
Several actions can cause pedestrian accidents. Having a lawyer on your side to help manage your case can be the most effective way to pursue compensation, and it’s vital to work quickly. Below, we will explain some of the most common causes of pedestrian accidents, as well as how you can safeguard your rights to pursue justice.
Here are seven common causes of pedestrian accidents to watch out for:
- Distracted driving
- Drunk driving
- Speeding
- Inclement weather
- Impatient drivers
- Unmarked crosswalks
- Left-hand turns
Contact our firm at (801) 900-4681 today and learn what your rights may be to pursue compensation.
Distracted Driving
It takes about 5 seconds for someone to focus on their cell phone or another activity while driving. It can take another 10 to 15 seconds to refocus on the road. In this time frame, several problems can arise. If a distracted driver is approaching a red light or legal crosswalk, the results can be devastating.
The distracted driver would have no way of seeing someone walking across the street. Their reaction time would significantly diminish if they look away from the road until the last second. In this situation, a distracted driver would be fully liable for a pedestrian accident.
Drunk Driving
We already know that intoxication can cause a significant decrease in decision-making abilities, reaction time, and the driver’s ability to keep themselves and others safe on the road. For pedestrians, a drunk driver can be one of the most dangerous people to encounter.
Not only are pedestrians at risk of harm at crosswalks, but a drunk driver is more susceptible to swerving or falling asleep at the wheel. Intoxication can cause the driver to swerve onto a sidewalk where many pedestrians are in harm’s way. Drunk drivers might not even have the ability to slow down once they start swerving, which could lead to catastrophic or fatal harm.
Speeding
Speeding accounts for a large number of motor vehicle crashes each year, with many of them occurring at intersections. In many situations, this negligent action can also lead to pedestrians suffering damages because the speeding driver doesn’t have the time to brake as they approach an intersection.
Speeding most often results in drivers running red lights or stop signs. Of course, this is when pedestrians are supposed to be able to legally cross the street safely. A speeding driver can cause some of the most significant harm with their actions.
Inclement Weather
When the weather conditions take a turn for the worst, it negatively impacts a driver’s vehicle control and visibility. Drivers should adapt to the weather conditions, driving slower when necessary. Unfortunately, not all drivers consider weather conditions, and they don’t properly plan for the potential dangers.
Here are some ways inclement weather can cause a pedestrian accident:
- The rain reduces windshield visibility, and the driver has not maintained their wipers.
- The driver doesn’t slow down and hits a patch that causes them to lose control of their vehicle.
- The driver has not maintained their brakes and cannot stop in time.
If the weather is bad, drivers must take extra precautions to ensure they don’t cause significant harm to others on the road.
Impatient Drivers
Impatient drivers might not want to stop at lights or signs for long. As such, they may push into the intersection sooner than they should when they don’t see a pedestrian crossing the street. As a result, the pedestrian can suffer injuries as the impatient driver takes off before they should.
Unmarked Crosswalks
In some situations, unmarked crosswalks might be the cause of the pedestrian accident. This type of case can significantly impact how to manage liability. Unmarked crosswalks can cause pedestrian accidents to occur, and you need to work with a lawyer about your options if you encounter this situation.
Left-Hand Turns
There are a few situations you need to be aware of when it comes to left-hand turns and pedestrian accidents. Drivers have the right of way if there is a green left-turn light. However, if the green light is solid, drivers must yield as the pedestrian crosses the street.
Unfortunately, this goes back to impatient drivers or distractions. Several drivers try to turn before they are able to do so safely. It’s often the pedestrians who suffer the worst of the damages, and they need to have someone protect their rights to pursue compensation.
If you suffer injuries in a pedestrian accident, know that you have rights. Our team at Lowe Law Group puts you first. We work to help you understand your options and how to hold negligence accountable. Our goal is to help you every step of the way, protecting you from insurance companies that may try to devalue how much you might recover for your damages.
Our pedestrian accident attorneys work with you through the challenging situations that lie ahead. We know that seeking compensation can be an obstacle, especially while dealing with physical, emotional, and financial hardships. You deserve to have legal professionals on your side who will go above and beyond to help you pursue the results you deserve.
Trust us to stand in your corner. Call us today at (801) 900-4681 for a free consultation.
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