Pedestrian Accidents

Pedestrian accidents refer to collisions or incidents involving pedestrians, individuals who are walking, jogging, running, or standing on foot, and motor vehicles such as cars, trucks, motorcycles, and bicycles. These accidents occur when a vehicle collides with a pedestrian, often resulting in severe injuries or fatalities due to the lack of protection for the pedestrian.

Pedestrian accidents can happen in various settings, including crosswalks, intersections, parking lots, sidewalks, and roadways. They may occur due to various factors, such as driver negligence, distracted driving, speeding, impaired driving, failure to yield to pedestrians, and poor visibility conditions.

Common types of pedestrian accidents include:

1. Crosswalk Accidents: Pedestrians are most vulnerable when crossing the road at marked crosswalks. Drivers failing to yield to pedestrians in crosswalks can lead to severe accidents.

2. Intersection Accidents: Intersections are critical points where pedestrians and vehicles cross paths. Failures to obey traffic signals or signs can lead to collisions with pedestrians.

3. Backing Accidents: Pedestrians can be struck by vehicles backing out of driveways, parking spaces, or alleys when the driver’s visibility is limited.

4. Jaywalking Accidents: Pedestrians crossing the road outside designated crosswalks or against traffic signals may be at a higher risk of accidents.

5. Right Turn Accidents: Pedestrians may be hit by vehicles making right turns at intersections if the driver fails to notice or yield to pedestrians in the crosswalk.

6. Distracted Driving Accidents: Drivers distracted by cell phones, GPS devices, or other distractions may fail to notice pedestrians, leading to accidents.

Pedestrian accidents often result in severe injuries due to the vulnerability of pedestrians. Common injuries include fractures, head injuries, spinal cord injuries, internal organ damage, and soft tissue injuries.

It’s crucial for both drivers and pedestrians to exercise caution and follow traffic rules to prevent pedestrian accidents. Drivers should always yield the right-of-way to pedestrians at crosswalks and intersections, obey speed limits, and avoid distractions while driving. Pedestrians should use marked crosswalks, follow pedestrian signals, and stay alert while crossing roads.

In the event of a pedestrian accident, immediate medical attention should be sought for the injured pedestrian. Legal action may be pursued by the injured party or their family to seek compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages caused by the accident. If you or someone you know has been involved in a pedestrian accident, consulting with an experienced personal injury attorney can help protect your rights and pursue a fair resolution.