In our automobile-centric culture, car crashes are never too far from our minds. We pass them with regularity on the highways and do our due diligence to avoid them ourselves. But we might not give so much attention to pedestrian accidents, or collisions between walkers and automobiles. The truth is that the consequences of pedestrian accidents tend to be worse. With this in mind, we’d like to review common causes of pedestrian accidents.
The consequences of pedestrian accidents tend to be far worse than ordinary car crashes. But what causes them?
Speeding
Not only is speeding a common cause of pedestrian accidents, but it also tends to make the injuries sustained by the victim far worse. Accidents involving pedestrians have a far higher likelihood of causing catastrophic injuries, which permanently alter the victim’s capacity to lead a fulfilling life.
Often, a speed limit is lowered in an area precisely because there are so many pedestrians. Typical examples of this include school zones, suburban streets, and bustling cities. Speeding in one of these areas qualifies as reckless endangerment.
Distracted Driving
In the era of cellphones, distracted driving is one of the greatest threats to the safety of motorists and pedestrians. Given their higher fatality rate, they are especially pertinent in the case of pedestrian accidents. Drivers may fail to take note of a crosswalk because of distraction. By the same token, a pedestrian with their head in their phone may unwittingly walk out onto a street under dangerous circumstances.
Failure to Yield
Depending on how much time you spend on the roads, you’ve probably noticed how few people yield to areas where pedestrians have the right-of-way. The most typical example of this would be crosswalks.
But pedestrian safety is not a one-way street. If a crosswalk signal is red, then pedestrians have to yield to motorists. Catastrophic and fatal injuries have occurred because pedestrians failed to yield in these circumstances.
Backing Up
Pedestrian accidents don’t just occur on major roadways. Many of them take place in parking lots. If you frequent parking lots, you’ve likely had a few close calls with drivers backing up out of their parking spots. Often, the pedestrian can detect danger before the driver by observing their taillights.
This situation may be commonplace, but make no mistake: it’s exceptionally dangerous, and one of the most common causes of pedestrian accidents. Even more tragic is when children are involved, as they can be more difficult for the driver to see. Although the ubiquity of backup cameras may help to solve this, be wary of vehicles that are backing up.
If you or a loved one sustained an injury in a pedestrian accident, a lawsuit could help to cover the cost. The experienced catastrophic injury professionals at Snyder Law Group have your back.
Contact The Snyder Law Group Today
The Snyder Law Group, LLC, proudly represents clients throughout Maryland and Washington, D.C. Our experienced Baltimore attorneys understand the frustration that comes with an insurance company, medical professional, or other party that refuses to accept liability for negligent or reckless behavior. You can take heart in knowing there are talented and experienced lawyers ready to work for you. We are experienced in handling personal injury claims of medical malpractice or injury resulting from serious car and truck accidents, and have secured hundreds of millions in verdicts settlements*. Please visit our website, www.410thefirm.com, for more information and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.
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