What Are the Main Causes of Pedestrian Accidents?

Growing up, we were told to look both ways before we crossed the street. Unfortunately, a pedestrian accident can still happen even if you take all necessary precautions. At Parker + McConkie, we have represented clients of all backgrounds, and it would be our honor to represent you as well.

Seek medical care immediately if you’ve been in a pedestrian accident. Then, once there is a plan for your medical recovery, reach out to us to schedule a free consultation.

Why Pedestrian Accidents Happen

There are plenty of reasons why most pedestrian accidents occur. Some of the most common causes include:

Distracted Drivers

Distracted driving is a common cause of motor vehicle accidents, and pedestrian accidents are no different. If a driver is distracted by his phone, the radio, or even the other people in the car, he may not see a pedestrian crossing the street. This could lead to a serious pedestrian accident.

Impaired Drivers

Impaired driving is also a common cause of pedestrian accidents. If a driver is impaired by alcohol or drugs, he may not spot a pedestrian crossing the street. A driver’s judgment can also be damaged by alcohol or drugs, causing them to think they have time to get through the intersection before the pedestrian enters. Impaired driving can be a major cause of pedestrian injuries.

Impatient Drivers 

Some drivers do not want to wait for pedestrians to cross the street. They might try to squeeze through the intersection, or they might try to fit their vehicle around a pedestrian. Both risks could result in a motor vehicle accident, so impatient drivers could cause serious or even catastrophic injuries to pedestrians, particularly if they violate traffic laws. Remaining patients can reduce pedestrian accidents.

Recklessness

Reckless driving is a common cause of many pedestrian accidents as well. Some drivers do not exercise the duty of care that they owe to everyone else on the road, including pedestrians. If a driver drives recklessly, the result could be a pedestrian accident resulting in serious injuries. An at-fault or negligent driver who does not see designated crosswalks could be blamed for pedestrian accidents.

Weather Conditions

Weather conditions can also have a significant role in motor vehicle accidents. It may be dark outside, making it difficult for a driver to spot a pedestrian crossing the street. Perhaps the driver is not using his headlights, which can also impair visibility. Precipitation, such as rain or snow, can also be a major factor in visibility, inadvertently leading to a motor vehicle accident that injures a pedestrian.

Wearing Dark Clothes at Night

While a pedestrian is allowed to wear whatever clothes he wants, wearing dark clothes can play a role in a pedestrian accident. If it is dark outside, and a pedestrian decides to wear dark blue or black, it will be much harder for drivers to spot them. As a result, the driver might not see the pedestrian and the intersection, and a pedestrian accident could result.

Road Construction

Road construction could play a role in pedestrian accidents as well. Pedestrians may be unable to cross where they usually do due to construction, or road construction makes it difficult for drivers to spot pedestrians as they cross the street. Regardless, drivers need to exercise extreme caution when in a construction zone, as there could be extra pedestrians in the area.

Drugs, Alcohol, or Medication

As alluded to above, impaired driving can also contribute to fatal pedestrian accidents. For example, some drugs could cause drivers to be impaired behind the wheel. Then, drivers who decide to drink before getting behind the wheel could also exercise poor judgment. In addition, some prescription medications could cause drivers to feel tired as a side effect, which could result in a pedestrian accident.

Vehicles Making Left Turns

When vehicles make left turns, they must ensure they know all crosswalks. There could be a crosswalk at the beginning and end of the turn, and if drivers forget this fact, a pedestrian accident could ensue. It is the responsibility of vehicles making left turns to ensure they are aware of any pedestrians who might be crossing the street.

Multi-lane/Arterial Roads

Roads with multiple lanes, including major arteries, are common locations for pedestrian accidents. Drivers are frequently focused on other vehicles on the road, but they may also need to think about pedestrians who could be in the area. Drivers headed down major highways must be aware that pedestrians could still try to cross the street.

These are just some common causes of pedestrian accidents, and drivers must ensure they are aware of pedestrians when they cross the street.

The Pedestrian’s Role in Accidents

While a pedestrian will have the right of way in most cases, it is the pedestrians’ responsibility to ensure they look before crossing the street and only cross when they are allowed to do so. While the laws could vary depending on the location, pedestrians should only cross the street if there is a crosswalk. Then, once a pedestrian enters the crosswalk, they own that section of the road until they reach the other side.

If you have been involved in a pedestrian accident, you must seek medical care as quickly as possible. Because you do not have any protection between you and the vehicle, there could be serious injuries even though you feel fine after the collision.

Then, after you seek appropriate medical care, contact a pedestrian accident attorney to schedule a case consultation. You could be deserving of compensation.

You May Qualify for Compensation if You’ve Been Injured as a Pedestrian

You could be entitled to compensation if you were injured as a pedestrian. Some of the examples of damages you may be able to recover include:

• Medical Care: Even with health insurance, medical care can be expensive. The medical bills shouldn’t be your responsibility if the accident were not your fault. We can seek compensation for present and future medical expenses.
• Property Damage: If you have damaged or even destroyed property in the accident, you could be entitled to compensation to help you replace that property. This could include a computer, a cell phone, or any other personal property damaged in the incident.
• Lost Income: If you have suffered serious injuries, you might not be able to return to work right away, and the lost income could add up quickly. We can help you recover compensation that can replace the income you have lost due to the accident.
• Pain and Suffering: We can also seek compensation for pain and suffering. People involved in pedestrian accidents tend to develop mental health issues after the incident, and we can pursue compensation for your emotional distress. If you see a mental health professional, be sure to ask for your records after the visit.

These are just a few examples of the damages we can recover on your behalf if you’ve been injured in a pedestrian accident. You should focus on your medical recovery, so allow us to handle the legal issues on your behalf.

Speak With Parker + McConkie About Your Pedestrian Accident Case

Pedestrian accidents can happen when you least expect them, and you must be sure to see a doctor as quickly as possible. Then, after you have sought appropriate medical care, reach out to us to schedule your free case consultation.

At Parker + McConkie, our top priority is defending your rights, protecting your interests, and ensuring your voice is heard. We understand that being involved in a pedestrian accident can be stressful, and we will provide you with the emotional support you need. You could deserve compensation after a pedestrian accident, so allow us to ensure you receive the damages you rightfully deserve.

Call us today to schedule a free case consultation, and let us help you advocate for your rights.