What Causes Pedestrian Accidents? Do I Need the Help of a Pedestrian Injury Attorney?
If you were struck and injured as a pedestrian or a loved one was killed in a motor vehicle crash, you should contact a pedestrian accident attorney today! Because of the physical vulnerability of pedestrians, these accidents can cause devastating, permanent disabilities. In addition, depending on state laws and the specifics of the accident, liability could rest with the pedestrian or the motorist. You deserve a thorough look at your case from an attorney who specializes in pedestrian accidents.
What causes pedestrian accidents and do I need the help of a pedestrian injury attorney?
Completely Vulnerable
There is no doubt that pedestrians are the most vulnerable party of those using roadways. Pedestrians have no physical shield in a collision and motorists are often so focused on other motor vehicles that they forget to look out for pedestrians. Statistics from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association assert that there are almost 5,000 pedestrian accident deaths per year along with 78,000 injured, 46,000 of which are children.
4 Seconds or Less is all it Takes
There is evidence that distracted driving causing accidents is on the rise possibly due to the introduction of so many electronic devices used in motor vehicles such as cell phones, GPS, satellite radio, DVD players, etc. A driver taking their eyes off the road for four seconds (the average time taken for texting) means moving a distance the length of a football field without your eyes on the road. Distracted driving leads to more pedestrian accidents and injuries because pedestrians are not being seen. It also takes motor vehicles off the road and onto sidewalks or out of their lane where pedestrians may be walking.
The most common type of pedestrian injury is injury to the head causing traumatic brain injury (TBI). If you believe you may be suffering from TBI due to an accident please contact your health professional for a PET scan or MRI for diagnosis.
It is important to understand the most common causes of pedestrian accidents and which causes are likely to be attributed to the driver and which to the pedestrian.
“It Was the Driver’s Fault”
- Inattentive or distracted driver
- Talking or texting on a cell phone
- Talking to another passenger
- Eating
- Any type of distraction that takes eyes off the road
- Reckless driving
- Speeding
- Cutting corners
- Not stopping at stop signs
- Failing to yield
- Poor weather conditions
- If the driver does not adjust their speed for conditions
“It Was the Pedestrian’s Fault”
- Jaywalking
- Breaking traffic signals
- Darting in front of a moving vehicle
If you were the victim of a pedestrian vs. car accident then let us provide peace of mind through complete legal counsel and tough representation.
If you or a loved one were injured in an accident, you have enough to deal with. Let an experienced accident attorney fight for the full compensation that you deserve. It is not uncommon to receive a settlement from the insurance company that is five to ten times bigger with the help of a lawyer. Call the caring accident attorneys at Tario & Associates, P.S. in Bellingham, WA today for a FREE consultation! We have been representing residents of Whatcom County, Skagit County, Island County and Snohomish County since 1979. You will pay nothing up front and no attorney fees at all unless we recover damages for you!
