As pedestrians, we see everything on the street. There are all sorts of vehicles that come in all different sizes and the truth is, that a vehicle against a pedestrian could be detrimental. If a pedestrian happens to survive an accident against a moving vehicle, they will most likely find themselves facing astronomical expenses for medical care as a result.
Unfortunately, the risk of being a pedestrian on the road seems to increase every year. In 2019, the pedestrian death rate was almost the highest it had been in nearly 30 years. In fact, some studies show that these accounted for nearly 17% of traffic deaths in the same year.
What Causes Pedestrian Traffic Accidents?
There are many different reasons that a pedestrian traffic accident might occur. Some of the leading causes include walking at night as well as distracted driving. Distracted driving has been on the rise for many years. With all of the technology available, we find more and more drivers with their eyes averted from the road until it’s too late.
Driver impairment is a prevalent cause of pedestrian accidents.
An impaired driver means a driver who is driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Impaired drivers on the road cost Americans a fortune every year.
Speeding is also an enormous contributor to the number of traffic accidents per year. Speeding reduces the allotted reaction time in the case of a possible accident. While a driver obeying the speed limit might have time to come to a full stop before hitting a pedestrian, a speeding driver might not be able to or may have to swerve, causing accidents elsewhere.
Inattentive driving and speeding are just some of the more prevalent causes. There are an astronomical number of pedestrian accidents that are also caused simply because of busy roadways or because the pedestrian is walking an area that is not well-lit in the dark.
We live in a world where drivers and pedestrians alike sometimes fail to follow the rules of the road. The unfortunate effect is an accident occurs.
Should you find yourself needing help after a pedestrian traffic accident, find a reliable attorney that has experience handling these types of cases. They might just be able to help you.
Pedestrian Accidents Q&A
Q: How common are pedestrian accidents?
A: According to the CDC Injury Center, a pedestrian accident occurs every 88 minutes in the US. Non-fatal crashes affected an estimated 137,000 people, who had to be treated in hospitals. That’s an enormous burden of cost.
Q: How often is negligence a factor in pedestrian accidents?
A: Almost half of all fatal pedestrian accidents in the United States involve someone who is over the legal limit for alcohol. 17% of that half is intoxication on the driver’s behalf. Additionally, 33% of all pedestrian accidents involved an impaired person.
Q: How can I avoid a pedestrian accident?
A: Do your best to follow all of the safety rules that have been put into place for pedestrians. Use crosswalks and sidewalks when they are available. Try to avoid highways and overly busy roads. Don’t walk when you are intoxicated, call for a ride. Walk in well-lit areas so you will be visible to the drivers.
Common Injuries Involved in Pedestrian Accidents
A pedestrian vs. a moving vehicle is quite likely to lead to serious injuries. If you walk away from such an accident, the possibility of long-term injuries and rehabilitation is quite possible. One of the most common types of injuries from pedestrian accidents is traumatic brain injury.
There is nothing to protect your head or brain during the impact. Pedestrian accidents often involve head trauma which can cause a concussion or brain damage. These are medical conditions that can result in enormous costs for pedestrians and drivers alike.
When traumatic brain injuries occur, they can be life-threatening. Not only will you face some extensive medical care immediately but you may also need ongoing care for the injury as you rehabilitate and recover.
Another common injury involves soft tissue injuries. These injuries refer to things like sprains and strains, or possible another injury that harms muscles and ligaments from the impact. These injuries can require costly procedures and result in ongoing pain and recovery treatments as well.
Spinal cord injuries are another possibility. When a spinal cord injury occurs, it is due to blunt-force trauma that impacts the spine or back directly, leading to the injury. These injuries can be catastrophic, leading to paralysis or other challenging reactions.
While not every spinal cord injury ends in paralysis, recovery might require surgeries, braces, and extended therapy to regain strength and get back to normal. The injured person may suffer back pain the rest of their lives.
Finally, broken bones and bone fractures are also very common from pedestrian accidents. These often require immediate medical attention and some of them require surgical attention. There will be ongoing treatment, x-rays, and possibly physical therapy when the bone heals.
Any of these injuries could leave the injured disabled or unable to work for an extended period of time. Not only is there a financial hardship from the medical costs of the injuries but also from missed work hours during recovery.
Should I get a Pedestrian Accident Attorney?
Regardless of possible fault, it’s a good idea for a pedestrian involved in such an accident to seek the help of an attorney. A pedestrian accident lawyer will have your back and may be able to help you acquire compensation for the accident and the expenses incurred because of the accident.
On the same note, pedestrian accident attorneys can also support the driver of the accident. A pedestrian accident is not always the fault of the driver, even if the accusations presented make it seem that way. If you were the driver in a pedestrian accident, don’t hesitate to seek legal assistance for your case. They just might be able to help.
What to Do if You Are Involved in a Pedestrian Accident
Pedestrian accidents can result in mental trauma, physical injury, and serious financial harm. Victims of pedestrian accidents often scratch their heads and ask themselves what can be done.
Luckily, law teams are ready to find out who is at fault in any pedestrian accident and find out who the victim is and what can be done for them.
Pedestrian accidents can result in serious disorientation for the victims, and many may not be ready to contact a lawyer at first. We recommend that you contact a lawyer to straighten out your financial situation as soon as possible, so you can make sure you aren’t found at fault for what you aren’t at fault for.
Pedestrian accident lawyers are trained professionals with years of experience in the business of providing justice for ailing clients. But we aren’t just looking to serve clients. We’re looking to help regular people get the help they need to get on with their lives.
If you’ve been in an accident and don’t know where to go, contact a personal injury lawyer and get set up with solid legal advice that can help you through these trying moments of your life.
Sofia’s No Fee Guarantee
Attorney Sofia K. Miguel offers legal services for personal injuries, including pedestrian accidents. Her practice has a no-fee guarantee. You won’t spend a dime for her services until your case is resolved.
Sofia only gets paid when you get paid. She offers nearly 20 years of experience as a personal injury attorney. If you or a loved one has been involved in a pedestrian accident, contact Sofia today.
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