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Auto accidents involving pedestrians are among the most dangerous. This is because pedestrians have almost nothing to protect them when struck by a vehicle weighing a few tons or more. Even low-speed pedestrian accidents can lead to devastating consequences. While many factors may contribute to pedestrian accidents, negligence and recklessness are the leading causes.
At Edwards & Patterson Law, our attorneys proudly advocate for the rights of injury victims throughout Oklahoma. Read on to learn more about pedestrian accident statistics and causes. If you were injured in a pedestrian accident, do not hesitate to call us today for a free consultation.
When and Where Are Pedestrians Hit Most Often?
Though pedestrian accidents can happen in any area where there are moving vehicles, they tend to be more concentrated in certain areas and at certain times of the day. According to the National Safety Council (NSC), traffic and non-traffic incidents resulted in 7,904 pedestrian fatalities nationwide in 2020. “Traffic incidents” include accidents that occur on public roadways, whereas “non-traffic incidents” occur in driveways, parking lots, and the like.
The NSC further reports that over 80 percent of all fatal pedestrian accidents in the same year occurred in urban areas. Further, 76 percent occurred on the open road compared to only 24 percent at intersections. Another 76 percent occurred in poorly lit areas.
Finally, though there is little variation in the rate of accidents during the work week, the number tends to spike on weekends. Over 1,000 pedestrian deaths occurred on Saturdays throughout 2020. Of these, over 80 percent occurred under poor lighting conditions.
What Are the Leading Causes of Pedestrian Accidents?
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), one pedestrian died about every 75 minutes in motor vehicle crashes in 2020. The CDC further reports that pedestrians accounted for one in six people who died in car accidents that same year. Ultimately, there were 104,000 emergency room visits for non-fatal crash-related pedestrian injuries.
Most of the time, these accidents are entirely preventable. The top ten causes of pedestrian accidents include:
- Distracted Driving – A driver who is checking text messages, reading emails, talking on the phone, eating, drinking, using a GPS device, or otherwise distracted cannot devote their full attention to the road. Distracted drivers can easily lose control of their vehicle or fail to slow down in time to avoid hitting a pedestrian.
- Impaired Driving – We all know how dangerous driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs can be. These substances slow down your reflexes and impair your judgment. When driving, they may prevent motorists from noticing pedestrians before it is too late.
- Failure to Yield – When the light turns green, impatient drivers sometimes hit the gas without checking their surroundings. If a pedestrian starts crossing the street in the last five seconds of the walk signal, they may get hit. Even drivers with the right of way should check for pedestrians before proceeding.
- Aggressive Driving – The National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration (NHTSA) defines aggressive driving as when “an individual commits a combination of moving traffic offenses so as to endanger other persons or property.” This is a broad category of irresponsible behavior that includes failure to obey traffic laws, speeding, and disregard for pedestrians on the road.
- Road and Weather Conditions – Inclement weather, such as snow and rain, can lower visibility and cause dangerous road conditions. Drivers are responsible for adjusting their driving to account for bad weather and other conditions that can create hazards. Failure to do so may cause the driver to lose control of their vehicle, thereby endangering other drivers and pedestrians.
- Walking at Night – If you know that you will be walking at night or in a poorly lit area, avoid wearing dark colors that make it harder for drivers to see you. The vast majority of pedestrian accidents occur in the dark.
- Obstructed Walkways – Construction can block pedestrian walkways and cause traffic detours. Pedestrians trying to avoid these obstructions sometimes walk into areas where drivers may not expect them. In turn, this may lead to accidents.
- Left Turns at Crosswalks – Drivers turning left at crosswalks are often so focused on the busy intersection that they fail to notice or even look for people in their paths. This makes these intersections especially dangerous to pedestrians.
- Parking on Road Shoulders – When vehicles break down on a highway, we normally pull over on the road shoulder. This can be extremely dangerous due to the high-speed traffic on the main road. Pedestrians pulled over on the side of the road should be extremely cautious.
- Jaywalking – Ultimately, pedestrians are also required to follow the rules of the road. Jaywalking is probably the most common traffic violation committed by pedestrians. If the road is busy, this can be very dangerous and lead to accidents.
Is the Driver of the Vehicle Always At Fault for a Pedestrian Accident?
In most cases, pedestrians are not at fault for the auto accidents they are involved in. That said, drivers are not automatically liable for pedestrian accidents. Each accident should be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
Like drivers, pedestrians must also follow traffic laws, which include using designated crosswalks and obeying all traffic signals. When failure to do so leads to an accident, the pedestrian may ultimately be held liable. In some cases, drivers and injured pedestrians may also share fault. It is best to speak to an experienced attorney who can determine who is liable for a pedestrian accident.
How Can a Pedestrian Help Avoid an Accident?
All drivers have a legal duty to obey traffic laws and drive carefully to avoid injuring others. That said, pedestrians can also do their part to avoid accidents. Consider following these pedestrian safety guidelines to reduce the risk of getting hit:
- Follow all posted traffic signs (stop signs, yield signs, etc.) and signals
- Use designated crosswalks and sidewalks when available
- Walk facing traffic when there is no designated walkway
- Watch for vehicles entering and exiting driveways
- Stay alert while walking and avoid distractions, such as texting or talking on the phone
- Wear light-colored clothing or reflective gear when walking at night
- Always make eye contact with motorists to ensure they see you before crossing the street
What Compensation Is Available In a Pedestrian Accident Injury Lawsuit?
If you are the victim of a pedestrian auto accident, you may be entitled to a wide range of compensation. You may recover both economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages refer to losses that can be reduced to a monetary value. By contrast, non-economic damages are those that simply cannot be reduced in this way due to their more subjective nature. Together, these two kinds of damages include:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Lowered earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Lowered quality of life
- Emotional distress
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Wrongful death
- Property damage
What If the Pedestrian Accident Results in a Death?
Pedestrian accidents are sometimes fatal. In these cases, the family of the person killed can pursue compensation by filing a wrongful death lawsuit against the at-fault party. Of course, no amount of money can make up for the loss of a loved one. However, a wrongful death suit can offer a measure of justice and accountability. An experienced injury attorney can help you understand your rights and options after losing someone in a fatal pedestrian accident.
Contact Our Pedestrian Accident Lawyers
Pedestrian accidents can leave victims with enormous medical bills, debilitating injuries, and lifelong pain and suffering. In many cases, they are fatal. If you were injured in a pedestrian accident, you are likely entitled to compensation for your injuries and losses. Speak to an attorney as soon as possible.
The legal team at Edwards & Patterson Law is here to help you secure the compensation you deserve. Contact us for a free consultation with an experienced pedestrian accident lawyer today.
