Driver intoxication and speeding are two main causes of pedestrian accidents, per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Drivers have a duty to be cautious toward pedestrians, who have much to lose if a motor vehicle strikes them.
It is critical to diagnose a pedestrian accident’s cause. Establishing fault is one of the earliest steps toward getting justice for such accidents. If you have any questions about your pedestrian accident, our team is always available to answer.
More Potential Causes of Pedestrian Accidents
In addition to speeding and drunk driving, pedestrian accidents may result from:
- Distracted driving: A driver who takes their eyes off the road, hands off the wheel, or their focus away from the act of driving is always dangerous. Pedestrians may be at heightened risk, as they may be smaller in a distracted driver’s peripheral vision and more vulnerable to serious injury.
- Disobeying traffic signals: Traffic signals, including traffic lights, crossing lights, crosswalks, and bike lanes, help ensure pedestrian safety. Therefore, motorists who disobey these protective signals place pedestrians at risk.
- Defective traffic signals: Out-of-order traffic lights, unclear or downed signage, and broken crossing lights are examples of defective traffic signals that could contribute to a pedestrian accident.
- Drunk or drugged driving: Motorists impaired in any way pose a higher risk of causing an accident.
- Defective equipment: While drivers commonly cause motor vehicle accidents, defective vehicle components can also cause pedestrian collisions. Defective brakes and tires are specific hazards that may cause a vehicle to collide with a pedestrian.
These are only a few of the many causes of pedestrian accidents. If you or a loved one suffered injuries during a pedestrian accident, our team can diagnose the cause and pursue justice.
Certain Environments Pose an Elevated Risk of Pedestrian Accidents
The National Safety Council (NSC) reports that as many as 84% of pedestrian accidents occur in urban settings in a given year. This statistic may reflect:
- The proximity of motor vehicles and pedestrians in urban settings
- The general traffic chaos that exists in high-traffic urban areas
- The need for complex, well-functioning traffic signals to moderate the flow of motor vehicles and pedestrians in urban settings
- The sheer volume of pedestrians and vehicles in urban settings, which will statistically increase the likelihood of a pedestrian accident
Even so, a pedestrian accident can happen anywhere where a motor vehicle and pedestrian are within close proximity.
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Who Is Liable for a Pedestrian Accident?
Our attorneys establish liability for pedestrian accidents on a case-by-case basis. Each collision presents a unique set of facts, and liable parties may include:
Motorists
Statistics generally show motorists have the most power to cause and prevent traffic accidents, including pedestrian accidents. The slightest error in judgment, a moment of distraction, or loss of control can cause a motorist to strike a pedestrian.
When a motorist hits a pedestrian, their insurer is generally liable for the pedestrian’s injuries and related losses. The pedestrian may sue the motorist for damages if necessary.
Municipalities
Cities and other municipal bodies may be liable for a pedestrian accident when the accident results from:
- Non-functioning traffic lights
- Downed signage
- Unclear road markings
- Potholes in the road
- Other conditions that a municipality oversees
Pedestrian accident victims sometimes face shorter deadlines for filing a lawsuit against a municipality. This is one reason why it’s important that you get legal help as soon as possible after any pedestrian accident.
Motor Vehicle Manufacturers
If any kind of motor vehicle defect contributes to a pedestrian accident, the manufacturer or seller responsible for that defect may be liable.
If other circumstances caused your pedestrian accident, our team will determine liability and work to hold liable parties financially responsible.
What Damages Should a Pedestrian Accident Victim Receive Compensation For?
Like liability, damages vary on a case-by-case basis. Generally, pedestrians face a greater risk of serious (and possibly fatal) injuries because they lack the protections that a motor vehicle provides.
Recoverable damages in a pedestrian accident case may include:
- Medical expenses, including the cost of emergency transportation, surgery, medical imaging, hospitalization, and other accident-related services
- Pain and suffering, including injury-related pain, psychological distress, emotional anguish, lost quality of life, chronic pain, suicidality, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and other accident-related conditions
- Employment-related damages, including lost income, diminished earning power, lost bonuses, loss of standing with an employer, and lost fulfillment
- Property damages, including damage to your cell phone, clothing, and any other property damaged during the pedestrian accident
Pedestrian accidents can, tragically, cost victims their lives. If you lost a loved one to injuries from a pedestrian accident, recoverable damages may include:
- Any pain and suffering the decedent experienced from the accident
- Your pain and suffering
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Lost companionship
- Lost guidance (for children who have lost a parent)
- Lost financial support
Wrongful death-related damages can be far more extensive. These are just a few of the damages we will consider as we lead your case.
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Should I Hire an Attorney After a Pedestrian Accident?
Pedestrian accident victims might want to hire an attorney. The potential for pedestrian accidents to cause severe injuries is an even greater reason to hire an attorney.
Our team’s attorney can lead your case by:
- Establishing liability for the pedestrian accident
- Securing evidence to build your case upon
- Documenting your accident-related damages
- Calculating the exact cost of your damages
- Dealing with insurers and others involved in your case
- Leading settlement negotiations
- Reviewing proposed settlement offers with you
- Taking your case to trial, if necessary
Our legal professionals will also complete all case-related paperwork and file your case on time. We focus on the smallest details, and our service will allow you to focus on your recovery.
Call Loncar Lyon Jenkins Today for a Free Consultation About Your Pedestrian Accident Case
Our firm may face a looming deadline for filing your case, so don’t wait to contact us. A pedestrian accident lawyer from our firm is ready to start your case today.
Call Loncar Lyon Jenkins today for your free consultation. Call in the Strong Arm to fight for you.
