Pedestrian accidents are an alarming reality in the streets of the US. Every time a person steps out, they are at risk of getting into a vehicle-related accident that could change their life forever.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, in 2022, 67,000 pedestrians were injured and 7,522 were killed in the United States. Such accidents often occur due to the negligence of a driver. It is the responsibility of all road users to ensure that they follow the rules to keep themselves and others safe.
What is Negligence?
Negligence is the legal term used by attorneys, in this case, pedestrian accident attorneys, to describe the behavior of a person who does not meet the level of care that a reasonable person would have applied in a similar situation.
Types of Negligence that Can Potentially Harm a Pedestrian
Let’s look at a few types of negligence from a driver that may lead to injuring a pedestrian.
Speeding
When a vehicle does not follow the speed limit set for certain areas, such as residential areas, school zones, crosswalks, etc., the chances of them hitting an unassuming pedestrian are higher.
As a vehicle’s speed increases, the time that the driver has to react to the pedestrian decreases. The injuries that may be caused to the pedestrian will consequently increase according to the speed of the vehicle.
Distracted Driving
Everyone talks about the dangers of using phones while driving, but that is not all that distracted driving consists of. Anything that takes your mind or hands off of driving is considered a distraction, such as setting the GPS, snacking, drinking water, or even zoning out.
Driving Under Influence
Driving under the influence is when the driver has consumed any substance that can impair their judgment. This does not mean just alcohol and other hard drugs, but also any other prescription or recreational drugs.
Failure to Yield at Crosswalks
Slowing down and stopping at a crosswalk is basically driving 101. If a driver fails to stop or slow down at a crosswalk, they increase the chance of hitting a pedestrian who might be about to cross the road.
Reckless Driving
Reckless driving behaviors can be quite dangerous for a pedestrian. If a driver is swerving through traffic, they might not have the quick reflex needed to halt, or they could lose control of the vehicle while swerving and hit a pedestrian on the sidewalk.
Ignoring Traffic Signs
Following traffic signs is a fundamental law of the road that every driver is expected to follow. Failure to do so is not just about breaking the law but also about increasing the chances of a nasty accident that could potentially injure fellow drivers and pedestrians.
Conclusion
Pedestrian safety is the responsibility of all drivers, and they play a critical role in preventing accidents. It is important to create an environment that is safe for drivers and pedestrians alike. The first step to this is to address the common types of negligence.
Suppose you or someone you know has been injured by a vehicle. In that case, it is advised that you contact a pedestrian accident attorney who can help you through any legal proceedings and ensure you get fair compensation.
