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What Is a Pedestrian Accident?

By Resh LawNovember 25, 2024
What is pedestrian accident

A pedestrian accident happens when a person on foot is hit by a motor vehicle. These accidents can occur on busy streets, crosswalks, sidewalks, or parking lots. Because pedestrians have less protection than vehicles, pedestrian accidents often lead to serious injuries. They can result in high hospital bills, lost wages, and long-term health issues.

ReshLaw Accident and Injury helps pedestrian accident victims seek justice. We work to hold the responsible parties accountable and help you get fair compensation.

Definition of a Pedestrian Accident

A pedestrian accident involves a person walking, running, or standing being struck by a vehicle, including cars, trucks, and motorcycles. Pedestrian accidents often happen in areas with heavy traffic or where pedestrians and vehicles cross paths.

Due to the lack of protection for pedestrians, these accidents can result in very serious injuries. Pedestrian accidents can happen anywhere but are more common in certain locations.

Common Locations Where Pedestrian Accidents Occur

  • Crosswalks: Pedestrians may be hit while crossing the street, especially if drivers ignore traffic signals.
  • Intersections: High-traffic areas where cars, bikes, and pedestrians cross paths increase the risk.
  • Sidewalks: Pedestrians can be struck if a vehicle veers off the road.
  • Parking lots: Low speeds may occur, but pedestrian accidents are still common due to driver inattention.
  • Residential areas: Speeding and careless driving near homes can lead to accidents.

The Vulnerability of Pedestrians on the Road

Pedestrians are at greater risk of injury when accidents happen. Unlike drivers, they do not have protection from seatbelts or airbags.

When a pedestrian accident occurs, the effects can lead to broken bones, head injuries, or worse. Motor vehicles are much larger and heavier, which disadvantages pedestrians.

Even at lower speeds, colliding with a pedestrian can cause serious injuries. Roads with poor lighting, high traffic, or distracted drivers make the situation even more dangerous. Pedestrian accident victims often need extensive medical treatment and long recovery times.

Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents

Common causes of pedestrian accidents

Pedestrian accidents happen for many reasons. Drivers and pedestrians both need to be careful. Knowing what causes these accidents can help prevent them. Some of the most common causes of pedestrian accidents are:

Distracted Driving or Driver Inattention

Distracted driving is one of the top causes of pedestrian accidents. Drivers may look at their phones, talk to passengers, or use GPS devices. This takes their eyes off the road. Even a few seconds of inattention can be enough to miss seeing a pedestrian.

When drivers are distracted, they are slower to react. This makes it harder to avoid hitting a person crossing the street. Pedestrians are at great risk when drivers are not fully focused. Paying full attention to the road can prevent many accidents.

Speeding, Especially in Residential Areas

Speeding is very dangerous for pedestrians. When a vehicle travels at high speeds, it needs more distance to stop. A speeding driver may be unable to brake in time to avoid hitting someone. This risk is higher in residential areas because children and families often walk or play nearby.

The impact of a speeding vehicle on a pedestrian can lead to severe or fatal injuries. Slowing down, especially in areas with people walking, can save lives. Drivers must obey speed limits and stay alert.

Drunk Driving

Drunk driving is a major cause of pedestrian accidents. When drivers drink, their judgment and reaction times are slower. This makes it hard to stop quickly or avoid a pedestrian. Alcohol also makes it difficult for drivers to see clearly or make safe decisions on the road.

Pedestrians are especially at risk when a drunk driver is behind the wheel. The driver may speed, ignore traffic signals, or fail to see someone crossing the street. These behaviors lead to serious injuries or even death. Preventing drunk driving can save many lives.

Choosing not to drive after drinking, using rideshare services, or having a designated driver can make roads safer for everyone.

Poor Visibility

Poor visibility is a common cause of pedestrian accidents. Bad weather, like fog or rain, can make it hard for drivers to see clearly. Nighttime driving also puts pedestrians at risk. Without enough streetlights, it becomes difficult to notice people walking.

Dirty windshields and broken headlights can make things worse. Drivers may miss seeing someone crossing the street or walking along the road. Pedestrians wearing dark clothing are even harder to see. Both pedestrians and drivers need to be extra careful in low-visibility situations.

Using headlights, slowing down, and staying alert can prevent many accidents. Pedestrians should also wear reflective or bright clothing to make themselves more visible.

Failure to Yield to Pedestrians at Crosswalks or Intersections

Failing to yield is a serious cause of pedestrian accidents. Drivers must stop for pedestrians at intersections and crosswalks. When they ignore this rule, accidents happen. Sometimes, drivers may be in a rush or distracted and miss seeing someone crossing.

Pedestrians trust that drivers will stop, making it more dangerous when drivers don’t. Speeding or turning without checking for people can lead to injuries. Crosswalks and intersections are meant to keep pedestrians safe.

Following traffic rules and staying alert helps prevent accidents, and drivers should always look for people before moving.

Types of Injuries in Pedestrian Accidents

Pedestrian accidents often cause serious injuries. Pedestrians have little protection when hit by a vehicle. This can lead to life-changing damage. Here are some of the common types of injuries seen in pedestrian accidents:

  • Head injuries: These range from minor concussions to severe brain injuries.
  • Broken bones: Fractures in arms, legs, or ribs are common.
  • Spinal cord injuries: Damage can lead to paralysis or long-term issues.
  • Internal injuries: Damage to organs can be life-threatening.
  • Cuts and bruises: Though minor, they can still be painful.
  • Soft tissue injuries: This includes sprains, strains, and deep tissue damage.

Determining Liability in Pedestrian Accidents

Determining liability in pedestrian accidents

Determining who is at fault in a pedestrian accident is important. Drivers must be careful to avoid hurting pedestrians. This is called their duty of care. If drivers break traffic rules and speed or are distracted, they may be responsible for the accident.

However, there are times when pedestrians may share some blame. For example, if a pedestrian crosses the road without using a crosswalk, their actions may be considered risky. Each case is different and needs careful review.

Lawyers, insurance companies, and police reports help decide who is at fault. Knowing who is responsible is key to getting fair compensation for injuries or damages.

Driver’s Duty of Care to Avoid Causing Harm

Drivers have a duty to keep others safe on the road, which means watching for pedestrians and following traffic rules. Drivers must stop at crosswalks, drive the speed limit, and pay full attention, and accidents occur when they fail to do this.

A driver texting, speeding, or ignoring traffic signals may be at fault for a pedestrian accident. Even in busy areas, drivers must be careful. They should always look out for people crossing the street.

When a driver does not follow this duty of care, they can be held responsible, which may lead to legal claims and compensation for the injured pedestrian.

When Pedestrians Are Partially or Fully at Fault

In some pedestrian accident cases, the pedestrian may be partly at fault. This happens if they cross the street without using a crosswalk or ignore traffic signals. Running into traffic or walking while distracted can also lead to accidents, and when a pedestrian shares blame, it can affect their case.

In these situations, the amount of compensation may be reduced, but it depends on how much fault the pedestrian has. Even if a pedestrian is partly responsible, they may still recover some compensation.

You should take note of all the details of the accident, and legal guidance can help show how much each person is at fault in a pedestrian accident case.

Comparative Negligence in Utah Pedestrian Accident Cases

In Utah, the legal system applies comparative negligence rules to pedestrian accident cases. This means their compensation can be reduced if a pedestrian is partly at fault. For example, if a pedestrian is 20% at fault, their payment may be lowered by 20%. This rule applies to both drivers and pedestrians.

The court looks at each person's actions to decide who is more at fault and ensures that blame is shared fairly. Understanding this rule is essential when filing a pedestrian accident case. A lawyer can help show how much blame each side has, helping ensure fair compensation for any injuries or damages.

Steps to Take After a Pedestrian Accident

  1. Check for injuries: Make sure you and others are safe. Call 911 for medical help if needed.
  2. Move to a safe spot: If possible, move away from traffic to avoid more danger.
  3. Call the police: Report the accident so they can file an official report.
  4. Exchange information: Get names, contact details, and insurance info from everyone involved.
  5. Take photos: Capture some pictures of the accident scene, injuries, and vehicle damage.
  6. Talk to witnesses: If there are any witnesses, ask for their contact details.
  7. Do not admit fault: Stay calm and only share facts with the police.
  8. Contact a lawyer: Reach out to a pedestrian accident attorney for legal help.

Why You Need a Utah Pedestrian Accident Lawyer To Help You

Why you need a Utah pedestrian accident lawyer to help you

A Utah pedestrian accident lawyer can guide you after an accident. They know the law and can help you with every step, which includes dealing with insurance companies, gathering evidence, and filing a personal injury claim. Lawyers work to get fair compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and other damages.

ReshLaw Accident and Injury fights for pedestrian accident victims and handles pedestrian accident lawsuits with care. We make sure your rights are protected. Our team helps you understand your case and what to expect.

Legal support gives you a better chance of winning your pedestrian accident case. Lawyers know how to manage complex claims and ensure you are treated fairly. This can make a big difference in your recovery.

Contact Our Utah Pedestrian Accident Lawyer for a Free Case Consultation

Contact our Utah pedestrian accident lawyer for a free case consultation

If you have suffered injuries in a pedestrian accident, you must get legal help. Our pedestrian accident lawyers at ReshLaw Accident & Injury can guide you through every step.

We focus on your needs and work hard to get the best outcome for you. Filing a pedestrian accident lawsuit can be complex, but we are here to make it easier.

We gather evidence, handle insurance companies, and fight for fair compensation, which includes covering medical bills, lost wages, and other damages. Our team makes sure you are aware of your rights and options.

Contact us today for a free consultation.

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