Pedestrian Accident Law Firm

What are common causes of pedestrian accidents?

Pedestrian accidents can occur due to various factors, and the specific causes can vary depending on the circumstances and location. Here are some common causes of pedestrian accidents:

1. Distracted Driving: Drivers who are distracted by activities such as texting, talking on the phone, eating, or using in-car technologies may fail to notice pedestrians or be slow to react to their presence, leading to accidents.
2. Failure to Yield: When drivers fail to yield the right of way to pedestrians at crosswalks, intersections, or when making turns, accidents can occur. This can result from drivers not seeing pedestrians or disregarding traffic laws.
3. Speeding: Driving above the speed limit reduces a driver's ability to react to sudden situations, making it more difficult to avoid pedestrians who may unexpectedly enter the roadway. Higher speeds also increase the severity of injuries in case of an accident.
4. Drunk Driving or Drug Impairment: Drivers under the influence of alcohol or drugs have impaired judgment, reduced reaction times, and decreased awareness of their surroundings. This significantly increases the risk of pedestrian accidents.
5. Failure to Obey Traffic Signals and Signs: Disregarding traffic signals, stop signs, or other traffic control devices can lead to accidents involving pedestrians. This can occur when drivers run red lights, fail to stop at stop signs, or ignore pedestrian crosswalk signals.
6. Poor Visibility: Reduced visibility due to factors like low light conditions (e.g., nighttime), adverse weather (e.g., rain, fog), or obstructed views (e.g., parked cars, vegetation) can make it difficult for drivers to see pedestrians and vice versa, increasing the risk of accidents.
7. Jaywalking or Pedestrian Behavior: Pedestrians who cross the road outside designated crosswalks or intersections, fail to obey traffic signals, or display unpredictable behavior can increase the risk of accidents. This behavior can make it challenging for drivers to anticipate pedestrian movements.
8. Lack of Infrastructure or Safety Measures: Insufficient pedestrian infrastructure, such as poorly designed or maintained crosswalks, inadequate signage, or absence of sidewalks, can contribute to accidents. Lack of safety measures like pedestrian barriers or well-lit areas can also increase the risk.
9. Age or Physical Impairments: Elderly individuals, children, or individuals with physical impairments may be more vulnerable to pedestrian accidents due to reduced mobility, slower reaction times, or difficulty in judging vehicle speeds.
10. Inattention or Negligence: Both pedestrians and drivers can be at fault in accidents. Pedestrians who are distracted by electronic devices, talking on the phone, or not paying attention to their surroundings may contribute to accidents.

What are common injuries caused by pedestrian accidents?

Pedestrian accidents can result in a wide range of injuries, varying in severity depending on factors such as the speed of the vehicle, point of impact, and the physical condition of the pedestrian. Here are some common injuries caused by pedestrian accidents:

1. Fractures and Broken Bones: Pedestrians may suffer fractures and broken bones, particularly in the limbs (such as arms, legs, and wrists) due to the direct impact with the vehicle or the ground.
2. Head Injuries: Head injuries are a significant concern in pedestrian accidents. They can range from mild concussions to more severe traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). Even if the head does not directly collide with the vehicle, the sudden jolt or impact can cause the brain to move within the skull, resulting in injuries.
3. Spinal Cord Injuries: High-impact collisions can lead to spinal cord injuries, potentially resulting in partial or complete paralysis. These injuries can have long-term consequences on mobility and bodily functions.
4. Soft Tissue Injuries: Pedestrians may experience various soft tissue injuries, such as sprains, strains, bruises, and lacerations. These injuries can occur due to the initial impact with the vehicle or subsequent contact with the ground or surrounding objects.
5. Internal Injuries: The force of a pedestrian accident can cause internal injuries, including damage to organs such as the lungs, liver, spleen, kidneys, or intestines. Internal bleeding or organ rupture may occur, requiring immediate medical attention.
6. Road Rash: When a pedestrian is dragged or slides along the road surface after being struck by a vehicle, road rash injuries can result. This refers to abrasions, cuts, and burns caused by friction between the skin and the road.
7. Facial Injuries: Pedestrians may sustain facial injuries, including lacerations, fractures of the nose or cheekbones, dental injuries, and eye injuries. These injuries can occur due to direct impact or contact with the vehicle or the ground.
8. Psychological Trauma: Pedestrian accidents can have a significant psychological impact on the victim. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, depression, and other psychological disorders may develop as a result of the accident.

It's important to note that the severity and extent of injuries can vary greatly, and some pedestrian accidents can unfortunately be fatal. Immediate medical attention should be sought for any pedestrian involved in an accident to assess and treat injuries.It's important to note that the severity and extent of injuries can vary greatly, and some pedestrian accidents can unfortunately be fatal. Immediate medical attention should be sought for any pedestrian involved in an accident to assess and treat injuries.

How can an attorney help victims of pedestrian accidents?

An attorney can provide crucial assistance and support to victims of pedestrian accidents in several ways:

1. Legal Guidance and Representation: An attorney specializing in personal injury law can provide victims with expert legal guidance throughout the entire legal process. They can explain the victim's rights, assess the strength of the case, and advise on the best course of action.
2. Investigation and Evidence Gathering: Attorneys can conduct a thorough investigation into the pedestrian accident, gathering evidence such as police reports, witness statements, photographs, surveillance footage, and medical records. They can also work with accident reconstruction experts to determine liability and establish a strong case.
3. Determining Liability: Determining who is at fault in a pedestrian accident can be complex. Attorneys have experience in assessing liability and identifying potentially responsible parties, such as negligent drivers, vehicle manufacturers, or even government entities responsible for road maintenance. They can help build a case against the responsible party or parties.
4. Negotiating with Insurance Companies: Dealing with insurance companies can be challenging, as their primary goal is to minimize their financial liability. An attorney can handle all communication and negotiations with insurance companies on behalf of the victim, ensuring that they receive fair compensation for their injuries and losses.
5. Calculating Damages: Attorneys can assess the full extent of the victim's damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, rehabilitation costs, and future medical needs. They can help calculate the appropriate compensation the victim deserves and pursue it in the legal proceedings.
6. Filing Legal Claims: Attorneys can assist in preparing and filing the necessary legal documents, such as complaints or lawsuits, within the specified time limits. They ensure that all legal requirements are met and that the victim's rights are protected throughout the process.
7. Court Representation: If the case goes to court, an attorney can provide skilled representation, presenting the victim's case before a judge and jury. They will advocate for the victim's rights and fight for fair compensation.
8. Settlement Negotiations: Attorneys are skilled negotiators and can engage in settlement negotiations with the opposing party or their insurance representatives. They work to reach a fair settlement that adequately compensates the victim for their injuries and losses, avoiding a lengthy court process if possible.

Overall, an attorney's primary role is to protect the rights and interests of the pedestrian accident victim. They provide legal expertise, handle the complexities of the case, and work diligently to secure the compensation the victim deserves, allowing them to focus on their recovery and well-being. If you’ve been injured in a pedestrian accident call our office today for a free case evaluation with an experienced attorney.

What damages are recoverable after pedestrian accident?

After a pedestrian accident, victims may be eligible to recover various types of damages. The specific damages that are recoverable can vary depending on the jurisdiction and the circumstances of the accident. Here are some common types of damages that may be recoverable after a pedestrian accident:

1. Medical Expenses: This includes reimbursement for past and future medical costs related to the accident, such as hospital bills, surgeries, doctor visits, medications, rehabilitation, therapy, assistive devices, and any other necessary medical treatments.
2. Lost Wages: If the pedestrian's injuries prevent them from working, they may be entitled to compensation for lost wages. This includes both the wages lost during the recovery period and any future loss of earning capacity if the injuries result in a long-term or permanent disability.
3. Pain and Suffering: Pedestrian accident victims may be able to recover damages for the physical and emotional pain, suffering, and distress caused by the accident and their injuries. This can include both the immediate pain and suffering as well as any ongoing discomfort or emotional distress resulting from the accident.
4. Disability and Impairment: If the pedestrian accident results in a long-term or permanent disability, the victim may be eligible for compensation for the impact on their quality of life, loss of enjoyment of life, and any limitations or impairments caused by their injuries.
5. Rehabilitation and Assistive Devices: Damages may be awarded to cover the cost of rehabilitation services, physical therapy, occupational therapy, and any necessary assistive devices or modifications to accommodate the victim's injuries and disabilities.
6. Property Damage: If personal property, such as clothing, glasses, or other belongings, is damaged or lost in the accident, the victim may be entitled to compensation for the repair or replacement of those items.
7. Wrongful Death Damages: In cases where the pedestrian accident results in the death of the victim, the surviving family members may be able to pursue wrongful death damages. These can include compensation for funeral and burial expenses, loss of financial support, loss of companionship, and emotional pain and suffering.