Pedestrian accidents are among the most common and dangerous types of motor vehicle accidents that occur across the nation. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there were more than 200,000 pedestrian-involved car crashes in the United States in 2010 alone, resulting in more than 4,700 deaths and 71,000 nonfatal injuries. In this article, car accident lawyers in Grants have shared the most common causes of pedestrian accidents and some tips to prevent such accidents.
What Causes Pedestrian Accidents?
Pedestrian accidents are often caused by pedestrians and drivers who fail to follow the signs and rules of the road, and their negligence can make them liable.
-Speeding – Pedestrians are often hit because a car is speeding, causing the driver not to have enough time to stop the vehicle or avoid a pedestrian.
-Distracted Driving – Drivers can easily be distracted when they drive, risking pedestrian lives. Cognitive, visual distractions, and manual all take away from your ability to operate a vehicle safely.
-Failing To Stop – Stop signs are there for a reason, and it’s not a suggestion. Despite this, many drivers recklessly ignore the traffic signals as well and end up causing pedestrian accidents.
-Poor Vehicle Maintenance – A fair amount of pedestrian accidents occur because of a failure of a car’s part to stop on time.
-Driving Under The Influence – Pedestrian accidents are regularly caused by a driver that operate the vehicle under the influence of alcohol and drugs.
If you’re a victim of a pedestrian accident due to someone’s negligence, you are entitled to compensation for your pain and sufferings. You’ll need to seek the legal advice from a personal injury attorney in Grants.
Tips for Avoiding Pedestrian Accidents
Stay Alert
When walking, stay alert and aware of your surroundings. Don’t be distracted by your phone or music, and don’t tune out the world around you. If you can find a friend to walk with you, it will also help keep you alert.
Avoid Cell Phones
The National Safety Council says cell phones are involved in 25% of auto accidents, and an additional 20% of pedestrian accidents. It’s simply not safe to be on your phone while driving (or walking) in heavy traffic.
Follow Crosswalk Signs
Almost all pedestrian accidents occur when drivers and pedestrians aren’t following proper safety procedures. Therefore, if you follow crosswalk signs and traffic signals, you can greatly reduce your risk of having an accident. Traffic laws exist for a reason—so follow them!
Observe Vehicle Speeds
Keep your eye on traffic. Traffic at a constant speed is not a threat. Vehicles that are slowing down, turning, or coming to a complete stop pose an increased risk for collisions. If you find yourself in an intersection, make sure you look both ways before crossing and never assume a vehicle will stop—even if they have the right of way.
Give Yourself Enough Time
One of the most common reasons for a pedestrian accident is because someone wasn’t paying attention. If you’re walking on a busy street, make sure you give yourself enough time to reach your destination.
Are you a victim of a pedestrian accident looking for legal representation? Approach a reputed personal injury law firm in Grants nm.
The author is a personal injury attorney in Grants who works in a reputed personal injury law firm. If you or a family member has been injured due to medical malpractice, the lawyers at the Lucero Law Office will guide you through the legal process and handle the details of your claim. Visit ttps://www.lucerolawoffice.com/ for more details.
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