Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents

Pedestrian Accident Lawyer

Pedestrian accidents make up a considerable portion of all accidents involving motor vehicles. When drivers are not mindful of pedestrians on or near their path, they can strike them and cause them serious bodily injury. Drivers need to pay attention to their surroundings at all times, even if they believe that there are no pedestrians near them. If you have been harmed in a pedestrian accident, you have access to legal resources from a pedestrian accident lawyer like one from The Hernan Law Firm. Below are some of the most common causes of accidents that leave pedestrians injured.

Distracted Driving

Drivers on the road are always bombarded with various distractions, but it’s their responsibility to stay focused on getting to their destination safely. From text messages, phone calls, and GPS issues, there are many ways a driver can get distracted. Unfortunately, even when a driver takes their eyes off the road for a few seconds, it can lead to a devastating accident. 

Failing to Look in All Directions

Neighborhoods are common places where pedestrian accidents occur. Drivers often rush when they are backing out of driveways and do not scan their mirrors or look in all directions before exiting. As a result, they can strike innocent victims such as children or the elderly. To avoid such accidents, drivers should make sure to slow down and check their mirror and windows so that they do not accidentally strike a person in their path. 

Running Red Lights

Attempting to beat a red light is one of the most common traffic violations. People are constantly in a hurry to get to their destination, whether it’s work, school or their home. However, it is easy for people to misjudge traffic lights, and it is a big risk that can have major consequences. A driver who enters an intersection when it is not their right of way can strike a pedestrian who is walking on the crosswalk. 

Failing to Obey Traffic Signs

Traffic signs inform drivers of hazards, inform them of road changes, and other information. However, many drivers ignore traffic signs, which can put pedestrians at risk of getting injured. For example, some drivers do not always stop when a bus has their stop sign posted or ignore posted speed limits.

If you need urgent legal assistance after being a victim of a pedestrian accident, contact a trusted and experienced lawyer now.