The majority of pedestrian accident cases are caused by negligence on the part of the driver who struck the pedestrian with their vehicle. However, other parties, including the pedestrians themselves, are responsible in a significant number of cases.
Understanding the causes of these accidents is key to preventing them. If you were injured in a pedestrian accident, an experienced Fort Lauderdale pedestrian accident lawyer can help you pursue compensation from the liable party.
Pedestrian Accidents Caused by Driver Negligence
Driver negligence is one of the leading causes of pedestrian accidents. When a driver fails to uphold their duty of care to ensure the safety of everyone on the road, catastrophic injuries can result. Driver negligence can take several different forms.
Distracted Driving
Distracted driving is incredibly dangerous, not only for pedestrians but also for the driver and anyone else on the road. Distracted driving can take many forms, including:
- Texting
- Talking on the phone
- Talking to other passengers
- Eating
- Drinking
- Adjusting the radio
Distracted drivers are far less likely to notice crosswalks or pedestrians on the road.
Impaired Driving
Driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol is incredibly dangerous and one of the leading causes of pedestrian accidents. Tired drivers can be similarly impaired, with common problems for all these drivers including delayed reaction times, blurred vision, and even the potential for hallucinations.
Impaired drivers may not see the lights at a crosswalk or notice pedestrians in the street, especially during the night when the majority of impaired driving accidents occur.
Reckless Driving
Drivers who fail to obey traffic laws put everyone at risk. Speeding, failing to use turn signals, and ignoring traffic signs are common causes of pedestrian accidents.
Vehicles Turning Left
Vehicles turning left at an intersection into a crosswalk are among the leading causes of pedestrian accidents. Even drivers who are not distracted or impaired and are following the rules of the road can be a risk in these cases.
In busy intersections, these drivers can become focused on ensuring they are clear of oncoming traffic and fail to see a pedestrian enter the crosswalk as they see their opening to turn.
If a driver was responsible for your pedestrian accident, an experienced attorney can help you recover compensation.
More people choose The Schiller Kessler Group because they know that we’re a cut above other personal injury law firms.
Accidents Where Pedestrians Are Responsible
Drivers are not the only ones who can be at fault in pedestrian accidents. Pedestrians have a responsibility to do their part to ensure their safety and the safety of others on the road.
Distracted Pedestrians
Distracted pedestrians can directly cause accidents or fail to avoid them. Pedestrians looking at their phones or dealing with some other distraction can fail to notice an oncoming vehicle while stepping onto the road or miss a traffic light that has changed.
Even if a distracted pedestrian is crossing with the light at a crosswalk, they can still put themselves in danger by failing to notice a driver entering the crosswalk illegally.
Reckless Pedestrians
Pedestrians who cross against the light or cross a street in the middle of the road rather than at an intersection or designated crosswalk can put themselves and others in danger.
Wearing Dark Clothes When Walking at Night
Pedestrian accidents increase significantly at night. Even in well-lit areas, it can be more difficult for drivers to notice pedestrians who are dressed in dark clothes. Wearing light-colored clothing can help make you more visible and reduce the risk of being involved in an accident.
Other Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents
Other factors can also play a role in pedestrian accidents. Other parties can be liable for a crash, and circumstances beyond the control of drivers and pedestrians can factor into these accidents. Identifying who is responsible for your accident is critical for recovering compensatory damages.
Manufacturing Defects
A defect in a vehicle or a part can lead to a pedestrian accident. Problems with a vehicle’s brakes can prevent a driver from stopping at an intersection, leading to a crash.
Bad Weather
When weather conditions are not ideal, the number of accidents increases. Roads that are slick from rain or ice can make it difficult for drivers to stop their vehicles. Furthermore, heavy rain or snowfall can impair a driver’s vision, making it more difficult for them to see pedestrians.
Road Construction
Construction on roads and sidewalks can force pedestrians to walk in areas where they would not otherwise typically be. While barriers are typically put up to protect pedestrians who are forced to walk in the road, there is still a higher risk of an accident in these situations.
Get Help From an Experienced Attorney After a Pedestrian Accident
Whatever the cause of your pedestrian accident, securing legal representation can be critical for recovering the compensation you need and deserve. An experienced Fort Lauderdale personal injury lawyer can help you file a claim to recover the compensation you need and deserve. At The Schiller Kessler Group, we have helped over 30,000 injury victims recover compensation.
Reach out to us today by phone or through our website to schedule a free case review with a member of our legal team, and check out our client testimonials to get a better idea of the service you can expect from our firm.
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