Pedestrians are often victims of traffic collisions because they fail to pay attention to road conditions. They don't always follow rules like "don't walk against the flow of traffic," and they sometimes cross streets without looking both ways. Other common causes of pedestrian accidents include distracted driving, speeding, drunk driving, running red lights, failing to yield to others, and failure to wear proper safety equipment.
Failing to Yield Right of WayA driver failed to yield right of way to a pedestrian crossing the street. As a result, the pedestrian suffered serious injuries. The case went to trial where the jury found the defendant guilty of failing to yield right of way.
The law requires motorists to give pedestrians the right of way at intersections and crosswalks. If you are involved in a collision involving a pedestrian, it is important to know whether the pedestrian had the right of way. This determination could affect your ability to collect damages from the person responsible for causing the accident.
Crossing a Roadway or Intersection ImproperlyPedestrians are required to obey certain rules while crossing streets. They must walk facing traffic, keep to the left side of the roadway, and wait for the green signal before stepping out into the road. Pedestrians must also yield to vehicles turning left onto a one-way street. In addition, pedestrians must always look both ways before crossing a roadway or intersection.
A pedestrian may cross a roadway properly by walking across it in accordance with the law. However, there are times when a pedestrian may choose to cross a roadway or intersection where he or she does not belong. For example, a pedestrian may decide to cross a roadway or intersect without waiting for the appropriate signals. Or, a pedestrian may step off the curb and onto the roadway without looking both ways.
When a pedestrian crosses a roadway or intersection improperly, motorists may have little to no reaction time. As such, a motorist may strike a pedestrian, causing serious injury or death.
If you believe that someone else caused an accident due to improper behavior, contact us today. We may be able to help you recover damages for medical expenses, lost wages, pain, suffering, and emotional distress.
Standing, Lying, Playing, or Working on a RoadwayDrivers must exercise extreme care while driving near construction sites, especially those where there are pedestrians present. Drivers must always be aware of what lies ahead and be prepared to react quickly. Pedestrians who are walking, lying down, or playing in the roadway pose a danger to themselves and others. They could become victims of traffic accidents. In addition, drivers must be careful around work zones because they may encounter unexpected obstacles such as potholes or debris scattered across the road. These hazards can cause serious injuries or even death.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requires employers to provide safety training to employees working near roads. OSHA also mandates that employers post warning signs about hazardous conditions along the roadways. Employers must ensure that workers use proper personal protective equipment and follow safe practices while performing tasks near the roadways.
Having Poor VisibilityVisibility is one of the most important things you can do to avoid being involved in an accident. In fact, it’s been proven that poor visibility increases the risk of crashes by up to 50%.
Drugs, Alcohol, or MedicationDriving under the influence of drugs or alcohol is dangerous. A study published in JAMA Internal Medicine found that drivers with BAC levels greater than 0.08 percent are three times more likely to crash than those with lower concentrations. In addition, nearly one out of every five fatal pedestrian accidents involves a drunk driver.
In 2016, there were 2,839 traffic fatalities involving pedestrians and bicyclists. Of those, 907 were caused by impaired driving. Pedestrians and cyclists accounted for almost half of all DUI-related deaths among people ages 15 to 34.
Running or Darting Into the RoadPedestrians are often hit by vehicles while crossing streets. They often do it without paying attention to what’s happening around them. In fact, children and teenagers are among those most likely to dart out into the street.
When a child runs across the street, drivers must take extra precautions because they don’t know how fast the kids are moving. If you see a child running toward the road, slow down immediately. Don’t honk your horn or try to scare him away. Instead, use your brakes gently and wait for the little guy to cross safely.
If he doesn’t stop, step on the gas pedal and follow closely behind his path. You might even want to turn off your headlights so you won’t blind him.
In addition to being dangerous, darted pedestrians can cause serious injury or death. A study conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration found that about one person dies every hour due to pedestrian accidents.
Get Help From a Car Accident Lawyer TodayAn experienced accident lawyer in Harris County, Galveston County, Fort Bend County, Montgomery County, Brazoria County, Houston, Sugar Land, Missouri City, and Stafford, Texas at Thornton Esquire Law Group, PLLC, can help you with your accident case. Contact us today at www.thorntonesquirelawgroup.com for a free consultation.