Over 180,000 pedestrians have been killed in motor vehicle accidents in the US.
On the average, a pedestrian is killed every 111 minutes and a pedestrian is injured every 8 minutes. According to a California Highway Patrol 2007 report, there were 210 fatalities and 5,095 injuries related to Los Angeles pedestrian accidents for that year.
Causes of Pedestrian Accidents
• Speeding is one of the more obvious causes of pedestrian accidents. A speeding vehicle most likely does not see the pedestrian and those moving at even higher speeds may not even be able to stop in time to avoid collision.
• Drivers not observing pedestrian’s right of way especially at marked cross walks increase the chances of a pedestrian/motor vehicle accident.
• Inattentiveness due to distractions like mobile phones lessens the driver’s ability to see pedestrians.
• Traffic signal violations like beating the red light could not only cause motor vehicle accidents but could also involve pedestrians in the process.
• Drivers not signaling when switching lanes can confuse other drivers and cause them to skid and bump another vehicle or even a pedestrian.
• Drivers disregard to weather conditions like slippery roads during rainy seasons can make them lose control of their vehicle.
• Driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. With your senses muddled, it is very easy to make bad decisions on the road.
Common Injuries from Pedestrian Accidents
A pedestrian may suffer from different forms of injuries external and internal; minor and fatal.
Here are some of the common injuries a pedestrian may sustain after an accident
• Traumatic brain injuries
• Spinal Cord Injury
• Paraplegia and Quadriplegia
• Fractured bones
• Disfigurement
• Mental Distress and Damage
Most Common Victims of Pedestrian Accidents
Young children are the most common victims of pedestrian accidents followed by elderly people. In 2003, around one-fifth of all traffic fatalities under the age of 16 are pedestrians.
Elderly people account for 16% of all pedestrian fatalities and 6% of all pedestrian injuries Although young children get struck more frequently than elderly people, elderly people are more likely to die from the accident than children.
Finding a Pedestrian Accident Injury Attorney
If you are planning to pursue a pedestrian accident injury case, the best step you can take is to get an attorney who has experience handling similar cases and provide the following legal aid:
• Your attorney should be able to help or get someone to investigate all aspects of the accident. He/she can hire experts to determine the degree of negligence of the culprit. Your attorney should also see to it that necessary forms are accomplished by doctors and witnesses.
• Your attorney should also be able to monitor your medical treatment and obtain a report from your doctor about your injuries after treatment.
• Your attorney should also be able to handle and communicate with you all information about your case that includes correspondence from courts and insurance companies.
Lastly, your attorney should be able to represent you well in negotiating your claim especially with insurance companies. If that does not work out, he/she should also represent you in litigation.
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