There are many important things to know about pedestrian accidents. Pedestrian accidents can happen in a variety of ways, and knowing how they happen is important for preventing them from happening in the first place. In this article, you will learn what you should know about pedestrian accidents if you want to learn more about them and keep yourself safe!
Jaywalkers Can Be Compensated Too
Even when breaking the law, pedestrians can still be entitled to compensation. This means that if you are hit as a pedestrian while jaywalking you may not be fully liable for the accident. A common case is that a driver fails to abide by important safety laws like speeding, distracted driving, or failing to yield and hits a pedestrian.
There can be consequences such as large fines and jail time that can impact their insurance rates for years after an incident. If you are hit while crossing mid-block where traffic signs indicate not to do so then it is likely your fault even if drivers did not see you because this form of jaywalking greatly increases the likelihood of accidents occurring.
However, when pedestrians cross in areas with no signage indicating they should not walk across the street at all (such as unmarked crosswalks), drivers may share some responsibility for failing to account for them especially if speed was an issue which might have made seeing them more difficult.
If you are hit as a pedestrian and the driver was not negligent, there is no compensation available to you (even if they were speeding or texting).
Pedestrians Are The Most Vulnerable Road Users
Pedestrians have no protection from motor vehicles. They are the most vulnerable road users and many serious accidents involve pedestrians being struck by cars or other vehicle types, such as buses or trucks.
Pedestrians around children need special attention because children often do not have enough sense of how dangerous streets can be for foot travel. This means they might dart out into the street after a ball without looking first. They might chase their runaway kite right into an intersection where it is difficult to see them until it’s too late for motorists who cannot stop quickly on wet pavement with poor traction due to puddles underfoot from recent rain showers.
The Most Common Causes
There are lots of causes for pedestrian accidents and many can be fatal if you’re not being careful enough. Here are some causes:
- Speeding: Pedestrians can be dragged under the wheels of a car when it’s going too fast.
- Drunk Driving: Statistics show that these accidents are extremely common among pedestrians. If you’re intoxicated, then your ability to follow traffic rules goes out the window.
- Not Using The Crosswalk: It may seem obvious but a lot of people don’t use crosswalks properly or even at all because they think they’ll take longer than simply crossing from one side to another on foot.
- Not Looking: This is important whether you’re driving or walking around. Pedestrians must pay attention at all times as they never know when a car is going to come barreling down the street at them.
- Distracted Driving: One of the biggest causes of pedestrian accidents today is distracted driving. Whether it’s talking on the phone, texting, or eating while driving. All these activities take your mind off important matters.
- Not Visible: Pedestrians must do everything they can to be seen by drivers at night and must dress in bright colors.
- Inexperience: When it comes to driving, there are so many rules and regulations that must be followed in order to stay safe on the road. If you’re new behind the wheel, then maybe wait a few years before getting your license or permit.
Drivers Must Yield To Pedestrians
The pedestrian is always right in a crosswalk or intersection, regardless of who has the right of way. Drivers must allow pedestrians to walk in the street and yield when it is necessary for them to do so.
Obeying traffic signals is important when you are near people on foot because they have the legal priority over vehicles in these cases even if drivers believe that they can proceed first due to their speedier nature. However, this also means that all drivers should stop at yellow lights before proceeding after pedestrians have made it across an intersection safely.
How To Avoid Pedestrian Accidents
In order to avoid a pedestrian accident, it is important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions. Be sure to pay attention when you are driving a vehicle, especially in busy areas where pedestrians may walk or cross the road. Also, look out for elderly individuals who could have trouble seeing over vehicles or whose mobility might not be as quick.
When you’re a pedestrian, be sure to cross the road at a designated crossing and follow all traffic signals. Don’t assume that vehicles will stop for you, especially if there is a red light or sign prohibiting them from going any further.