Universal Reasons for Pedestrian Accidents

As a pedestrian, you are at risk for being hit by a vehicle even if you have taken the best steps to protect yourself from harm. Most often, a pedestrian accident happens due to a careless and negligent driver’s unsafe behavior. Until more drivers practice being alert and not distracted behind the wheel, pedestrians will remain at a high risk for being struck by a car.

What are the main causes of pedestrian accidents?

There are many threats a pedestrian may encounter when walking in public areas. The main contributing factors to being hit can include the following:

• Drivers failing to look for pedestrians crossing in outlined crosswalks before driving through.
• Drivers not stopping at stop signs or street lights.
• Drivers being distracted by the radio, cell phone or other passengers.
• Speeding and racing
• Driving while under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol
• Drivers not considering inclement weather or traffic conditions
• Failing to signal before turning

What are the range of pedestrian injuries?

The type and severity of pedestrian injuries varies depending on how fast the car was going, what kind of car, where the pedestrian was hit, if they tumbled over the car and more. The most frequently treated injuries are listed below:

• Traumatic brain injury
• Internal bleeding
• Organ bruising or rupture
• Pelvic injury
• Spinal damage (nerves & muscles)
• Bone fractures
• Lacerations
• Road rash
• Dislocations
• Fatality due to impact or complication of injuries

How can a pedestrian avoid being hit by a car?

A pedestrian can be acting proactively to avoid being hit by a car, and still be struck due to driver recklessness. To help prevent a pedestrian accident, the following strategies can be used:

• Always obeying the walk signal at intersections, while being alert & aware of surrounding cars.
• Not jaywalking, and only crossing in designated or white outlined areas.
• Not being distracted by cell phone or headphones while crossing the street.
• Looking both ways and staying focused on crossing until reaching the opposite sidewalk.
• Not walking in designated bike lane areas.
• When walking at night, wearing brightly colored or reflective clothing.
• Not crossing in areas where there is heavy traffic, or where you must squeeze between cars.

Is medical attention always necessary after being hit by a car?

For the incredibly lucky ones, a mild bump by a car may not cause life-threatening injuries, but it is always possible the damage is just not felt right away. Always call an ambulance or go to the nearest emergency room if you are ever hit by a car. Do not let the driver get away from the scene and make sure to take down their information. Call the police so they can assist in handling the situation while you focus on your injuries. Even if you feel fine after the incident, if your body is in a state of shock the pain associated with your injuries may not be noticed until hours or days later. If you are considering taking the offending driver to court for compensation of medical bills, having a police report and documentation of your injuries can help support your case. In the event you are pursuing a case regarding a recent pedestrian accident, do not hesitate to contact an experienced pedestrian accident lawyer New York, NY trusts to ensure your case is successful.

Thank you to Okun | Oddo & Babat, P.C, Attorneys at Law for providing their insight and expertise on pedestrian accidents.