What Is the Main Cause of Pedestrian Accidents?

Though people expect there to be more accidents in places where there is a regular flow of traffic and pedestrians, as long as there are vehicles on the road, pedestrians are at risk. However, in all of these situations, one of the most common links when it comes to pedestrian accidents is driver distraction. A Charlotte pedestrian accident attorney can explain how each type of accident may affect a personal injury case.

It’s important that those responsible for the accident are held liable and provide compensation for the injuries you sustained. The team at Ayers, Whitlow & Dressler have years of experience helping pedestrians get the compensation they deserve after an accident.

Causes of Pedestrian Accidents

Because anything from poor nighttime visibility and high traffic situations to drunk or reckless driving can cause a pedestrian accident, there really isn’t a single issue that causes pedestrian accidents.

While there is no true “main cause” of pedestrian accidents, driver distraction plays an important part in almost all of them. The legal reason for pedestrian accidents shifts from year to year and place to place. However, there are a number of different things that can, depending on the situation, lead to pedestrian accidents. Some of these include:

• Speeding. A driver going too quickly is going to have issues seeing pedestrians and being able to stop quickly enough.
• Distracted Driving. A driver not paying attention to the road and looking at their phone or some other distraction may not notice pedestrians crossing.
• Driving Impaired. Drivers who are impaired by alcohol or drugs may be more likely to end up in an accident because of their slower reaction times, vision issues, and hindered judgment.
• Visibility Issues. There are a number of potential issues that could severely hamper a driver’s ability to see a pedestrian on the road. Inadequate lighting, rain, snow, sleet, and other issues can make it hard for drivers to recognize pedestrians, as well as make a vehicle harder to control.
• Failure to Yield. If a driver fails to yield in a situation where pedestrians have the right of way, such as at crosswalks and intersections, that could lead to an accident.
• Poor or Insufficient Infrastructure. Sometimes, a lack of sidewalks, not having pedestrian signals, and crosswalks being insufficiently marked could lead to an accident.
• Pedestrian Behavior. There are some cases when a pedestrian could be partially at fault for their injuries when they were jaywalking, impaired, or not paying attention as they were crossing the road.

FAQs

Q: Do Pedestrians Have the Right of Way in North Carolina?

A: There are a number of different situations where North Carolina pedestrians do have the right of way when crossing. This means that drivers must stop and provide sufficient space for the pedestrians to cross the road safely. Some of these places where pedestrians have the right of way include:

• Marked Crosswalks. At crosswalks, whether marked or not, pedestrians may cross with the right of way unless a traffic signal indicates not to.
• Traffic Signals. Whenever a pedestrian signal indicates they are free to walk, pedestrians have the right of way in the direction that they are walking.
• Special Situations. If those crossing are visually impaired, usually using a cane or guided by service animals, drivers should use extra caution to ensure that they are able to cross and are in the clear before resuming traffic flow.

Q: What Should I Do If I’ve Been Injured as a Pedestrian?

A: If you’ve been injured in a pedestrian accident, seek medical attention first. If your injuries allow, it can be helpful to get pictures and video that document the scene of the accident as well as contact info for any witnesses who saw what happened. You should also get in touch with a personal injury lawyer as soon as you can, as they can help you understand your options.

Q: What Does a Charlotte Pedestrian Accident Attorney Do?

A: A Charlotte pedestrian accident attorney can help you get fair compensation for medical injuries, rehabilitation costs, and other costs associated with the accident. They will investigate the circumstances of your accident, negotiate on your behalf, and represent you in court if necessary.

Q: How Can I Avoid an Accident as a Pedestrian?

A: While there are some accidents that are simply unavoidable because of a significant error on the part of the driver, there are some things that a pedestrian may be able to do to greatly reduce the risk of an accident. One of the most important things is to be sure that you are crossing the road only at designated crossing areas. When crossing, it’s a good idea to wait until any oncoming cars come to a stop.

Another important consideration when wanting to avoid a pedestrian accident is considering the conditions the drivers are dealing with. You may want to avoid going out in low visibility as much as possible and wear something that maximizes your visibility if you are out.

Generally, the surest way to avoid an accident as a pedestrian is to remain alert and pay attention to your surroundings.

How a Charlotte Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Can Help

A pedestrian accident can have fairly devastating results. The injuries could be significant, and the medical bills to treat them can be substantial. These bills are legally the responsibility of whoever caused the injury.

The liable party is also responsible for providing compensation for other costs as well, including lost wages when the injury causes you to miss work. Their liability extends to the non-financial costs you suffer, including pain and suffering, mental anguish, and other psychological or emotional costs.

In most cases, it will be a driver’s insurance provider who is responsible for paying for these expenses. To get them to pay can often prove to be a somewhat challenging process. These disputes, if they can’t be resolved, can be addressed legally through a civil personal injury claim. The Charlotte pedestrian accident lawyers at Ayers, Whitlow & Dressler can help ensure the victims of these accidents have a strong chance of getting what they are owed.

Contact us today to discuss your accident and the options available to you.