A pedestrian is defined as a person walking along a road or in a developed area such as a neighborhood. When pedestrians choose to walk down a street with a high level of motor vehicle traffic, they are automatically putting themselves at greater risk for an accident. Many people do not consider the potential danger before they decide to walk alongside a street. Even if a pedestrian stays on the sidewalk and waits for a protected signal before crossing intersections, they cannot predict or control the actions of motor vehicle drivers.
Almost every pedestrian accident is caused by the negligence or inattentiveness of an automobile or motorcycle driver. One of the most common causes of pedestrian accidents is driver inattentiveness that results from talking on cell phones, eating while driving, programming a GPS, applying make-up or a variety of other activities. Driver confusion can also lead to accidents, especially when a driver is unfamiliar with the territory or when a one-way street is involved.
In busy cities, aggressive driving is a main cause of many pedestrian accidents. This is because drivers are more likely to violate traffic signals and display fits of road rage that result in unsafe speeds and unlawful turning. For example, a study by the Municipal Transportation Agency investigated the most common maneuvers drivers performed immediately prior to a pedestrian accident. The study found that drivers were making a left turn, making a right turn, backing up or making a U-turn immediately before hitting or injuring a pedestrian.
Pedestrians must be aware of these potentials for danger whenever they take to the roads, and must do their part to follow safety laws. A pedestrian can be responsible for their injuries when they ignore the “walk” signal at an intersection or choose to not use the designated crosswalk areas to cross the road or intersection. A pedestrian is also likely to be involved in an accident when he or she darts in front of a vehicle, doesn’t wear reflective gear at night, or disrupts the normal flow of traffic. Regardless of the circumstances surrounding your accident, it is important for you to contact a pedestrian accident attorney if you have suffered injury as a pedestrian.
The NHTSA reported 59,000 pedestrian injuries across the United States in 2009. Only a fraction of pedestrian crashes that cause injury are ever recorded by the police, and this means that countless of injured pedestrians choose to suffer without the financial help that may be available to them. Approximately 107.4 million Americans choose walking as a regular mode of travel for both social and work purposes. Walking may seem like a great way to exercise and enjoy beautiful scenery or weather, but it is important for pedestrians to understand their rights as a pedestrian under both federal and state laws in case of a serious injury.
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*Information obtained from: hg.org
