There are many occasions and locations where people are seen traveling on foot. Unfortunately, the large number of pedestrians results in an increasing number of deaths from vehicle and pedestrian accidents. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has been working hard to reduce the number of crashes that lead to the so many pedestrian injuries and fatalities each year. A comprehensive approach between drivers and pedestrians will hopefully be the most effective approach.
The obvious reason that these accidents are so severe is that the person who is walking does not have the same protection that another vehicle would have. Vehicles do not have to be traveling very fast to result in serious damage to a pedestrian. This can be psychologically damaging to both parties involved. When the accident occurs due to the negligence of the driver, the person who is injured or the family of the person who is killed may file a personal injury lawsuit.
Causes of Pedestrian Accidents
Major causes of pedestrians being struck and injured by vehicles are:
- Left hand turns in which the driver has to focus on more of his/her surroundings while driving
- Driver distractions such as cell phones or talking with other passengers
- Pedestrian distractions such as cell phones
- Mind-altering substances used or taken by either the driver or pedestrian
- Wearing dark clothing
When is a Pedestrian Accident a Personal Injury?
Pedestrians can find themselves in danger from drivers in a number of different situations. Drivers might hit a pedestrian in the crosswalk where they have the right of way, or even while they are still on the sidewalk. These accidents happen randomly to people of all ages, in crosswalks and open lanes, and with small vehicles, as well as large business vehicles, during all hours of the day or night.
When a person receives an injury as the result of a pedestrian accident, they should contact a personal injury attorney to get justice. In spite of the efforts to make the streets of Baltimore a safer place for pedestrians to walk, the number of accidents remains high. The tendency of these accidents to result in severe injuries makes it even more important to get the justice and compensation that you deserve.
Most people who had the opportunity to engage in an activity with the same amount of risk as that of walking in Baltimore would be unlikely to participate. Still, many residents and visitors in the city and the surrounding areas walk on the sidewalks, through crosswalks, and on streets every day.
No one should have to worry that they will be critically or fatally injured in a pedestrian accident just by walking to work or to the store a block away. A personal injury attorney knows your legal rights and will help you pursue your claim to compensate you for the injury you have incurred.
