Locations Where Pedestrians Get Hit the Most
Pedestrians get hit most in urban cities. Their injuries and fatalities are but one aspect of a bigger set of problems related to road safety. Although walking is great for our health, it can also result in more tragic pedestrian accidents. Continue reading to learn where these accidents are most likely to occur. Which Part of a City Do Pedestrians Get Hit the Most? Non-intersections are a hotspot for pedestrian accidents in urban cities. According to the United States Department of Transportation, more than 70 percent of pedestrian-related fatalities occur while on a stroll or running. This statistic matters because it shows that accidents are more likely to happen when one’s senses are impaired, such as when a person walks for leisure. A person walking from point A to point B is less likely to be struck because they’re more attentive than someone who is jogging. Most of these accidents occur between 6:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. Read on to learn who is most at risk. Who is Most at Risk of Becoming a Victim? Although every pedestrian is in danger of getting struck by a car, certain groups have a higher risk. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), these people are most at risk: Male pedestrians are more likely to get hit by cars than women. As people age, they’re more likely to die from injuries caused by an accident. Teenagers and young adults ages 15-29 are more likely to receive treatment for injuries as pedestrians in emergency rooms compared to older people. Children are at the highest risk of dying if struck by a car. One in five traffic fatalities of children who were younger than 14 died from this type of accident. Thirty-four percent of pedestrians who died as a result of a pedestrian accident had a .08 percent blood alcohol concentration or higher. Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents Drivers have a duty of care to obey traffic laws and must look out for pedestrians. When they don’t follow traffic signs, fatal crashes may occur. Common ways driver negligence results in accidents include: Distracted driving: When drivers talk on the phone, text, or eat and drink, their minds and eyes aren’t on the road. An unsuspecting pedestrian who has the right of way may fall victim to a driver’s negligence. Intoxicated driving: When a driver is intoxicated through alcohol or drugs, their reasoning, reaction times, and driving abilities become impaired. They can easily miss a pedestrian, especially at night. Speeding: Not only is speeding a violation of traffic laws, but it’s also one of the most reckless forms of driving. When pedestrians get hit by speeding cars, they may suffer life-threatening injuries or die on impact. Poor weather: Drivers who don’t slow down when it’s foggy, rainy, or snowy might not be able to see pedestrians. They may not be able to slow down or stop in time on slippery roads. Left-hand turns: Pedestrians risk being struck when using crosswalks by cars turning left. Unfortunately, a driver’s focus may be on safely navigating the intersection instead of the pedestrian legally crossing the street. Failing to yield: People who drive past stop signs and don’t stop for pedestrians who have the right of way are a common cause of these accidents. Backing-up accidents: Some of the worst accidents occur in people’s driveways when they back up their cars over a child they can’t see. Establishing Fault If a pedestrian crosses the street while the crosswalk sign says, “don’t walk” and is struck by a car, they may be legally at fault for their accident. They may also be held liable if they cross prohibited roads, freeways, and highways. However, a driver who doesn’t stop to check on a victim after hitting them, whether it’s their fault or not, might be charged with hit-and-run. They’re often found negligent in backing-up and left-hand turn accidents. Flickinger Sutterfield & Boulton is Here for You Although pedestrians get hit most in densely populated cities, they risk being struck anywhere, including suburban areas. If you were recently involved in a pedestrian accident, an experienced personal injury attorney from Flickinger Sutterfield & Boulton could help you receive the compensation you deserve. We have offices throughout Utah County and West Jordan. Schedule your free case evaluation today.
Proving Fault in a Pedestrian Accident
When it comes to pedestrian accidents, most people assume that pedestrians are automatically eligible for compensation just because they are on foot. It is also a misconception that pedestrians don’t have to prove liability. However, this could not be further from the truth. When an accident between an automobile and a pedestrian occurs, several questions arise, such as is the driver 100% at fault, or only partially at fault? It’s essential to consider the following factors that may have caused the pedestrian accident, such as over speeding, driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, running a red light or stop sign, distracted driving, road conditions, weather conditions, and more. Breaching a Duty of Care An example of drivers breaching their duty of care on the road is if said driver was legally obligated to yield the right of way, which means the driver must operate their vehicle in a way that makes the road entirely safe for pedestrians. Including pedestrians that are walking within marked and unmarked crosswalks. In this instance, if the driver breached their legal duty of care, he or she can be held liable in court. Additionally, your injury lawyer will have to prove that this breach of duty caused your injuries and damages that were sustained. Here are some other factors that are considered in court to determine liability in a car vs. pedestrian accident: The driver: In several court cases, drivers are found liable because they are usually the ones driving recklessly, under the influence, distracted, or careless when a pedestrian accident occurs. The pedestrian: Many people forget that pedestrians are also bound to traffic laws, so they are not always innocent. Pedestrians must adhere to traffic laws, use crosswalks, and avoid walking in prohibited areas such as a highway. Other factors: Other miscellaneous factors that may have caused the pedestrian accident include poor weather conditions, defective equipment, bad road conditions, poorly maintained roads, among other conditions. When Both Parties Are Found Negligent There are some instances where both the pedestrians and drivers are found negligent. For example, if a pedestrian was jaywalking, and he or she was struck by a driver who was texting and driving, both the pedestrian and the driver will be held partially liable. This type of liability is known as pure comparative negligence. When it comes to pure comparative negligence, the pedestrian is still eligible for partial compensation even if the pedestrian is found partially responsible for said accident. How to Successfully Determine Negligence Individuals who have fallen victim in a pedestrian accident are entitled to compensation for the following damages, which include a lowered quality of life, medical expenses, pain and suffering, emotional trauma, and several other physical and mental scars. There’s no point in trying to guess who will be found negligent. To successfully determine who is at fault in a pedestrian accident, you will need to hire a personal injury lawyer. Contact Flickinger Sutterfield & Boulton today, and one of our experienced personal injury attorneys will help you receive the compensation you deserve.