As a person walking by the side of a road with fast-moving vehicles, you are at the most risk for damage in a car accident. You do not have a car’s body protecting you, so death is often the result of pedestrian accidents. If you are involved in a pedestrian accident, you need to comprehend the depth of the situation so you can know how to act accordingly and get compensation for the damages. The following are a few things you need to know about pedestrian accidents, and if you need a pedestrian accident lawyer we are always here to help you:
Major Causes of Pedestrian Accidents
There are many causes of pedestrian accidents in the United States. The most common one by far is distracted driving.
There are many distractions drivers face while on the road. Using a phone, children playing, and unnecessarily loud music are some of the distractions that can lead to pedestrian accidents.
Driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol is another primary cause of pedestrian accidents. Speeding and failure to obey traffic laws are other common causes of pedestrian accidents.
Drivers should know what causes these accidents, which will probably kill pedestrians, and avoid them.
Most Pedestrian Accidents Occur In The Evening
According to the Department of Transportation, most pedestrian accidents in the country occur in the evening. There are several reasons for this phenomenon.
Driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs often happens in the evening. Therefore, more drivers are driving carelessly, and hitting passengers due to their intoxication.
Another reason why most accidents happen at night is because of darkness. Though there may be lights, it is harder to see at night than during the day. Pedestrians who wear dull or dark colors at night without reflectors can also be hard to see at night.
Most Accidents Do Not Occur At Intersections
There is a misconception that most pedestrian accidents happen at crossroads and intersections. The reasoning is that there is a blind spot in the driver’s view at junctions that makes it more likely for them to hit passengers.
The fact of the matter is that most pedestrian accidents happen at non-intersections like bike lanes and sidewalks. More pedestrian accidents happen in parking areas than in intersections.
Therefore, though you should be careful when at an intersection or crossroad, you should be even more careful when in other areas to avoid pedestrian accidents.
Damages Associated With Pedestrian Accidents
The severity of the injuries pedestrians incur in pedestrian accidents can vary widely. However, there are common damages for which you can get compensation after the accident.
These damages include medical bills, loss of income or working capability, emotional damages, and pain & suffering. Therefore, after a pedestrian accident, it is essential to keep all records to help with your personal injury claim.
Your best chance of receiving compensation for damages is to have a good Utah personal injury attorney. If you are involved in a pedestrian accident in Utah, please contact a Utah personal injury lawyer immediately.