More than 6,000 pedestrian accidents led to serious injuries and even fatalities in the last few years. This sobering statistic is just a tragic reminder of how vulnerable we are when trying to go about our day on foot.
Top Causes of Pedestrian Accidents
Drivers are usually at fault in most cases, but that doesn’t mean pedestrians are free of guilt completely. Some of the main causes of pedestrian accidents include the following:
Distracted Drivers and Pedestrians
Drivers are not focused on the road when texting or talking on their phones behind the wheel. Similarly, pedestrians looking down at their phones while crossing the road cannot see oncoming vehicles. It is little wonder why distractions are the leading cause of pedestrian accidents.
Impairments
Drivers who drive while under the influence of alcohol or drugs are dangerous to everyone on the road. Impaired ones can drive straight through crosswalks, break signals or make left turns without looking to see any pedestrians in their way. Besides over-the-counter drugs, drivers can also be influenced by uncontrolled substances such as meth.
Reckless Driving
Drivers who hurry or drive recklessly often fail to see pedestrians or crosswalks before it is too late. The faster a vehicle is going, the less control they have. Besides reducing control, speeding can also increase stopping distance and, thus, the severity of accidents. If a driver speeds around intersections, he is more likely to hit someone.
Adverse Weather Conditions
Foggy, rainy, and snowy conditions can reduce road and pedestrian visibility significantly. While most people avoid driving in these conditions and prefer to walk to their destinations, they are also at risk of being run over by impaired drivers.
Besides reducing visibility, wet conditions can make roads slick. Brakes don’t work on a car that is sliding out of control. These conditions give drivers less time to brake if they see a pedestrian in their way.
Driver’s Duty of Care
These causes have one thing in common – they are caused by a driver’s failure to maintain their duty of care. A driver is legally obligated to maintain reasonable care on the road irrespective of conditions. In other words, they are responsible for keeping pedestrians safe. If they fail to uphold this duty, they are deemed negligent. If their negligence causes pedestrian accidents, they can be liable for injuries and losses.
Contact Law Office of Robert Edens to Get the Compensation You Deserve
If you or someone you know has been injured because of a negligent driver or need legal advice on compensation denied to them, contact Robert Edens. Get the best Antioch pedestrian accident lawyer on your case so you can get the financial aid you need and deserve.
This includes funds that can pay for your medical bills and compensate you for the pain and suffering you are going through. The Law Office of Robert T. Edens has helped hundreds of victims like you and recovered millions of dollars for them. It is one of the main reasons our law firm is considered the best in Illinois. Contact us for a free consultation today and before it is too late.
