Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents
Several factors may contribute to a pedestrian accident. In many cases, many accidents are caused by reckless drivers. Being aware of the most common causes of pedestrian accidents is a proactive way to ensure these are avoided as much as possible.
Some of the most common reasons for pedestrian accidents include:
Left Turns
Pedestrian accidents can occur when drivers making left turns become focused on oncoming traffic and fail to notice pedestrians.
Poor Weather Conditions
Rainy weather can create dangerous conditions for pedestrians and drivers alike. Poor visibility and slippery surfaces can make it difficult for drivers to stop in time and may cause pedestrians to slip and fall into the path of oncoming traffic. Pedestrians must exercise caution when crossing the street during rainy weather.
Intoxicated Drivers
Drunk driving or driving under the influence of drugs can lead to dangerous and irresponsible decisions behind the wheel. Drunk drivers have the tendency to run through pedestrian crosswalks.
Distracted Driving
Distracted drivers are a danger to pedestrians and other motorists as well, because they may not see them. Drivers must refrain from actions such as, using their phones and eating when driving. Pedestrians should also be mindful when crossing the street.
Aggressive or Reckless Driving
Pedestrians in California have the right of way on both marked and unmarked crosswalks. Motor vehicle drivers need to be cautious at all times and avoid speeding. By being aware of these laws and taking extra care, accidents can be prevented.
Dark Clothing
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that pedestrian accidents are most likely to happen at night, so it’s important for pedestrians to wear bright, visible clothing. Although streetlights and intersection lights can help drivers see pedestrians, it can still be tough to spot them in the dark.
Handling a personal injury claim while trying to recover from physical injuries can be difficult. The claims process can be complex and tedious. As the injured party, it is in your best interest to obtain legal representation from a Sacramento pedestrian accident lawyer to ensure your rights are preserved and you recover the maximum compensation possible for your injuries and damages.
Safety Tips For Pedestrians
Pedestrians must bear in mind the several ways to keep themselves safe while crossing the street. Below are some safety tips pedestrians should keep in mind in order to reduce their chances of being in an accident:
- Be aware of your surroundings: Pedestrians must always be aware of their surroundings and not engage in distracting activities while walking. They should look both ways before crossing the street and be cautious at all times.
- Be visible: Wearing brightly colored clothing or carrying a flashlight can help you be seen by drivers at night and avoid pedestrian accidents.
- Avoid dangerous actions: Pedestrians must stay on the sidewalk, make eye contact with motorists, and stay sober. Do not assume that drivers can see you; many accidents happen because drivers are distracted and do not see pedestrians.
- Don’t jaywalk: It is best to only cross the street at marked pedestrian crossings.
Most Common Injuries in Pedestrian Accidents
Pedestrian accident victims often suffer from more severe injuries than those in other types of accidents. This is because pedestrians have no protection from the impact of a collision. Injuries sustained in pedestrian accidents can incur costly medical expenses, and may also result in missed work days, financial losses, and emotional distress.
Below are some of the most common types of injuries accident victims may sustain from a pedestrian accident:
- Spinal cord injuries – A spinal cord injury is a serious injury to the spine that can cause long-term disability. Spinal cord injuries are most often the result of auto accidents, however pedestrian accident victims are also at risk in sustaining this kind of injury.
- Soft tissue damage – This type of injury can cause severe pain and scarring to the pedestrian’s muscles, tendons, or ligaments.
- Internal injuries – It is common for injury victims of a pedestrian accident to sustain internal organ injuries due to the force of a vehicle collision. This is why victims are urged to seek medical care immediately after an accident.
- Broken bones – Broken bones are another common injury in pedestrian accidents. This is due to the force of impact from the collision being quite strong. The most common fractures that pedestrians sustain are to their wrists, femur, hips, tibia, arms, and ankles.
- Traumatic brain injuries – A traumatic brain injury or TBI results from a violent blow to the head. Some common symptoms of a TBI are difficulty speaking, changes in mood, trouble concentrating, loss of consciousness, and headaches. The severity of the accident will determine how severe the symptoms will be.
What Must You Do After a Pedestrian Accident
After getting into a pedestrian accident, it is important to take certain steps in order to ensure that your pedestrian accident injury claim is strong. Additionally, it is crucial to be aware of these steps in order to protect your rights from insurance adjusters who may try to reduce the value of your claim.
If you are involved in a pedestrian accident, there are some important steps you must take:
- Contact the police. Call the police immediately after the incident occurs. An officer must be present at the accident scene to create a police report of the accident. The report may be used as evidence by your Sacramento pedestrian accident attorney to help strengthen your claim.
- Seek medical assistance. Regardless of whether or not you are exhibiting symptoms of injury, a medical professional must conduct a thorough assessment to ensure you do not have any internal injuries. These types of injuries may not present themselves outwardly and may cause damage to the body if not treated immediately. Remember to keep a copy of all your medical records, this may also be used as evidence by your personal injury attorney.
- Collect information. It is important to get the name, phone number, address, license plate number, and insurance company information of the at-fault driver.
- Collect witness information. If possible, collect details from eyewitnesses. This includes their names and telephone numbers.
- Contact our Sacramento pedestrian accident lawyers. Do not hesitate to contact Farahi Law Firms’ experienced pedestrian accident lawyers immediately after an accident. We will ensure that your rights are preserved and will fight to recover the accident compensation you need and deserve.
Compensation For Pedestrian Accident Victims
When a negligent driver causes a pedestrian accident, the driver may be held liable for any injuries and property damage the pedestrian sustains due to the accident. The injured party may seek fair compensation for these economic and non-economic damages.
As the injured party, you may be eligible for the following compensatory damages:
- Medical bills
- Future medical treatment
- Loss of wages
- Loss of income
- Property damage
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional trauma
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Loss of consortium
- Loss of companionship
In the event that a negligent party caused the wrongful death of your loved one in a pedestrian accident, you may be eligible to file a wrongful death claim on their behalf.
Although no amount of monetary compensation can make up for the loss of a loved one, these damages are meant to aid the family through financial burdens and cover expenses such as funeral or burial costs.
Injured in a Pedestrian Accident? Contact Farahi Law Firm’s Expert Sacramento Pedestrian Accident Lawyers
You may be entitled to compensation if you have sustained injuries and damages due to the careless actions of an at-fault party. An experienced pedestrian accident lawyer can help you with the legal process and recover the compensation you deserve.
At Farahi Law Firm, we understand how difficult it is to cope with a pedestrian accident. We will do everything we can to help you recover the compensation you deserve as quickly as possible.
Thorough investigation and years of experience in personal injury law mean that we are well-equipped to handle your case and get you the best possible outcome. You should not have to worry about anything except for your recovery. Let us take care of the rest.
We are dedicated to winning and offer our clients a No Fee Guarantee and work on a contingency fee basis. This means you won’t need to pay us a single cent unless we win your case.
Contact us at (916) 471-4797 for a free case consultation. We are available 24/7. Your justice is our cause!