With more people out walking for exercise and to get to where they are going in Norfolk, the dangers also increase that a pedestrian will be seriously injured in a pedestrian accident. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 6,283 walkers were killed in accidents in 2018—the most since 1990. If you or a family member were injured in a pedestrian accident in Norfolk, you can file a claim with the negligent party’s insurance company and obtain compensation for your injuries.
Six Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents
The majority of pedestrian accidents are caused by motor vehicle and truck drivers striking the pedestrian, but an individual can also be hit by a motorcycle rider, bicyclist, or another pedestrian. If a person is hurt in a pedestrian accident, they are much more likely to suffer catastrophic, long-term injuries because their bodies have no protection from a much larger, heavier motor vehicle or truck. Leading causes of these accidents include:
- Distracted driving. A driver who is talking on a cell phone, texting, eating or drinking, or otherwise distracted does not have his eyes on the road or his mind on his driving. He can easily fail to see a pedestrian before it is too late to avoid hitting him.
- Speeding. Speeding makes it harder to slow down or stop and increases the severity of the victim’s injuries because the force of impact will be greater.
- Being Intoxicated. When a driver is high on drugs or drunk, their vision, reaction time, judgment, and more are seriously impaired—making a pedestrian accident more likely.
- Not yielding. Motorists and truckers have a duty to yield to pedestrians in crosswalks, at intersections, and at stop signs but fail to do so in many tragic accidents where pedestrians are injured or killed.
- Making a left turn. Drivers making a left turn are often focused on oncoming drivers and trying to beat a light than watching for a pedestrian who has the right of way to cross the street.
- Backing up. Drivers and truckers can hit a pedestrian when they are reversing and don’t see the person behind their vehicle. Many of these tragic accidents happen at homes when a family member, friend, or other person does not check what is behind their vehicle or fails to see a small child behind the car or truck and backs up over them.
Hurt in a Pedestrian Accident? Call Us for the Legal Help You Need
Were you or a family member injured in a pedestrian accident in Norfolk? Our dedicated legal team is here to collect the evidence you need to prove the liability of the negligent driver and fight for the compensation you deserve for your injuries. Schedule a free consultation to learn about our extensive experience in these cases and how we can assist you. Call our office today to schedule your appointment.
|
Related Links: |