Pedestrian Accidents
Each year, thousands of pedestrians are injured or
killed by motor vehicles. By nature, these accidents are
among the most serious, as pedestrians have little to no
protection if struck by a vehicle. Based on the
circumstances surrounding an accident involving a
pedestrian, there may be significant legal and financial
ramifications for the individuals involved.
Liability
When an accident occurs between a pedestrian and a
motor vehicle, liability may be assigned to either the
pedestrian or the driver of the vehicle. (In rare cases,
such as a traffic signal malfunction, liability may be
placed on a third party.) Pedestrians can cause
accidents in many ways, including:
- Crossing the street against traffic signals
- Crossing the street outside of a crosswalk or
intersection
- Walking on a restricted or limited access roadway
- Walking into a roadway without looking for traffic (as
in the case of a child running out into traffic)
Pedestrians have the responsibility of exercising care
and following all traffic laws. When they neglect to do
so, they may have no recourse for the injuries they
suffer in an accident.
Alternatively, pedestrians may be injured or killed by
drivers who are negligent. Drivers can cause accidents
in the following ways:
- Driving above the speed limit
- Driving carelessly or while distracted
- Failing to yield right of way to pedestrians in a
crosswalk
- Driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol
When drivers neglect to follow traffic laws, they may be
held liable even if the pedestrian is in the roadway
improperly.
Injuries
When a pedestrian is struck by a motor vehicle, the
injuries sustained can be catastrophic. Broken bones,
head and brain injuries, and disfigurement are not
uncommon. The effects of such injuries can be
far-reaching. The associated costs can include medical
bills, rehabilitation and physical therapy, and lost
wages. A driver or passenger in a motor vehicle accident
may also suffer a permanent disability. The
psychological and emotional trauma can be even greater
than a physical injury, both for the victim and for his
loved ones. In the tragic case of a fatal accident, the
loss can be too difficult to imagine.
If you or a loved one has been involved in an accident
like those listed above, it is critical to seek the
advice of a knowledgeable attorney as soon after the
accident as possible. Qualified and experienced legal
counsel can gather the evidence and coordinate the
witnesses that are necessary to make a solid case. An
attorney will also help you to recover as much as
possible to defray the cost of all of the damages that
you have incurred, so please don’t hesitate to call
Peterson & Associates.
Our experienced attorneys can be reached for a free
consultation by calling 816-LAW-FIRM, or by
clicking here to submit
online.
For more information:
Personal Injury FAQs
Personal
Injury Legal Glossary
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