Understanding the Causes of Pedestrian Accidents

 Posted on September 26, 2023 in Personal Injury

Pedestrian accidents are a significant concern worldwide, resulting in severe injuries and fatalities. Understanding the causes of these accidents is important for those who have been injured and are now seeking compensation. If you were a pedestrian involved in an accident and you suffered injuries, contact an attorney to learn more about your legal options. 

Five Reasons Why Pedestrian Accidents Occur

1. Negligent or distracted driving – Taking your eyes off the road is never a good idea, especially when driving near pedestrians. Drivers who engage in activities such as texting, talking on the phone, eating, or adjusting the radio are more likely to be involved in accidents. Failing to pay attention to the road and surrounding environment can result in collisions with pedestrians. 

2. Failing to yield – Although pedestrians enjoy the right of way at many crosswalks and intersections, some drivers fail to follow pedestrian signals, which can cause accidents. This may occur due to a lack of awareness or disregard for traffic laws. 

3. Speeding and reckless driving – Excessive speed and driving recklessly significantly increase the risk of pedestrian accidents. Speeding reduces a driver’s ability to stop or react in time to avoid collisions, particularly in areas with heavy pedestrian traffic, such as residential neighborhoods or school zones.

4. Poor pedestrian infrastructure – Inadequate pedestrian infrastructure, such as poorly designed crosswalks, lack of sidewalks, or insufficient lighting, can contribute to accidents. When pedestrians are forced to walk in unsafe areas or face obstacles that hinder visibility, the likelihood of accidents increases.  

5. Pedestrian negligence – While drivers often bear a more considerable responsibility in pedestrian accidents, pedestrians can also contribute to these incidents through their negligence. This may include crossing the road outside designated areas, jaywalking, or disregarding traffic signals. 

Legal Implications 

When a pedestrian accident occurs, legal considerations come into play. If you have been injured, Illinois requires you bring forth your injury claim within two-years. If you fail to meet this deadline, your pursuit of compensation will likely fail. Depending on the circumstances, fault may lie with the driver, the pedestrian, or both. Factors like negligence, duty of care, and causation must be evaluated to establish liability. Legal actions can be pursued to seek compensation for medical costs, lost wages, and more.

Contact a Joliet Pedestrian Accident Attorney

Pedestrian accidents can result in gruesome injuries and ruined lives, which is why it is so important that when such an accident occurs, all case particulars are examined to uncover the reason why the accident occurred, to begin with. If you were injured in a pedestrian accident, contact the Kendall County pedestrian accident lawyers with Schwartz Injury Law. Call 708-888-2160 for a free consultation.