Common Causes Of Pedestrian Accidents
Pedestrian accidents have the potential to cause serious, life-altering injuries. These injuries are often catastrophic due to the significant size difference between individuals and motor vehicles. Understanding the nature of these incidents is important for anyone considering legal action.
If you were hurt by a negligent driver while traveling by foot, a skilled NJ pedestrian accident lawyer is here to help. Before your initial consultation with our firm, you could benefit from a clear picture on how these accidents occur. See our guide to the common causes of pedestrian accidents.
The Leading Causes Of Pedestrian Accidents
There are endless factors that could play a role in causing a pedestrian accident. However, some situations are more likely than others to result in a careless driver striking a person while traveling on foot. Some of the most common causes of pedestrian accidents include the following:
Impaired Driving
Drunk drivers are one of the greatest dangers to pedestrians. The impairment caused by drugs or alcohol can lead to a motorist losing control or failing to respond to a pedestrian in their path. These drivers frequently take avoidable risks and fail to grasp the consequences of their actions until it is too late.
Vehicle Defects
Human error is far and away the most common cause of pedestrian accidents. It is worth noting that some of these incidents will happen due to defects within the car that struck you. Faulty braking systems or tires can lead a driver to strike a person on or near the roadway.
Fatigue
Fatigued drivers share many of the qualities of motorists impaired by drugs and alcohol. They experience a reduced reaction time that makes it difficult to respond to changing road conditions. Fatigue can also lead to poor decisions and avoidable risks that a person might not take with proper rest. The most serious issue involving getting behind the wheel while fatigued is the potential to fall asleep while driving. This can lead to a motorist losing control of their vehicle and crashing—often at high speed.
Speeding
When drivers travel at high speeds, their ability to quickly react to changing road conditions is lost. This is a problem in areas where pedestrians are common. When a driver is speeding near an intersection, they might not be able to stop in time should someone step into the crosswalk. Drivers who travel at these speeds are also at a greater risk of losing control of their vehicle. This can lead to injuries for anyone traveling by foot along the roadway at the time.
Injuries Resulting From An Accident
There is no question that pedestrian accident injuries could alter the course of your life forever. Many people deal with permanent health issues that make it challenging to earn a living, handle day-to-day tasks, or even walk independently.
No two accidents are the same. The specific facts of a pedestrian collision will ultimately determine the type and severity of the injuries you suffer. Our team could advise you on the compensation these injuries might qualify you for. Some potential injuries include the following:
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Cuts, bruises and lacerations
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Internal bleeding
- Arm or leg fractures
- Sprains and strains
- Spinal cord injuries or paralysis
- Burns
- Amputation
Any of these injuries could result in a viable personal injury case if negligence is involved.
Working with the Harrell Law Firm
From talking about the value of your claim to discussing the steps to take after an accident, you could benefit from a private consultation with Harrell Injury Law. Our team of attorneys is proud of our track record of success when it comes to personal injury cases. We believe our aggressive approach can put you in a position to secure the fair compensation you deserve.
The consequences of these accidents are often serious. If you are dealing with injuries after being struck by a car, now is the time to seek help. Call us today for your free consultation.
