Hiring a Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Can Help You Recover More Compensation

Date20 Mar 2018

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Can a pedestrian accident lawyer help you? According to the most recent statistics from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, more than 5,300 fatalities were the result of a pedestrian accident. This was a 9.5 percent increase from 2014. In 2015, the number of fatalities rose to its highest point since 1996.

Despite improvements to make the streets safer from negligent drivers, pedestrian injuries are fatalities continue to increase. If you or someone you know has been hurt while walking, you may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost wages and more. An experienced pedestrian accident lawyer like Sonja Duckstein can help you obtain the compensation you deserve.

What is a Pedestrian Accident?

While a pedestrian accident may seem easy to define, in order to have a claim, negligence must be established. The injured person must prove that the person at fault owed a duty to the victim, failed to fulfill that duty (e.g., drove recklessly) and therefore, caused an accident that led to harm. For drivers, they must exercise reasonable care while behind the wheel, such as driving the speed limit and not being distracted by their phone. Additionally, pedestrians must also exercise reasonable care. For example, following crosswalk signals and using the marked crosswalks. There are also some cases in which another entity may be held responsible, such as an accident caused by a defective vehicle, poor road designs and dangerous conditions like debris on walkways.

Crosswalk Pedestrian Accident

Thanks to Arizona’s beautiful weather and amazing sights, millions of tourists visit each year, and the locals also spend time enjoying the area. Visit any large city, and there are plenty of tourists crossing the roads to get to their next destination.

In 2016, more than 1,600 pedestrian crashes were reported in Arizona. The number of pedestrian crashes increased between 2015 and 2016 by 1.2 percent. The majority of these accidents occurred while pedestrians were trying to cross the road. The majority of the accidents occurred during clear daylight hours. However, nighttime accidents in lit areas caused nearly 600 more collisions.

In Arizona, both drivers and pedestrians must obey the traffic rules at crosswalks. Pedestrians must always cross inside crosswalks when a traffic signal allows. In cases where there are no signals, pedestrians are expected to look both ways and cross in the crosswalk when it’s safe. Once a person enters the crosswalk, the pedestrian has the right of way. Unfortunately, many motorists think they have the right of way, which is why so many pedestrian crashes occur at crosswalks. It is imperative that both drivers and pedestrian follow the rules of the road for everyone’s safety.

Other Types of Pedestrian Accidents

As previously mentioned, there are some instances in which another individual or entity may be held responsible for the accident and injuries. For example, if a business owner failed to properly maintain their property and did not warn pedestrians of the hazards, they may be held accountable for the accident. In some cases, the city or town may also be held responsible if they failed to maintain a public sidewalk.

Steps You Should Take After a Pedestrian Accident

As a pedestrian, you have rights. If you have been involved in a pedestrian accident, contact the police to report the collision. Similar to other accidents, don’t leave the scene until the crash has been reported.

If there are witnesses, make sure you get their names and contact information. Get medical attention, even if you think you’re okay. Documenting your injuries and treatment can help your pedestrian accident lawyer develop a strong claim on your behalf.

Don’t make any statements to anyone, whether it’s the driver, witnesses or insurers. Only provide the police with the facts of what occurred.

Finally, contact a pedestrian accident lawyer as soon as possible. If you have the number of one, call them immediately after you’ve called 911.