Pedestrian Accidents

shutterstock_412339516- 620x300

When most people think of car accidents, they usually think of collisions involving two vehicles, with the sound of screeching tires and crunching metal and glass. But a fair percentage of car accidents involve only one driver, and these types of accidents can often result in substantial damage and sometimes horrendous injuries, especially when the accident involves a pedestrian.

A pedestrian is anyone who may be on or near a roadway walking, jogging, skateboarding, wheel chairing, or scootering along. It could be someone traveling on the sidewalk, on the street, crossing the street, or even children playing nearby.

Too often, even relatively alert motorists pay attention only to other vehicles and not to others on or near the roadway such as bicyclists and pedestrians. Many pedestrian accidents are the result of drivers who are not paying sufficient attention to their surroundings. Pedestrians are frequently hit by a vehicle while:

  • The vehicle is turning at an intersection or into a driveway or parking lot
  • The pedestrian is walking through a parking lot and the vehicle is driving through
  • The vehicle is backing up out of a parking space or driveway

Drivers have a duty of care while operating their vehicles that extends not only to other cars on the road, but also to other users of the road. This often means being a defensive, rather than aggressive, driver. Drivers need to be especially wary when driving through areas that are likely to have more children present: residential neighborhoods, school zones, shopping areas, and parks. This is critical, since young children are often less aware of their surroundings and of the dangers posed by moving vehicles, and more difficult for drivers to spot because of their small stature.

It is also important for parents to educate their children about the dangers of vehicles and roadways, and in particular the dangers inherent in walking through parking lots and in crossing streets. Parents accompanying their young toddlers along roadways should always have them by the hand or carry them.

As more and more people turn to either public transportation or walking as an alternative to commuting by car, more pedestrians end up on the public roadways. When pedestrians are hit by motorists who are too distracted to notice them crossing the street or walking behind a vehicle, it is the pedestrian who pays the price by suffering severe injuries.

If you or a loved one have been injured by a vehicle while walking contact The Scalora Law Group for a free legal consultation. We are experienced in pedestrian accident cases and have an established track record getting compensation for victims of pedestrian accidents. Contact us today at 860-344-9051 or fill out our contact form to have an attorney contact you back immediately.

    Free Consultation

    [recaptcha size:compact]

    Other Auto Accident Cases