While collisions between vehicles can be dangerous, collisions between a vehicle and a person on foot are even more likely to lead to serious injuries or death. Victims of pedestrian accidents can suffer multiple forms of bodily harm, including brain injuries, spinal cord injuries resulting in paralysis, multiple broken bones, and severe lacerations that may lead to scarring and disfigurement. Pedestrians who have been injured after being struck by a motor vehicle will need to secure representation from an attorney who can help them take the necessary steps to obtain financial compensation for their damages.
Locations Where Pedestrian Accidents Occur
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the number of pedestrian accidents has increased significantly over the past decade. Around 6,000 people are killed in these types of accidents each year, and well over 100,000 people suffer serious injuries that require emergency medical treatment.
The NHTSA reports that around 80% of pedestrian accidents occur in cities and urban areas. People in these locations are more likely to travel on foot, putting them at a higher risk of injury when walking near roads or crossing at intersections. However, around 70% of pedestrian accidents take place in locations other than intersections. While pedestrians may be at risk when crossing the road, they are more likely to be injured when walking near the road, such as on a road’s shoulder. Many pedestrian accidents also take place in parking lots due to drivers’ failure to notice people walking near their vehicles, and drivers may also back over pedestrians when pulling out of driveways.
Most of the time, pedestrian accidents occur because of driver negligence. Distracted drivers, including those talking or texting on cell phones, are more likely to fail to notice people walking near the road or crossing at an intersection. Drunk driving can also greatly increase the chances of pedestrian accidents, since intoxication by drugs or alcohol can cause a driver to be unable to respond in time to avoid hitting a pedestrian in their path. Traffic violations such as speeding or making illegal turns can also increase the chances of pedestrian accidents.
Contact Our Green Bay Pedestrian Accident Attorneys
If you have been injured in a pedestrian accident, it is important to act quickly to gather and preserve evidence demonstrating that you were injured by a negligent driver. At Herrling Clark Law Firm, Ltd. our attorneys can obtain the necessary evidence, including police reports, recordings of calls to 911, statements from eyewitnesses, photos of the location where the accident occurred, and video captured by traffic cameras or security cameras. To get the legal help you need, contact our Appleton pedestrian accident lawyers at 920-739-7366 to set up a free consultation today.
Sources:
https://injuryfacts.nsc.org/motor-vehicle/road-users/pedestrians/
https://www.cdc.gov/transportationsafety/pedestrian_safety/index.html