When a pedestrian accident occurs, the consequences are typically severe. Unfortunately, more human lives are being lost each year due to preventable accidents, but those who are pedestrians at the time of an incident have the possibility of suffering much more serious consequences.
The reality is that everyone is a pedestrian at some point even if you are just walking to and from your vehicle. Research from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration details that nearly three quarters of pedestrian accidents happen in urban environments and many occur at night and not at intersections.
These accidents can be caused by a variety of different factors, but many of them are caused by negligent drivers. Some of the most common causes of pedestrian accidents include:
- Left hand turns, in which studies show that there are more left hand turn related pedestrian accidents than right hand turns.
- Distracted driving and texting. Drivers who are busy with other things while operating a vehicle are less likely to see when a pedestrian is crossing the road or getting in and out of a vehicle.
- Drunk driving.
- Failing to stop at cross walks appropriately.
Determining liability in pedestrian accident cases is critical for a person who has been substantially injured in an incident. Scheduling a consultation with an experienced California personal injury lawyer is crucial.
If you have been hurt walking to and from errands, your job or even your home, being struck in a pedestrian accident has life changing consequences for the victim and it is essential to fight for compensation with the help of an attorney. Schedule a consultation with a San Francisco accident lawyer today.