There may be many individuals in Texas who enjoy walking to and from their destinations, some of whom may use the sidewalk as a primary mode of travel. While there might be a variety of potential benefits involved with being a pedestrian, there may also be some inherent risks involved.
Car accidents involving pedestrians can occur in the blink of an eye and can carry catastrophic repercussions. Knowing some of the most common causes of pedestrian accidents could help you prepare to reduce the risks involved, or help you prepare to seek advice on your options should the unthinkable occur.
The causes
While there may be a multitude of scenarios in which a pedestrian accident could occur, some of the most prevalent causes of such incidents may include:
- Distracted drivers: Distracted driving continues to play a role in many collisions, and pedestrians who cross paths with such negligence may find it nearly impossible to escape the impending danger.
- Speeding and impairment: Negligent behaviors such as excessive speeding and impaired driving also continue to be prevalent causes of serious or fatal pedestrian accidents.
- Lack of awareness: The risk of such incidents may also be greater when drivers fail to maintain constant awareness of their surroundings and do not spot nearby pedestrians before crossing into their path.
- Red-light running: Drivers who run through red traffic lights or stop signs may also run the unfortunate risk of placing the safety and lives of nearby pedestrians in jeopardy.
- Illegal maneuvers: Many pedestrian accidents may occur when drivers make illegal maneuvers through nearby crosswalks. Pedestrians who are in a crosswalk might not have time to react to such situations.
Regardless of how it happens, if the reckless actions of a nearby driver cause a collision that leaves you with severe injuries, you might have questions about the next steps to take to safeguard your future.
After a pedestrian accident
The outcome of a pedestrian accident could leave you with life-altering injuries or even cause you to experience the untimely loss of someone close. Following the incident, you might not be certain of the best course of action to take to protect your interests and pursue restitution accordingly. Fortunately, you don’t have to navigate this process alone, and seeking guidance in thoroughly addressing your situation and options could prove essential to preparing to seek the full amount of compensation you deserve via the appropriate paths.