Each year thousands of pedestrians are killed and injured in motor vehicle accidents. Although pedestrian crashes make up only a small percentage of all auto accidents, they are far more likely to result in serious injuries or death.
If you have been injured in a pedestrian accident, Black Wynn Personal Injury Lawyers can help. We know how to establish liability in a pedestrian case, and how to maximize a damage claim. Call us for a free consultation, and discover what our attorneys can do for you.
Causes of Pedestrian Accidents
Most pedestrian accidents are the fault of the driver of a motor vehicle. While no two cases are exactly alike, many pedestrian accidents are caused by driver negligence in the following areas:
- Drivers often fail to check for pedestrians at crosswalks.
- Stop signs. Running stop signs and red lights can lead to pedestrian crashes.
- Distracted driving. Drivers who text while driving, or who engage in other activities that take their attention away from the road are the cause of many accidents.
- Speeding may well cause more accidents than any other driver error.
- Driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs. Drinking and driving lead to poor judgment, inability to stay in one’s lane, failure to perceive risks, poor reaction time, and other problems that place pedestrians at risk.
- Unsafe turns. Drivers often fail to pay attention to the roadway when making turns.
This is just a small sampling of the errors that lead to pedestrian accidents. In addition, impaired vision due to lack of daylight contributes to the fact that most pedestrian fatalities occur between the hours of 6 p.m. and midnight. And while anyone can be the victim of a pedestrian accident, children and older adults are particularly vulnerable to being struck by a vehicle.
While not all pedestrian accidents are the fault of the driver of a vehicle, most are the result of the failure of the driver to exercise a reasonable level of care, including failure to obey traffic laws, and failure to pay attention to roadway conditions, including the presence of a pedestrian at a crossing or elsewhere on the roadway. Even where the pedestrian shares fault with the driver of the car or truck, it is still possible to establish liability and to collect damages from the driver or his insurance company.
Common Pedestrian Accident Injuries
The most frequent injuries to the lower extremities in pedestrian accidents are those to the legs and knees. Loss of conscious is the most common head injury, affecting as many as 25% of injured pedestrians. Other common injuries are to the upper extremities (shoulders and arms). The injuries often include one or more bone fractures. And in some cases, there are severe lacerations and spinal cord injuries.
These injuries tend to be serious. They also include traumatic brain injuries (TBI), injuries to the cranium, hemorrhages, pelvic injuries, injuries to the internal organs, ligament damage, open/displaced fractures, and others. Fatalities are not uncommon.
Suing for Damages in Pedestrian Accident Cases
Because of the seriousness of many of these injuries, the resulting damages can be significant, including medical, emergency room and hospital bills, long-term physical rehabilitation costs, lost wages and income, permanent injuries, disfigurement, pain and suffering, and more.
If you have been injured in a pedestrian accident, it is important to gather evidence as soon as possible. If you are physically able to do so, obtain the police report, the names of witnesses, admissions by drivers, photographs, medical bills, and even weather reports. First, of course, you should attend to your own medical needs.
The gathering and preserving of evidence will be made easier if, as soon as practicable, you retain the services of an experienced Phoenix personal injury lawyer. At Black Wynn Personal Injury Lawyers, we know what types of evidence may be available to preserve your rights, and to strengthen your case for damages. We will obtain all relevant information, develop a strong case on your behalf, and deal with the insurance companies involved. If necessary, we will hire experts to assist in your case. Throughout the process, our attorneys will focus on fighting for your rights. We will negotiate your claim, keeping you advised of the progress of your case, and making sure that you receive the compensation that you are entitled to.
Black Wynn Personal Injury Lawyers – Representing Pedestrians Injured in Auto Accidents
If you were injured as a pedestrian in an auto accident, Black Wynn Personal Injury Lawyers can help. Call us to schedule a free, confidential consultation. In most cases, there will be no fee unless we recover damages on your behalf.