Taking an evening stroll or walking home from work should not place you in harm’s way. Traffic regulations and road safety signs and signals are in place to keep both motorists and pedestrians safe.
Unfortunately, however, some drivers only obey traffic regulations some of the time. These inconsistencies cause many pedestrian accidents each year.
Who counts as a “pedestrian”?
Pedestrian accidents aren’t just limited to individuals who are out walking to or from a highly populated area, such as shopping malls, casinos or sporting events. Per the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, you are considered a pedestrian if you are doing any of the following activities:
- Walking
- Hiking
- Jogging
- Traveling in a wheelchair
- Lying down
Was the motor vehicle driver at fault for your incident?
Regardless of how and where an accident happens, there can be numerous ways in which a driver acts negligently, including the following:
- Texting while driving
- Speeding
- Driving while impaired by drugs or alcohol
- Ignoring traffic signs
In some cases, even when there aren’t any obvious signs of driver negligence, there can still be other hidden factors that play a role in the cause of an accident. An experienced attorney can thoroughly investigate all aspects of your case to determine if any of these types of issues, such as dangerous roads or a lack of traffic signs, caused your injuries or loss.
You have the right to take action against a negligent driver
If you or any of your immediate family members have been struck by a motor vehicle while traveling on foot, you may already have an understanding of the tremendous financial problems that often arise in the aftermath. Beyond the emotional trauma suffered, achieving a full physical recovery can prove challenging as well. Some injuries can require financially draining medical treatments and/or physical therapy. If you and your family are not prepared to meet such debts, the extreme financial strain can add further burden to an already stressful situation.
If you believe that your injuries or the tragic death of a loved one was caused by driver negligence, you can seek a monetary judgment against the party or parties deemed responsible. By acting alongside experienced legal guidance, you may be able to obtain full recovery for your losses by filing a personal injury or wrongful death claim to hold any and all liable parties accountable for their actions.
