Addressing the Surge in Pedestrian Accidents and Steps to Take If You Are Injured
Pedestrian accidents are increasing, particularly in urban areas where foot traffic and vehicles frequently share busy streets. This rise, leading to 7,508 fatalities and a 77% increase since 2010, underscores the urgent need for improved pedestrian infrastructure. With approximately 20 pedestrians dying daily, distractions and speeding significantly contribute to these incidents. Understanding the steps to take if you’re injured can be crucial for recovery and legal protection.
In this article, we’ll explore common causes of pedestrian accidents. We will also discuss immediate actions to take after an injury and the legal rights and compensation available to victims.
Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents
Distracted driving is the leading cause, with drivers preoccupied with texting, adjusting navigation systems, or handling other distractions. Speeding is also significant, especially in neighborhoods with high pedestrian traffic, leaving little reaction time for drivers. Poorly marked crosswalks and intersections lacking traffic signals further increase accident risks.
It is more difficult for cars to spot pedestrians in low visibility situations, such as at night or during bad weather. Jaywalking, where pedestrians cross streets without proper signals, and alcohol use by either drivers or pedestrians can also result in devastating accidents.
How can cities improve infrastructure to reduce pedestrian accidents?
Cities can decrease pedestrian accidents by enhancing infrastructure through better-lit crosswalks, adding pedestrian bridges, and installing traffic-calming measures like speed bumps. Improving signage, creating dedicated pedestrian zones, and implementing traffic signals with longer walk times also contribute to safety.
Steps to Take Immediately After a Pedestrian Accident
First, call emergency services or ask someone nearby to do so. Even if injuries appear minor, obtaining a medical evaluation at the scene is critical. Take pictures of the accident scene, the involved cars, and any visible injuries if you can.
Get the witness’s contact information and make sure you get the driver’s details. Refrain from discussing accountability or fault at the scene. Afterward, file a police report and seek prompt medical attention to document injuries for future claims.
Importance of Seeking Medical Attention
According to the New York State Department of Health, one of the top 10 reasons for hospital admissions connected to injuries is pedestrian injuries. These injuries also contribute to deaths across nearly all age groups in New York. Every year, motor vehicles cause over 15,000 injuries and 300 fatalities to pedestrians, leaving over 3,000 of them hospitalized. Seeking prompt medical attention is vital, emphasizing the need for both drivers and pedestrians to adhere to safety laws to prevent tragedies.
Injuries that may manifest later are frequently hidden by the shock and adrenaline from the event. A medical evaluation ensures that hidden issues, like concussions, internal injuries, or soft tissue damage, are identified and treated promptly.
In order to demonstrate the severity and impact of your injuries, medical documentation is also very important in legal claims. Delays in treatment can weaken your case and complicate recovery.
What steps can I take to demonstrate that my injuries directly resulted from the accident?
Having medical records that document your injuries as soon as possible after the accident is crucial. Your claim may be supported by witness accounts, the official police record, and photos of the accident scene and your injuries. Consistent treatment records further substantiate the link between your injuries and the incident.
Legal Rights as a Pedestrian Accident Victim
In most cases, you’ll need to file a police report and provide evidence such as medical records and witness testimony. Through this procedure, a legal expert can help to defend your rights and make sure you get compensated fairly.
For example, CBS 17 reported that a pedestrian was killed after being struck by a vehicle in Fayetteville, N.C., in September 2024. Fayetteville police found the victim in a residential driveway. Despite being transported to Cape Fear Valley Medical Center, the individual later succumbed to their injuries.
The relatives of the victim in this terrible Fayetteville tragedy could be able to file a lawsuit to get damages. Injuries involving pedestrians may result in lawsuits against at-fault parties for lost income, medical expenses, and emotional distress.
It’s imperative to speak with a Fayetteville car accident lawyer in order to handle the legal system efficiently. They support the families of victims of pedestrian accidents in their claims for pain and suffering, lost wages, and medical costs.
As per Keith Law Group, attorneys help you pursue damages and make responsible parties answerable for their deeds. They help you file a claim and represent you during settlement negotiations and in court, ensuring you navigate the legal process effectively.
Am I able to file a claim even if the accident took place in a parking lot or on private property?
Yes, even if the collision happened on private land or in a parking lot, you can still make a claim. These areas are not exempt from legal responsibility. The property owner or driver may be held liable for unsafe conditions or negligence.
Compensation You May Be Entitled To
Accident victims may be eligible for a variety of compensation options, depending on the circumstances surrounding the incident and the severity of their injuries. Economic damages might include property damage, missing work-related earnings, and present and future medical costs.
It is also possible to pursue non-economic damages, such as loss of enjoyment of life, mental distress, and pain and suffering. Punitive damages may be granted to penalize the driver in situations where their actions were very careless.
Long-Term Recovery and Support
According to NCBI, traffic injuries contribute to long-term disabilities. Leg defects occurred in 32.3% of cases, and spinal injuries in 22.6%. Visual impairments and mental-psychological disabilities are found in 6.5% of cases each. Moreover, hand defects and amputations affect 16.1% and 3.2%, respectively. Addressing these outcomes is essential for improving recovery and support for affected individuals.
Long-term recovery after a pedestrian accident may involve physical therapy, rehabilitation, or even surgery, depending on the severity of the injuries. Since accidents might result in anxiety, despair, or post-traumatic stress disorder, emotional support is also essential.
It can be helpful to have access to counseling services, support groups, and mental health specialists. Recovery is often a gradual process, and securing a strong support network of family, friends, and medical professionals helps maintain motivation.
Steps for Recovery and Rights
Understanding the causes of pedestrian accidents and knowing what actions to take immediately is essential for both your recovery and legal protection. Seeking timely medical attention and consulting with a legal professional ensures your rights are preserved and you receive fair compensation. From short-term treatments to long-term recovery and support, every step you take after the accident is critical.
