Driver negligence and pedestrian accidents

As a driver, you always need to be aware of your surroundings. As a pedestrian, the same holds true. If you take your eyes off the task at hand for any reason, it increases the risk of an accident.

Driver negligence often leads to a pedestrian accident. There is more than one type of negligence, with the most common including:

• Distracted driving, which includes things such as texting, talking on the phone or conversing with passengers
• Speeding
• Any form of reckless driving
• Failing to give pedestrians the right of way at crosswalks
• Disobeying a traffic sign of signal
• Failing to use a turn signal when making a turn
• Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
• Overlooking traffic patterns and weather conditions

Driver negligence is every bit as dangerous as it sounds. When a driver doesn’t do what he or she should when he or she is in close proximity to pedestrians, there is a chance that a person could be struck.

As a pedestrian, if you ever find yourself part of an accident you need to stay where you are until help arrives. There is a good chance that you have suffered some type of injury, so you must make sure you receive immediate medical attention.

Once you understand your injuries, treatment schedule and long term prognosis, you can focus on the cause of the accident. You may come to find that the driver acted in a negligent manner, such as by texting and driving. This puts you in position to then learn more about your legal rights, all with the idea that you may be able to seek compensation for your injuries.

Source: FindLaw, “Pedestrian Accidents Overview,” accessed Jan. 11, 2018