What Is a Pedestrian Accident?
In simple terms, a pedestrian accident is an accident that involves some motor vehicle or bicycle and a pedestrian. These accidents mainly occur in parking lots, sidewalks, and anywhere a pedestrian shares a lane of travel with a bike or motor vehicle. These accidents are common due to the many people that use walking as a method of transportation, especially in Texas. Vehicles move faster and with more force than someone on foot, resulting in severe, even life-threatening injuries.
Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents
The majority of pedestrian vehicle accidents occur in intersections. While laws exist to protect pedestrians and vehicles, many people ignore these laws or don’t pay adequate attention. Some of the common causes of pedestrian accidents include:
- Failure to yield. Individuals fail to give a pedestrian the right of way or fail to stop at a stop sign or red light.
- Distracted driving. Individuals may become preoccupied behind the wheel by changing the radio station, texting, talking, eating, smoking, or accessing a navigation system. As such, they’re less likely to be focused on the road.
- Speeding. Driving over posted speed limits or faster than road and weather conditions allow can create a dangerous situation for pedestrians.
- Low visibility. Lack of visibility at night can lead to accidents because it’s more challenging to see in the dark or inclement weather, which is even more true when the pedestrian is wearing white clothing.
- Driving under the influence. Alcohol and drugs are major contributing factors in many Texas pedestrian accidents.
While pedestrians should always exercise caution while walking, it’s the responsibility of the motorist to avoid hitting someone traveling by foot. Drivers should be extra aware of people who seem lost, confused, disoriented, or appear to be intoxicated, impaired, or disabled.
Common Injuries of a Pedestrian Accident
Even accidents that occur at low speeds can be tragic for a pedestrian. The severity of the injuries depends on many factors. These factors include how fast a vehicle was going, how a vehicle strikes a pedestrian, and the impact angle. In accidents that involve adults, they’re typically hit in the legs first, which can cause them to fly into the air onto the ground or the vehicle itself. The most common accidents involve traumatic brain injuries and musculoskeletal injuries in children, resulting in long-term disabilities.
Some of the most common injuries of a pedestrian versus vehicle accident often include:
- Back and neck injuries.
- Open or closed head injuries.
- Spinal cord trauma.
- Traumatic brain injuries.
- Broken bones.
- Soft tissue damage.
- Road rash.
- Internal injuries.
- Death.
Even if you don’t feel like you’re in pain or think that anything is wrong at first, it’s essential to seek medical attention promptly if you’re involved in a pedestrian accident. Some injuries may appear hidden but can cause severe long-term damage or death if not treated at once.
What to Do If You Sustain Injuries From a Pedestrian Accident
Gathering as much information as possible is vital in a pedestrian accident. You should first call authorities and file a police report. Your case will be hard to prove without this report. The person responsible may try to flee the scene. You should try to note any traffic cameras and get their license plate number to identify them. Try to make as many mental notes as possible and even take pictures. Always aim to get as much detail as you can.
You should be seen by a medical professional to assess any apparent injuries and get a baseline should any injuries become known in the future. This examination will help to support your compensation claim. The longer you wait to receive an examination, the harder it will be to prove that the accident caused your injuries.
How Can a Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Help?
If you’ve sustained injuries as a pedestrian, you might be entitled to compensation from the party at fault. Their insurance company may offer you a quick settlement, but likely, the amount offered doesn’t consider all of the financial burdens that can arise from an accident such as this one. The attorneys at Godsey Martin, P.C., can help you get the amount you deserve.
Our lawyers will investigate your accident and identify all of the responsible parties. We’ll then determine the insurance coverage that applies to your accident. We’ll assess the extent of your injuries and prognosis for a full recovery by reviewing your medical records and consulting with medical professionals to determine how your injuries may affect your future.
After we complete this process, we’ll calculate your current medical and financial expenses related to your pedestrian accident. We’ll also ask for a fair payment for future expenses and pain and suffering. We won’t stop until we get the compensation you’re entitled to and fight for you at every step. Contact the team at Godsey Martin, P.C., today to discuss your potential claim.
Contact Godsey Martin, P.C., Today
If you or someone you love has sustained injuries from an accident as a pedestrian, the attorneys at Godsey Martin, P.C., are here to help. With the knowledge and experience necessary to help those hurt, we’re here to guide you through the legal process to get you the compensation you deserve. For any questions or to discuss a potential case, you can reach us via our secure online form or phone at 800-I GOT HIT. Get started today with your free legal consultation by calling our Houston office!
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