Home > Blog > Pedestrians & Auto Accidents

Pedestrians & Auto Accidents

Posted by: at 9:01 AM on August 22nd, 2018

Twelve percent of people killed in fatal car crashes are pedestrians. That’s a high percentage considering the majority of the pedestrians were walking on sidewalks or crossing the street. Only 3 percent of people injured in car crashes are pedestrians. That actually isn’t a good thing. It means the vast majority of cases when pedestrians are hit, they are killed.

Many people attribute these numbers to distracted pedestrians, pointing their fingers at cell phones and portable electronics. However, according to statistics, only 0.3 percent of pedestrian deaths happened because the pedestrian was distracted by a device. That is a very low number. People tend to assume that, if they walk on a sidewalk, they will be safe from accidents or injuries, but that isn’t always the case. There are pedestrian sidewalk accidents that result in severe injuries or death.

The Causes

Pedestrian sidewalk accidents can happen in two main scenarios. The first is when distracted drivers run off the road and drive up onto the sidewalk. The second is when pedestrians walking on a poorly maintained sidewalk trip and fall into oncoming traffic. Drivers in the following scenarios are more likely to be the cause of sidewalk accidents:

  • Distracted by cell phones – texting or talking
  • Eating while driving
  • Speeding or not obeying traffic signals
  • Elderly drivers
  • Drivers who cannot see in the sun
  • Semi-truck drivers (the trailer wheels can swerve onto sidewalks)
  • Taking turns too sharply
  • Running red lights, and
  • Drunk drivers

Pedestrian sidewalk accidents are more common than some people may think, and the driver of the vehicle that caused the accident is almost always liable.

The Injuries

Injuries from pedestrian sidewalk accidents can be severe and even life threatening. Many times, the accidents result in fatalities. Other injuries could include:

  • Back and spine injuries
  • Broken bones
  • Internal organ damage
  • Brain injuries
  • Loss of limb
  • Eye injuries
  • Disfigurement

In most cases, when a pedestrian is hit by a car, they suffer massive injuries, and this can result in high medical bills, loss of wages, loss of work overall, and short term or long term disability. Some pedestrians are permanently disabled because of the injuries. 

Families who lose a loved one due to sidewalk injuries face emotional trauma as well as financial burden because of the accident. The expense, both monetarily and emotionally, can be very high. 

Many times, the sidewalk injuries are results of drunk drivers who cannot stay on the road, but this isn’t the only case. Additionally, drivers who are distracted or semi-trucks that don’t properly maneuver corners can cause the accidents as well as severe and detrimental injuries. Every year, hundreds and sometimes even thousands of pedestrians are injured or killed on sidewalks where they should be safe. 

Someone should be held liable. That person could be the driver of a vehicle. Alternatively, it could be the city or company responsible for maintaining the sidewalks. No matter the case, a victim will have to depend on an experienced attorney to help them get the compensation they deserve. 

Have you or a loved one been injured in a pedestrian sidewalk accident?  If so contact our offices for a free consultation.  We have over 40 years of experience getting our clients the justice and financial support they deserve.   Call us at 414 276 1233!