Car accidents involving pedestrians are responsible for devastating consequences to the health and well-being of victims and their loved ones. Regardless of where the accident occurred or how fast the offending vehicle was moving, there is a high chance that a pedestrian hit by a vehicle will suffer a serious injury such as broken bones, whiplash, concussion, spinal cord trauma, or another catastrophic injury. These injuries can lead to chronic pain and long-term disability requiring a lengthy rehabilitation. Sometimes, tragically, the outcome for a pedestrian can be fatal.

Many motor vehicle accidents can be avoided; both drivers and pedestrians share responsibility for ensuring everyone’s safety on the road. One of those responsibilities is to prevent accidents from happening and that starts with a having good awareness of the most common causes of pedestrian accidents.

What are the top 5 causes of pedestrian accidents?

1. Distracted driving

   Texting and talking on the phone are major sources of distraction for drivers and walkers alike. Being distracted often leads to accidents on the road that can be life-altering, such as driving through a stop sign, missing a road signal, or swerving onto a sidewalk. Although there are laws in place to penalize distracted driving, we all need to take responsibility for our actions.

   Both pedestrians and drivers should avoid using their phones when walking or driving to stay alert to road signals, recognize potential hazards, and stay safe.

2. Drunk and impaired driving

   When pedestrians or drivers are impaired, they are at a much greater risk of making poor decisions. Drivers who are impaired from alcohol or drug use are more likely to cause an accident as they have an increased risk of driving through designated crosswalks, missing stop signals, and even turning directly into pedestrians or oncoming traffic. There is also evidence that impaired pedestrians can be a cause of accidents: although walking home is safer than option, being aware of your intoxication levels and finding a safe way to get home is essential.

   While pedestrians cannot control the driver behind the wheel, they must be aware of impaired drivers, especially when walking at night. If you are a driver, do not get behind the wheel while you are impaired. It is dangerous and it is illegal. Instead, find an alternative way home and keep everyone, including yourself, safe.

3. Bad weather

   In the event of snow, rain, hail, heavy wind, and other poor weather conditions, driving becomes more difficult and can lead to the potential loss of vehicle control. Pedestrians are also at risk of falling into the path of a moving vehicle or following unofficial walking lanes due to weather obstacles.

   Both drivers and pedestrians need to use increased caution when navigating poor weather by adjusting their speed, staying in marked walking and driving lanes, and using visibility markers such as car lights or high visibility clothing.

4. Reckless Behaviour

   Acting recklessly is a common, avoidable cause of roadside accidents. Driving recklessly, goofing around while walking down the street, driving fast to impress friends, road rage, and other reckless driving scenarios can sadly cause serious accidents to occur.

   We are all accountable for our actions, so choose to drive and walk responsibly to keep yourself and those around you safe.

5. Left turns

   Left turns are a major cause of pedestrian accidents as drivers turning left are often so focused on oncoming traffic that they can forget to scan the intersection before completing a turn. This puts pedestrians at an increased risk, even when they are obeying the proper rules of the road.

   Being aware of your surroundings at intersections can make a major difference for pedestrians and drivers when avoiding accidents. Awareness could potentially save a life and is always worth the extra effort.

Do I need a pedestrian accident lawyer?

Sadly, even if we all take measures to make the roads safer, accidents will continue to happen. Have you or someone you love been hit by a car or have been injured in a pedestrian accident? If you answered yes, you may be eligible for compensation.

Call The Morris Law Group today!

If you or a loved one has been injured in a road accident involving a pedestrian, contact The Morris Law Group for a free no obligation consultation with one of our experienced personal injury lawyers. At our law firm we work on a contingency basis, meaning that you don’t pay until your case settles.

We proudly serve clients in cities and communities around the western end of Lake Ontario including Niagara Falls, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Welland, St. Catharines, Grimbsy, Hamilton (comprising Ancaster, Dundas, Flamborough, Glanbrook, and Stoney Creek), Brantford, Burlington, Kitchener-Waterloo, Guelph, Oakville, and Mississauga.

All personal injury firms will work to get you the best settlement, but only at The Morris Law Group will you get the care and support you need at such a difficult time. Contact us for a free consultation today.