There are many advantages to walking rather than driving, for the environment and for you personally. Unfortunately, though, pedestrians are already highly vulnerable. Pedestrians are not protected by an enclosed vehicle or airbags, in contrast to drivers and passengers in cars. In urban areas with high vehicle traffic levels and high pedestrian traffic, pedestrian accidents tend to occur more frequently. Contact Ladah Law Firm for more information and further guidance.
Types of pedestrian accidents
Although there are many different ways that a pedestrian accident can happen, these tend to be some of the most typical ones:
- Backup Accidents
Backup accidents occur when a car pulls out of a driveway or parking space. Many people still drive cars without backup cameras despite the fact that they are now a standard feature on new vehicles. This means that when backing up, a driver may not be paying enough attention to the road or may not notice a pedestrian walking behind their car.
- Turning Vehicle Accidents
When turning, cars can put pedestrians who are attempting to cross the street in grave danger. Whether turning left or right, drivers frequently have their eyes on the road, scanning for oncoming traffic and lane markings. As a result, they may miss a pedestrian who has already entered the path.
- “Multiple Threat” Accidents
Pedestrians may occasionally be in danger if several cars must stop in order for them to cross. These kinds of collisions happen when a driver pulls over to allow a pedestrian to cross. Still, the stopped vehicle obscures the view of the oncoming vehicle, preventing the oncoming driver from seeing the pedestrian in the crosswalk.
- Distracted Driver Accidents
Drivers must maintain total awareness of the road in front of them at all times. Pedestrians can be seriously endangered by drivers diverting their attention for even a brief period, such as when they are texting, eating, or fixing their hair.
- Bus-Related Accidents
Many pedestrian accidents happen when people are trying to board or disembark from a stopped bus, especially those involving minors. For instance, it is very common for drivers to disregard their legal obligation to stop for a school bus, making it extremely simple for a child to be struck by a vehicle as they attempt to cross the street.
- “Trapped” Pedestrian Accidents
Occasionally, when a pedestrian enters a crosswalk with a “Walk” signal, the signal changes to “Don’t Walk” before they can complete their crossing, trapping them inside the crosswalk. A driver might cross the intersection when the traffic signals shift without noticing there remains a pedestrian in the crosswalk.