Pedestrian accidents may seemingly come out of nowhere and leave pedestrian accident victims with serious injuries and lifelong damages. Fortunately, personal injury legal options are available to protect pedestrian accident victims and help them with their damages.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Association, each year nearly 5,000 pedestrians are killed in car versus pedestrian accidents and approximately 76,000 more were injured during 2012 when hit by a car or truck. Each pedestrian accident has the potential to leave victims with lifelong injuries or may even result in death. Victims of pedestrian accidents can receive help with their physical, financial and emotional damages through a personal injury claim for damages.
When a driver has been negligent and caused a pedestrian accident, they may be liable to compensate the victim for their medical expenses, lost wages and pain and suffering damages. Drivers may be considered negligent if they cause a pedestrian accident while driving distracted; speeding; failing to signal while turning; disobeying traffic signs or signals; disregarding weather or traffic conditions; failing to yield the right of way to pedestrians in crosswalks; or driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Any of these behaviors may be considered negligence and make the negligent driver responsible for the victim’s damages.
Negligent drivers should be accountable for the harm they cause to pedestrian accident victims. A personal injury claim for damages can help injured victims with the harm they have suffered in an unexpected pedestrian accident as they work to pick up the pieces following the accident.