Pedestrian accidents are often among the deadliest types of motor vehicle accidents, with pedestrians often suffering serious and potentially fatal injuries. Here are seven common issues that lead to pedestrian accidents:
- Speeding
- Speeding is one of the most commonly cited factors in motor vehicle accidents of all kinds, and pedestrian accidents are no exception. The faster someone travels, the more likely they are to get into an accident, and the more likely that accident will result in severe injuries or death.
- Driving at night
- The night time is substantially more dangerous for pedestrians than the day time, due to a lack of visibility. Even with reflective clothing, many drivers will not spot pedestrians in the road until it is too late.
- Failing to yield the right of way
- Pedestrians almost always have the right of way at intersections, save when it comes to emergency vehicles. Not every driver respects this, however, increasing the risk of pedestrian accidents by failing to yield the right of way to pedestrians.
- Failing to check for pedestrians
- Many drivers simply fail to check to see if there are pedestrians on the side of the road while driving. This is a particular issue on roads that lack sidewalks, meaning pedestrians may find themselves walking on the sides of the roads.
- Bad weather
- Rain, fog, snow and sleet are disastrous for drivers, inhibiting their ability to see and decreasing their control over their vehicles. Of course, this also means that bad weather is also terrible for pedestrians, who are at a heightened risk of getting into an accident.
- Poorly maintained vehicles
- The older and worse maintained a vehicle is, the more likely it is to get into an accident. Pedestrian accidents are no exception, where a poorly maintained vehicle is at heightened risk of colliding with a pedestrian due to the risk of mechanical failure.
- Intoxicated drivers
- Drinking and driving is dangerous at the best of times, but it can be especially bad when pedestrians are involved. Drunk drivers are unpredictable, and may even collide with someone on the sidewalk due to lack of control over their own vehicle.
If you or someone you love has been injured as a result of someone else’s negligence, contact the New York personal injury lawyers at the Katter Law Firm. We will help you protect your rights and get the compensation you deserve. To schedule a consultation, contact us at 212-809-4293, or visit our contact page.