Pedestrian Accidents at Crosswalks: Dangers at Intersections
An auto accident can change your life in an instant. The same is true if you are a pedestrian struck by a vehicle. Catastrophic injuries may occur, and there is a risk of not pulling through in particularly serious accidents.
The lawyers at our Oklahoma City, OK law firm know just how devastating pedestrian accidents can be. We want to help you and your loved ones if you have been harmed by a reckless, negligent, or inattentive driver.
Pedestrian Accident Statistics
According to figures from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 5,378 pedestrians were fatally injured by motor vehicles in 2015. This breaks down to one pedestrian fatality every 1.6 hours.
In addition to these depressing figures, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) found that nearly 129,000 pedestrians were treated for their injuries in emergency rooms during the same year. Based on the CDC’s numbers, a pedestrian is 1.5 times more likely to be fatally injured by a motor vehicle than a passenger in a motor vehicle.
Drunk Drivers and Pedestrian Accidents
The NHTSA found that alcohol played a role in 48 percent of all fatal pedestrian accidents. About 15 percent of these cases involved drivers with a BAC at or above the legal limit. It’s also worth noting that 34 percent of these fatalities involved pedestrians with a BAC at or above the legal limit.
This is just another sound reminder to avoid drinking and driving. It’s also important to avoid drinking in excess before you walk on the street. Staying sober and clear-headed is your best option to remain safe.
Driver Distraction Accidents
Driver distraction has become a bigger and bigger issue over the years. This is especially true of people who text while driving or use their cellphones while driving. Taking your eyes off the road for even just a few seconds could mean the difference between safely stopping or striking a pedestrian. Avoid all distractions while you drive.
Drivers Rushing Through Yellow and Red Lights
It’s common for drivers to rush through yellow lights in hopes of beating the red light at the intersection. While many people do this, it can lead to pedestrian accidents. Instead of rushing through a yellow light, slow down. You can avoid hurting others simply by following basic traffic laws.
Hazards When Vehicles Make Turns
Making turns can be dangerous, especially if you’re making an unguarded left turn. Yet the dangers extend to pedestrians as well. Motorists who are in a hurry may not notice people crossing the street legally, which means a risk of hitting a pedestrian. Motorists need to be on the look out for others on the road.
Holding Motorists Accountable
Whenever a driver makes a reckless mistake that harms a pedestrian, they need to be held legally liable for their actions. Our attorneys can help if you or someone you you love has been harmed in a motor vehicle accident. We will help seek damages from the negligent party, which will help you cover medical expenses and other losses associated with the incident.
Contact Our Team of Lawyers
To learn more about your legal options after a pedestrian accident, be sure to contact our injury accident lawyers. The attorneys at Tawwater Law Firm, PLLC will work with you in your time of legal need.