Michael A. Shammas is a top-rated personal injury attorney. When victims are most vulnerable, he works diligently to recover maximum compensation and helps them return to their normal lives. Hundreds of thousands of pedestrian victims are left injured after being hit by cars. As a highly-qualified attorney, Michael A. Shammas can help these victims financially recover with a personal injury claim.
Pedestrians Are Vulnerable in Traffic Accidents
In 2017, 5,997 pedestrians were killed in traffic accidents in the United States. In addition to fatalities, traffic accidents caused 137,000 pedestrian victims to seek emergency care. A majority of these incidents occur during late evening and night hours where visibility for drivers is low. When up against a motor vehicle, pedestrians are at risk of sustaining life-threatening injuries, permanent disabilities, and other serious injuries that lead to costly medical treatment and, in some cases, long term care. These costs can skyrocket quickly. When combined with an inability to work during recovery, the cost of an injury accident can leave victims facing a financial crisis.
An experienced personal injury lawyer can help victims to recover damages for medical expenses, pain and suffering, lost wages, and lost future wages. For an attorney, call Michael A. Shammas at 312-971-5959.
Causes of Pedestrian Accidents
Pedestrian accidents can result from a number of scenarios. Typically, these incidents occur as a result of unfavorable driving conditions or negligence. The most common reasons for traffic accidents that injure pedestrians are:
- Failing to stop or yield to a pedestrian at a crosswalk
- Speeding, distracted driving, fatigued driving, and drunk driving.
- Failing to provide room for pedestrians on narrow roads
- Failing to yield in areas without a crosswalk
- Impaired pedestrians, or pedestrians who are distracted by mobile devices.
Alcohol-impaired pedestrians and drivers are at the highest risk of becoming involved in a traffic accident. Of car accidents resulting in a fatality, 47% involved drunk drivers or drunk pedestrians. Children and older adults are other vulnerable populations. One in five children killed in traffic accidents are pedestrian victims. Most of these accidents occur at night, in urban areas, or when high speeds are involved.
Pedestrian Safety
There are several steps pedestrians can take to lower the risk of sustaining an injury in a traffic accident. Pedestrians can wear reflective clothing and carry flashlights at night to make themselves more visible to motorists. Additionally, reducing distractions that can impair hearing, judgment, and coordination while walking in high traffic areas can reduce the likelihood of an accident. To reduce exposure to motor vehicles, pedestrians can stick to crosswalks, sidewalks, and walking paths. Avoiding high traffic areas while heavily intoxicated can also reduce the risk of an incident.