When pedestrians walk outside on the street, there is always the risk of getting hit by a vehicle. Did you know that The National Highway Traffic Safety Association reports thousands of pedestrian deaths every year at the hands of a motor vehicle? Injuries from these types of collisions can range from minor to devastating, which is why the party is responsible should be held liable.
David R. Heil, PA is an expert personal injury attorney in Orlando who can help you with your claim. Read below to learn the most common causes of pedestrian accidents and what steps you need to take if this happens to you.
Road Design
Is there a lack of pedestrian-friendly sidewalks and crosswalks in your area? For instance, when there are fewer crosswalks, pedestrians tend to cross the street wherever they are, instead of searching for the next one. This increases their chances of getting hit by a vehicle. Unmarked crosswalks also increase the likelihood of a dangerous accident. Instead, defined crosswalks with brightly colored signs or lights can help reduce the amount of accidents that occur.
Poorly designed roads are also serious trouble for pedestrians. This includes:
- Lack of traffic signals, or broken traffic signals
- Missing or broken guardrails
- Potholes, uneven pavement, or large cracks in the pavement
- Lack of reflective markers
- Missing or insufficient warning signs
Speeding
Crosswalks alone cannot provide protection in busy intersections, especially if vehicles tend to speed. And in Central Florida, many drivers are known for speeding through red lights, stop signs, and more.
It is very hard to recover from getting hit by a speeding car. Unfortunately, many cases end in death, leaving the family to deal with funeral expenses, medical bills, pain and suffering, and more. If this is the case, it is important to understand your rights under the law. Please contact our team at Heil Law to learn how we can help you through his difficult time.
Other Causes For Pedestrian Accidents
- Phones and electronics: this occurs when distracted drivers take their eyes off the road to use their phones or other electronic devices for calling, texting, or playing music in their car.
- Dark clothing: if a pedestrian is wearing black clothes or other dark colors, the driver is less likely to spot them. This is especially true if the accident occurs at night with no proper lighting.
- Alcohol use: many fatal accidents happen as a result of alcohol. For example, drivers misjudge the distance of oncoming traffic or break traffic laws while under the influence of alcohol.
Contact Heil Law
Living in the Sunshine State has some perks, such as warm weather and plenty of outdoor activities. While more people decide to take advantage of the weather by walking, jogging, or biking, it’s important to know where to turn if you get injured as a pedestrian.
If you have been injured in Orlando or Central Florida, contact Heil Law today. We are sure to maximize your compensation to pay for medical bills and more. Schedule a free consultation at (800) 952-1622. We are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
