Distracted Driving: Pedestrians in Danger

 Posted on January 19, 2016 in Personal Injury

Big cities present many dangers—gridlock traffic, crime, and masses of people all can contribute to frayed tempers. However, one major concern today is distracted driving. Technology, coupled with inattention or drivers whose ability is compromised by way of alcohol or drugs, can prove deadly for innocent pedestrians.

According to the National Highway Transportation safety Administration, “In 2013, 4,735 people were killed in pedestrian/motor vehicle crashes, (that equates to) more than 12 people every day of the year.” In 2013, 125 pedestrians were killed in Illinois.

Possible Scenarios

Several factors may lead to a deadly pedestrian accident. And while pedestrians, too, must make a point to be safe and seen, drivers do not own the roads; everyone—walker, cyclists and motorcyclists—shares them.

Various statistics demonstrate the typical factors where pedestrian accidents occur. These statistics include the following:

• Urban areas are more prolific over rural areas;
• There is a higher occurrence of accidents occurring during nighttime hours and at non-intersection areas;
• Male pedestrians are more likely to be involved;
• Alcohol on the part of the driver (about 15 percent with a blood alcohol level over 0.08g/dL) is likely;
• Usually a single vehicle is involved and the pedestrian is most often struck from the front; and
• Aggressive driving may be a factor.

Certain parallels can be drawn between such factors—the time of the day and an accident may coincide with heavy commuter traffic, and nighttime weekend crashes may correspond to inebriated drivers or poor visibility. Whatever the circumstances, if fault can be assigned to a driver who failed take reasonable and proper care on the road, an injured victim may be entitled to pursue a case.

Caring and Astute Legal Representation

Generally, one’s experience after an accident is that the driver’s insurance company will aim to minimize fault and damages on the driver's part. However, this is where legal representation is vitally important in order to protect the rights of the victim.

If your or a loved one was seriously hurt or killed by a negligent driver, retaining a compassionate, skilled, and experienced DuPage County personal injury attorney to represent your needs is essential. Do not not lose sight of compensation for the victim who has been killed or seriously injured. With 3 convenient locations, the attorneys at Mevorah & Giglio Law Offices have a significant practice area dedicated to pedestrian accidents. Please call today to secure your free initial consultation.

Sources:

http://pedbikeinfo.org/data/factsheet_crash.cfm

http://www-nrd.nhtsa.dot.gov/Pubs/812124.pdf

http://popcenter.org/problems/pedestrian_injuries/