Numerous roads have crosswalks or stop signs which indicate that pedestrians have the right of way. Still, it is found that children and elderly citizens are highly prone to accidents at these very spots. This is now termed as pedestrian accidents or crosswalk accidents.

Essential Facts about Pedestrian Accidents

Common places where pedestrian accidents take place are:

• Parking lots
• Driveways
• Crosswalks
• Sidewalks
• Public walkways

Common causes of pedestrian accidents are:

• Driver who exceeds the speed limit
• Driver talking on a cell phone
• Defective walkway or sidewalk
• Driver failing to stop promptly to let pedestrians cross
• Driver under the influence of alcohol or drugs
• Speeding police
• Chaotic traffic
• Poor visibility
• Panicked speeding by emergency vehicles such as an ambulance
• Malfunctioning of the vehicle’s equipment such as loss of steering control

A majority of pedestrian accidents result in serious injuries such as:

• Spinal cord injuries
• Head injuries
• Brain injuries
• Fractures

Pedestrian Accidents and Personal Injury Claims

Like most accidents, pedestrian accidents are also linked with negligence, traffic violations and unforeseen mishaps. Determining whose responsibility it is can be a most perplexing process that involves law and personal injury claims.

Responsibility weighs on drivers to:

• Drive with care and precaution
• Observe the safety of pedestrians who are crossing at intersections or walkways
• Do everything in his/her reasonable power to avoid hitting the pedestrian

It is the responsibility of pedestrians to:

• Be alert of oncoming traffic
• Stay away from unkempt or visibly faulty premises and walkways
• Make sure that children do not dart into oncoming traffic unexpectedly

If a pedestrian can prove that the accident took place due to somebody’s negligence, he/she is likely to recover damages.

Whether you are a pedestrian or a driver, note that personal injury claims are complex. By consulting with an experienced pedestrian accident attorney, you can protect any potential legal claims that you have.