5 Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents

Whether you are walking outside for exercise, or to get to where you need to go, you don’t expect to be involved in an accident. After all, traffic signals and crosswalks exist to keep pedestrians safe. Unfortunately, pedestrian accidents are a common occurrence in Charlotte, and leave many people injured or killed.

If you’ve incurred injuries in a pedestrian accident that was not your fault, reach out to the skilled Charlotte pedestrian accident attorneys at Randall & Stump, Criminal Defense Attorneys. We can help you determine liability and will fight for you to obtain the compensation you deserve. Call us at (980) 237-4579 today, or reach out through the online contact form to schedule a free consultation of your case.

Why Do Pedestrian Accidents Happen?

Although there are a variety of reasons pedestrian accidents may occur, some of the most common causes of such incidents include:

Pedestrians Not Using Sidewalks

Despite the fact that sidewalks are widely seen throughout Charlotte, many pedestrians choose to walk in the road and on various streets. In addition, if a bicyclist is riding on the sidewalk or a construction project has temporarily shut down sidewalks, pedestrians may have no other choice but to walk on the road. In these situations, pedestrians are at an increased risk of being hit by a driver.

Pedestrians Wearing Dark Clothing at Night

It can be difficult for drivers to see pedestrians at night when they are wearing dark colors. Therefore, if you must walk when it’s dark out, it is your responsibility to wear light or reflective clothing that can be easily seen. Carrying a flashlight can also increase your chances of being visible to drivers.

Improper Crosswalks on the Roads

Crosswalks should be equipped with blinking lights and brightly colored signs to help minimize pedestrian accidents. Unfortunately, some roads lack proper crosswalks and put pedestrians at high risk of getting struck by vehicles. In the event you need to cross a road that doesn’t have a crosswalk, look for a well-lit area and wait for a significant traffic gap so that you can cross safely.

Distracted Driving and Walking

In the last decade, smartphones have grown in popularity. When drivers or walkers are distracted by these devices, they are unable to concentrate on the task of driving defensively or walking safely. By avoiding all types of distractions and remaining focused on driving or walking, you can reduce your risk of becoming involved in an accident.

Left-Hand Turns

Because they can be hidden by a car or other vehicle’s blind spot(s), pedestrians are more likely to get struck by cars that are turning left than by vehicles turning right. This is mainly because both parties are diverting their attention somewhere else. Drivers are focused on trying to negotiate the intersection while pedestrians are looking ahead.

What to Do After a Pedestrian Accident

If you were walking outside and got hit by a moving vehicle, there are certain steps you should take to protect your health and rights, such as.

• Call the police. After a pedestrian accident, call 911 right way. This way, police and emergency responders can arrive at the scene, provide you with assistance, and investigate the crash.
• Seek medical attention. Visit the doctor as soon as possible to receive a diagnosis of your injuries and begin your treatment plan.
• Collect driver and witness contact information. If possible, ask the driver who struck you for their name, phone number, and insurance details. In the event someone saw your accident, ask them for their contact information as well.
• Document the scene. Use your phone or camera to take photographs of the accident scene as well as any injuries you may have sustained.
• Contact a pedestrian accident lawyer. Reach out to a pedestrian accident lawyer who can help you prove fault, and work for you to collect compensation for your damages.

Call a Charlotte Pedestrian Accident Lawyer for Help

If you have sustained an injury or lost a loved one in a pedestrian accident, it is in your best interest to consult an experienced Charlotte pedestrian accident attorney at Randall & Stump, Criminal Defense Attorneys. We have years of experience helping injured pedestrians in Mecklenburg County, and we’re prepared to help you. To schedule a free, initial case evaluation, contact us today at (980) 237-4579.