The statistics are staggering. Thousands of pedestrians are killed or injured in traffic accidents each year. In 2010, pedestrian-related car accidents killed more than 4,000 Americans and injured 70,000. A pedestrian is 1.5 times more likely to be killed in a car accident than a passenger in a vehicle.
The deadliest accidents occur when a vehicle is traveling at higher speeds. In fact, hitting a pedestrian at 30 miles per hour results in serious injuries and fatalities and a driver traveling only 10 miles per hour can severely disable a pedestrian. Higher risk victims include older adults, children and alcohol-impaired pedestrians.
Car accidents involving pedestrians happen for many reasons. It’s often hard to determine responsibility in an accident involving pedestrians because both parties could be partially responsible. Some common circumstances that contribute to pedestrian accidents include:
- Pedestrians who ignore crosswalk signs
- Drivers who ignore crosswalk signals
- Intoxicated drivers or pedestrians
- Distracted drivers
- Jaywalking
- Passing a school bus
- Repairing a vehicle in high traffic or a highway
While operating a vehicle, a driver has the responsibility to exercise reasonable care. Drivers must be mindful of pedestrians and other drivers while operating a vehicle. They are classified as “negligent” if they do not take this responsibility seriously.
Pedestrians are not insured the same way a driver is insured. Health and disability insurance policies and/or worker’s compensation coverage usually covers injured pedestrians. Personal auto insurance policies may also cover a pedestrian.
An injured pedestrian can usually file a claim against the driver’s or vehicle owner’s auto liability insurance. In California, motorists are required to carry policies which secure payment for injuries sustained by other parties and/or damages to property.
If you are an injured pedestrian, it is in your best interest to seek advice from a professional personal injury attorney. The personal injury attorneys at Eason & Tambornini, A Law Corporation will help you navigate multiple insurance companies and help determine if you might be able to receive additional coverage. They will help answer all your legal questions, settle claims, and help you get compensation for your injuries.
