Vehicle accidents happen every day. They are so common that it seems like everyone has been the victim of an at-fault driver at least once in their life. What most people do not realize, however, is how many of those are pedestrian accidents.
According to the Governors Highway Safety Association, the projected nationwide number of fatalities due to pedestrian accidents last year was 6,721. That number is up 4.8% from 6,412 fatalities in 2019. Seven states (Arizona, California, Florida, Georgia, New York, North Carolina, and Texas) accounted for more than half of all pedestrian deaths.
Needless to say, walking across the street is more dangerous than it’s ever been.
Pedestrian accidents and causes
It is mind-blowing how many pedestrian accidents there are in Texas every year. And they happen for a variety of reasons.
- Distracted or drunk driver
- Speeding
- Failure to stop or yield
- Left-hand turns
- Backing-up accidents
- Hazardous road conditions
The key point to remember is that the pedestrian always has the right of way. It does not matter if the driver claims that they did not see you walking across the street. Had they been paying attention, they would have.
With that said, there are things you can do to protect you and your family members from pedestrian accidents:
- Be visible. Wear bright clothing during the day or reflective clothing at night.
- Look both ways. Watch for oncoming vehicles, whether you are crossing the street, walking through a parking lot, or walking past a driveway. It’s not wise to assume that a driver sees you first.
- Obey all signs, signals, and traffic laws.
- If you are jogging or walking, face oncoming traffic rather than having your back to it.
- Use sidewalks whenever possible.
Nelson Law Group PC wants you to be safe on the roadways and avoid pedestrian accidents. Our personal injury lawyers can help pursue your claim for injuries suffered because of the carelessness or inattention of another driver.
Call Nelson Law Group today!!
Nelson Law Group, PC brings over two decades of experience to each personal injury case we handle. We have an extensive bench and jury trial experience in personal injuries arising from a variety of causes that result in a wide array of injuries. Nelson Law Group will devise a comprehensive strategy based on our years of experience, intuitive legal skill, and the desired outcome of your case. We will be available to answer your questions or respond to your concerns as they come up.
If you have been injured in an accident and feel someone else is a fault, contact us today to talk about your personal situation and gain the information you need to know to make good decisions moving forward. Give our knowledgeable staff here at Nelson Law Group, PC a call if you have any further questions regarding this or any other issue. Our staff is always available. For more information about Brett A Nelson, click here.
