California Pedestrian Accident Lawyer

Pedestrian Accidents: An Overview

Crossing the street is a routine part of our daily lives. Our children do it on the way to school. We do it on the way to work or when heading out for a meal. Rarely do we give a second thought to the danger. Yet the simple act of walking along or crossing a street ends tragically for thousands of Americans every year, with the pedestrian killed or severely injured.

Accidents caused 4,654 pedestrian fatalities and another 70,000 pedestrian injuries last year. On average, a pedestrian is killed in a traffic accident every 113 minutes and injured in one every eight minutes, the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration estimates. Driver negligence is often to blame for pedestrian accidents, but pedestrians sometimes put themselves in jeopardy through carelessness or inattention.

Pedestrian Accident Injuries and Compensation

A person injured in a pedestrian accident may be able to recover money damages from the driver who caused the accident. Damages are money paid to the accident victim as compensation for the victim's injuries and losses. The family of a pedestrian killed in an accident may also be able to recover money damages.

Damages provide compensation for accidents that result in physical injuries, such as broken bones, spinal cord injuries, and head injuries, as well as for those that result in death. Recurring pain and suffering caused by the physical injuries may also entitle a victim to recover compensation. A victim of a pedestrian accident may also seek reimbursement for medical bills related directly to the accident, in addition to reasonable future medical bills.

What You Can Do To Avoid Pedestrian Accidents

To reduce the number of pedestrian accidents, drivers and pedestrians alike must take every possible precaution. With children and elders at particular risk of pedestrian injuries, it is important that everyone exercise care when on or near the roads.

Who is At Fault in a Pedestrian Accident?

Children and Seniors Most at Risk for Pedestrian Accidents

The greatest risk of pedestrian injury or pedestrian fatality is to young children and the elderly. Last year, 4,000 elder Americans were injured in pedestrian accidents, resulting in more than 700 pedestrian fatalities. Children under age 15 made up 39 percent of pedestrians injured by cars and trucks. Eight percent of pedestrian accidents involving children resulted in fatalities.