You may feel safe while walking or running down the street, much more so than when riding a vehicle that can experience a breakdown or an accident. However, you will probably be surprised to learn about the high number of pedestrian accidents everywhere. If this has happened to you and you are dealing with injuries and numerous medical appointments, you may feel overwhelmed and not know how to proceed.
Working with a Yuma, AZ pedestrian accident attorney from Wattel and York means that you can focus your efforts on recovering your health while we focus on building a strong case on your behalf. We understand that you need to receive the compensation you deserve to take care of the upheaval in your life. Call us today to set up an initial, no-obligation consultation and tell us about your case. Remember, if there is no recovery, there is no fee. Let us start fighting for your rights.
Most Common Pedestrian Accidents
Unfortunately, a pedestrian is simply no match for a speeding vehicle. What´s more, the faster the vehicle is moving, the higher the likelihood that the pedestrian will suffer severe or even fatal injuries. It is common for pedestrians to end up striking their heads against the pavement when hit by a car, although immediate death can also happen even when the car is not going over the speed limit.
These are some of the most common reasons why pedestrians suffer accidents:
Darting Out
Sometimes a child or adult darts out into the street to retrieve something without checking for oncoming vehicles, or simply because they think they have enough time before an oncoming vehicle reaches them. When that happens, they risk being struck by a driver who has no time to react before hitting them.
Intersection Accidents
These accidents happen when a pedestrian miscalculates how much time they have to cross an intersection before the light changes or the next car comes around.
Passing Accidents
When a bus or another vehicle stops to unload passengers and the car behind it has no way of knowing what is going on, they may decide to pass the stopped vehicle and end up hitting the people that just stepped off the bus.
Backup Accidents
It is common for vehicles to back up without looking too closely to see if there are any pedestrians behind them. This type of accident tends to happen in crowded parking lots where people are walking to their cars. Both pedestrians and drivers tend to be distracted in this situation.
Some Reasons Why Pedestrian Accidents Happen
Distracted driving is to blame for many pedestrian accidents. This means that the pedestrian is hit because the driver is:
- Texting and driving.
- Talking to passengers, some of whom may be in the back seat.
- Reading, adjusting the GPS, or switching radio stations.
- Looking at something else, such as a nearby accident.
- Applying makeup or grooming.
- Eating or drinking.
- Daydreaming.
Alcohol Consumption and Pedestrian Accidents
Alcohol deserves its own category because of the large number of pedestrian accidents that result when drivers or pedestrians are under the influence. It has been well documented that drunk driving is responsible for an extremely high number of accidents and pedestrian accidents are no exception. An inebriated driver will have slower reaction times, lower perception of their surroundings, and poor judgment. On the other hand, pedestrians experience the same effects when navigating a road.
Common Pedestrian Accident Injuries
More than half of pedestrian accidents involve injuries to the legs, feet, ankles, and knees. Injuries to the neck, face and head are also quite common. Injuries are more severe when the pedestrian is hit in their chest or head since these can be fatal or require a lifetime of medical attention or cause the victim to become permanently disabled.
Receiving Compensation After a pedestrian Accident in Yuma, AZ
If you or a loved one have been hit by a moving vehicle, the accident attorneys at Wattel and York will help you fight to recover the compensation you deserve. Our skilled attorneys can help you get the resources you need to cover your medical expenses and lost wages.
Suppose the limits of the insurance policy are not sufficient to cover your needs. In that case, our pedestrian accident attorneys will discuss with you the possibility of filing a claim against the responsible driver. We are prepared to conduct a thorough investigation into the accident, identify the responsible parties, employ accident reconstruction experts when needed, interview eyewitnesses, and negotiate with insurance companies. Give us a call today to schedule an initial free, no-obligation consultation, and let us advise you on the best way to proceed.
