Among all types of motor vehicle accidents, none are more likely to result in serious injury or death than pedestrian accidents. Victims of these accidents often find themselves suffering from long-term health consequences, along with major medical expenses resulting from their injuries. But what is it, exactly, that makes pedestrian accidents so deadly?
- Pedestrians do not have the benefit of a vehicle’s protection
- When a pedestrian is hit by a vehicle, it tends to be significantly more serious than a similar accident happening to another vehicle. This is because vehicles provide a measure of protection against collisions, limiting the damage that is done to the drivers and passengers involved in the accidents. Pedestrians have no such pedestrians, increasing the likelihood of injury or death.
- Pedestrian accidents often happen at relatively high speeds
- A surprising number of pedestrian accidents involve speeding vehicles, who often do not have an opportunity to slow down or stop before they hit the pedestrian. The faster the vehicle is moving, the stronger the impact the pedestrian experiences, and the higher the likelihood of a serious injury. Even when such accidents are not fatal, they often have severe long-term health consequences for the pedestrian who was hit.
- Vehicles do not always yield the right of way
- Motor vehicles are supposed to yield the right of way for pedestrians crossing the street. Not every driver yields the right of way like they are supposed to, however, choosing to speed through rather than wait for pedestrians to cross the street. If they do this while someone is trying to cross the street, it significantly increases the chance of a potentially fatal accident.
- Drivers are careless around intersections and crosswalks
- A disproportionate number of pedestrian accidents occur at intersections and crosswalks, where pedestrians typically cross the street. While it should be reasonably obvious that pedestrians might cross at these locations, some drivers are careless, speeding through them without checking to see if someone is trying to cross the road. This makes it more likely that there will be an accident, which can lead to injury or death.
- Pedestrians are less visible, especially at night
- Finally, many pedestrian accidents happen because drivers simply do not see them. This can happen because their view is obstructed, but more often it is a result of pedestrians walking late at night. This lack of visibility makes it less likely that a driver will be able to react in time to a pedestrian, increasing the chance of an accident.
Fox Law Firm, PLLC is a New York personal injury law practice serving clients throughout Nassau and Suffolk counties. With more than three decades of law practice experience, attorney Kevin Fox has helped clients in personal injury cases obtain the compensation they deserve. For more information or to ask for a consultation, call our Riverhead office at 631-779-3400 or visit our contact page.
