Pedestrian accidents usually result from motorists being at fault where they do not notice a pedestrian on the road. These accidents can also result from traffic violations, talking on the phone while driving or being preoccupied with any task while driving. 

Who is at Fault?

Frustratingly, it can be difficult to determine who is at fault in a pedestrian accident. Walkers and joggers are responsible for staying on the sidewalk whenever possible, and it is important to wear bright, reflective clothing, to make yourself more visible to drivers. Also, if you must cross the road, wait until a stop sign, stoplight, or designated crosswalk to do so. If you are struck while jaywalking and you are wearing dark clothing, you may be less likely to receive financial compensation for any injuries you sustain.

Sadly, though, many times an accident is not a pedestrian’s fault. In many cases, accidents are primarily the result of unsafe driving. Some car and driver cause of pedestrian accidents include:

• Distracted or inattentive driving
• Driving too fast or recklessly
• Driving while intoxicated or under the influence of drugs
• Auto defects that can send a car out-of-control
• Failure to stop at stop signs and stop lights
• Ignoring pedestrian crosswalks

In a crash between a car and a pedestrian, there is no question as to who will suffer more serious accident injuries. Thus, it is also key for municipalities and road construction crews to build safe roads and sidewalks that are designed to protect pedestrians. Without sidewalks, pedestrians are placed directly in harm’s way and must share the road with drivers. Also, road construction companies should paint reflective white crossing stripes at crosswalks so that walkers and joggers have an obvious place to cross. Stoplights should have crossing signs that tell pedestrians exactly when it is safe to cross.

The majority of accidents involving pedestrians are the fault of motorists, and it is exactly this type of accident that leads to these types of accident claims. With many country roads becoming increasingly overcrowded, instances of pedestrian accident claims are sadly on the rise.

So, what are the leading causes of pedestrian accidents?

Technology – With gadgetry increasingly finding its way into the glove boxes of cars around the world, drivers are being distracted by mobile phones, with millions of road users admitting to texting, calling, and even signing into social network sites while they drive. The last decade has also seen the introduction of satellite navigation devices for drivers, which are now ubiquitous on the roads and severely distract drivers from the task at hand. Eating and playing with the stereo are also age-old causes of pedestrian accidents, and all can be easily avoided with just a little bit of consideration and self-discipline.

Aggressive driving – Driving techniques differ greatly from person to person and are even changeable on a daily basis depending on time constraints, stress, etc. Inner-city driving can be particularly poor as congestion may reduce visibility and make it difficult for some drivers to remain calm and fully cognizant of the possible hazards that may lay in wait. A recent study carried out by a leading transport agency found that the most common maneuvers immediately preceding an accident were left and right turns, reversing or completing a three-point turn.

Ill-prepared pedestrians – Pedestrian accidents are not always the fault of car drivers. There are also measures pedestrians can take to increase their safety when walking on the street. Perhaps the most obvious piece of advice is – wherever possible – to only cross the road at designated crossings. Some pedestrians will cross the road within sight of a crossing without actually using it. Such behavior will likely remove any possibility of a subsequent pedestrian accident claim. When walking at night, it is advisable to wear high-visibility clothing, particularly if you will be walking on poorly lit streets or country lanes.

How can we as pedestrians be safer? Here some safety suggestions to avoid a pedestrian accident that we should always keep in mind:

1. Be alert at all times when walking a through a crosswalk – never know when a car, truck, etc will come out of nowhere.
2. Do not jaywalk – try to use the designated crosswalk marks on the streets to further diminish the chance of getting hit by a car
3. If you happen to be walking around at night, it is extremely important you carry a flashlight as well as wear something that is reflective so that motorists will be able to spot you easier.
4. Even if you have the right of way, don’t assume drivers see that you’re crossing the street. Just like everyone else, drivers may become distracted as well and might start moving through the crosswalk.
5. Most importantly – should you need to walk along a street and there is no sidewalk, walk against oncoming traffic so that you are aware of cars, trucks, etc. coming at you.

Drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians must all coexist peacefully in order to keep everyone safe. People must share sidewalks, crosswalks, and roadways so that no one suffers from dangerous collisions. This is especially necessary to protect pedestrians, who can be seriously hurt in accidents involving motor vehicles.