The Most Common Types of Pedestrian Accidents

American cities are not known for being particularly pedestrian-friendly, leading to a substantial number of pedestrian accidents, injuries, and deaths every year. And the problem is only getting worse. According to the Governors Highway Safety Association, pedestrian fatalities in 2022 reached a four-decade high of 7,508. That equates to an average of 20 pedestrian deaths per day. The most dangerous states for pedestrians tend to be Sun Belt states like Georgia, where spread-out communities, car dependence, and warm weather may be contributing factors. The reasons for pedestrian accidents are many, and they are not all legally actionable. However, if you were the victim of a pedestrian accident due to negligence, a Tifton accident attorney can help you recover. 

Backup Accidents

Backup accidents are motor vehicle accidents that occur when a vehicle strikes a pedestrian while backing out of a parking spot or driveway. While backup cameras are now legally required for all vehicles sold in the U.S., there is still a substantial number of older vehicles on the road without such cameras. Children are particularly at risk for backup accidents, as drivers may not be able to see them out their back windows. 

Crosswalk Accidents

In theory, crosswalks should be the safest places for pedestrians to cross the street, given that they have the right-of-way and approaching vehicles have red lights. However, that is not always the case. In many cases, vehicles stopped at crosswalks attempt to drive around or cut off crossing pedestrians, striking the pedestrians before they reach the other side. Pedestrians may also be struck by drivers attempting to beat the light before it turns red.  

Turning Accidents 

Turning vehicles are particularly hazardous for pedestrians. This is because drivers turning right typically only look left before they turn, while drivers turning left typically only look right and at approaching vehicles. A smaller number of drivers look both ways when they turn, which increases the risk that a driver will inadvertently turn into a pedestrian that he or she did not see. Vehicles turning right without looking right is also a common cause of bicycle accidents. 

School Zone Accidents

Speed limits in school zones are reduced due to the higher-than-normal number of children and adults present in them during the school day. Unfortunately, many drivers fail to heed school zone speed limits, which can result in car accidents with pedestrians. The problem is exacerbated by the presence of children, who are smaller and harder for drivers of large vehicles to see. 

Multiple Threat Accidents

Multiple threat accidents typically occur on multi-lane roadways where more than one vehicle needs to stop to let a pedestrian cross. In a typical multiple-threat scenario, the vehicle in one lane stops to allow a pedestrian to cross, but an oncoming vehicle in the other lane does not see the pedestrian because the stopped vehicle is blocking his or her view. 

Speak With a Tifton Accident Attorney to Discuss Your Options For Legal Recovery 

If you have been injured in a pedestrian accident due to negligence, you may be entitled to compensation. To learn more, please contact a Tifton accident attorney at the Hudson Injury Firm by calling 229-396-5848 or using our online form.