What usually causes pedestrian accidents in Indiana? These accidents frequently occur due to impairment by alcohol on the part of the driver or pedestrian, distraction, or speeding. Other factors, like location, also contribute to the likelihood of a pedestrian wreck.
Our team at Vaughan & Vaughan can help you learn more about the reasons for pedestrian collisions. You can contact us now if you’re interested in speaking to a pedestrian accident lawyer in Indiana.
Fill out our online contact form or call us to learn more about these collisions and your options in the aftermath of a wreck.
What Are the Causes of Pedestrian Accidents?
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), many factors can cause pedestrian accidents. However, the organization had identified several common causes. These risk factors include:
Alcohol or Drug Use by a Driver or Pedestrian
Alcohol usage contributed to about half of fatal pedestrian accidents in 2019. Drunk drivers react more slowly than sober motorists and may make risky or dangerous decisions behind the wheel, making them more likely to strike pedestrians.
High Speed by a Driver
Drivers who exceed the speed limit or drive faster than conditions allow increase their odds of striking a pedestrian. Speeding drivers have more difficulty stopping or avoiding a pedestrian attempting to cross the road, for example.
Location of the Accident
The CDC found that location contributes to the likelihood of a pedestrian accident. These accidents occur more often:
- At night
- In urban locations
- Away from intersections
Accidents occur more often at night because drivers have a harder time seeing pedestrians in the dark. Wearing reflective clothing or carrying a flashlight can help drivers see you better when walking at night.
Urban locations generally have a larger population, meaning more people are out walking. For example, many pedestrian accidents occur in parking lots. While we assume pedestrian accidents will be common at intersections, drivers tend to slow down at an intersection, reducing the risk there.
You can learn more about these risk factors and Indianapolis’ ‘Complete Streets’ plan to boost pedestrian safety with our team.
Distracted Driving and Pedestrian Accidents
Distracted driving also plays a role in pedestrian wrecks. Drivers who take their eyes or attention off the road can miss a pedestrian stepping in front of their vehicle, resulting in a collision. Distracted pedestrians may try to cross the street when it isn’t safe.
You can learn more about these collisions with a distracted driving accident lawyer in Indiana.
Dangerous Driving and Pedestrian Wrecks
Drivers who operate vehicles recklessly can end up causing pedestrian wrecks. Many actions constitute reckless or dangerous driving, including:
- Failure to yield
- Ignoring red lights or traffic signs
- Refusal to use a turning signal
You can work with a member of our team to discuss the specific causes of your pedestrian accident in Indiana.
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Who Usually Causes Pedestrian Accidents?
Motor vehicle drivers are typically at fault for pedestrian accidents, which can cause 60,000 injuries yearly. Drivers have a duty of care in Indiana to respect the usage of the road by pedestrians and bikers.
However, they may drive while distracted, under the influence of alcohol, or simply while ignoring the rules of the road. These actions result in thousands of collisions every year.
Can Pedestrians Cause Accidents in Indiana?
While drivers typically hold liability for pedestrian wrecks in Indiana, pedestrians sometimes cause these collisions. Distraction can cause a pedestrian to step out in front of traffic or put themselves in harm’s way, for example.
A lawyer can assess all facts of your wreck to determine who caused the collision.
What Injuries do Pedestrian Accidents Usually Cause?
Pedestrian wrecks can cause numerous serious injuries. Pedestrians often take the brunt of the impact of these collisions because they don’t have the protection offered by a vehicle. Common injuries include:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Broken bones
- Internal injuries
- Damage to the spine or neck
- Paralysis
- Loss of a limb
Pedestrian accidents also led to more than 7,000 fatalities in 2021, demonstrating their incredible danger and severity. If you lost a loved one, you might contact a compassionate wrongful death lawyer in Indiana for help.
What Usually Happens After Pedestrian Accidents?
After a pedestrian accident, anyone involved in the collision may require medical attention. You can call emergency services if you sustained serious injuries after getting hit by a vehicle.
Generally, the professionals recommend that you contact the police and report the collision. It’s also important to reach out to a lawyer who can walk you through each step of the process of building your claim.
What Compensation do You Usually Get After a Pedestrian Accident?
Working with a pedestrian accident lawyer in Indiana can allow you to seek compensation for your losses after some collisions. An attorney can focus on the specific losses caused by your wreck.
Often, lawyers help clients secure funds for their medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, pain, and suffering. The exact value of compensation available varies based on the losses caused by the specific accident.
Generally, pedestrians have a chance to secure damages by settling with the insurance company representing the driver who struck them. However, in some cases, lawyers recommend pedestrians file lawsuits to seek funds for their losses.
Speak to Us After a Pedestrian Accident in Indiana
What usually causes pedestrian accidents in Indiana? Impaired driving, speeding, and factors like distraction all contribute to these dangerous collisions. A pedestrian accident lawyer from Vaughan & Vaughan can review the specific causes of your wreck to help you seek damages.
Learn more about how we investigate accidents and assist clients by calling or filling out our online contact form.
