Why Are Pedestrian Accidents So Deadly, and Who Is At Fault?

 Posted on September 20, 2024 in Pedestrian Accidents

Many people walk on Plainfield’s sidewalks, in parks, and in residential areas daily. Whether for exercise or as a convenient means of getting where you need to be, pedestrians are very vulnerable if a vehicle hits them. Pedestrian accidents frequently produce extremely serious or fatal injuries, leaving victims and their families trying to cope with the aftermath.

Why are these accidents so dangerous? Is the driver always responsible? Can you get compensation? Call to speak with a knowledgeable attorney from Flaherty Law, LLC for the answers to those vital questions.

How Do Pedestrian Accident Injuries Occur?

Pedestrian accidents can happen anywhere that motor vehicles and pedestrians meet. Common places include intersections, parking lots, and residential areas. Some occur in random spots when a pedestrian enters a thoroughfare at unexpected points. Unfortunately, the latter often involves children who do not understand the dangers.

These collisions often happen due to:

• Distracted driving
• Speeding
• Failing to yield the right of way
• Pedestrians wearing dark clothing at night
• Poor lighting
• Malfunctioning traffic signals

Regardless of the cause, even a low-speed impact can cause critical or fatal injuries. Pedestrians face a 10 percent chance of sustaining severe injuries when the car is traveling at only 16 mph and a 10 percent chance of death at 23 mph. Children and older adults usually are at the highest risk.

Pedestrian victims experience multiple stages in a collision:

• Initial impact: The vehicle strikes the pedestrian.
• Second impact: The victim’s body is thrown onto the vehicle’s hood or windshield.
• Final impact: The victim hits the ground or other nearby objects.

The victim’s height, the vehicle’s build, and the speed at impact vary and may produce slightly different impacts. However, the pedestrian can sustain separate injuries at every stage. Common injuries include spinal cord and traumatic brain injuries, multiple fractures, head and facial wounds, organ damage, extensive bruising, and joint injuries.

If you are injured in a pedestrian accident, you may be entitled to compensation through a personal injury claim. If your immediate family member died as a result of a pedestrian accident, you may qualify to bring a wrongful death action. In either situation, working with an experienced lawyer from Flaherty Law, LLC can ensure you receive the full amount you deserve.

Who Is At Fault for Pedestrian Accidents?

When young children are struck by a vehicle, the driver is usually assumed to be at fault. In other pedestrian accidents, the fault may be shared between multiple parties. You might even bear some responsibility as a pedestrian.

Pedestrians have obligations under Illinois laws, just like drivers do. For example, if you are not paying attention and walk in front of an oncoming vehicle, you may share liability for your injuries and losses. If your degree of fault is less than 51 percent, Illinois laws allow you to collect compensation from others who are at fault. However, your settlement amount will be reduced proportionally.

When you choose Flaherty Law, LLC, your legal team will investigate the accident, establish liability, and pursue the maximum available amount of compensation on your behalf.

Call Our Dedicated Will County, IL Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Today

If a pedestrian accident affects you or your family, you deserve compensation. Trust Flaherty Law, LLC to handle your claim so you can focus on your recovery. Call us at 815-577-7500 now for your free consultation with our determined Plainfield, IL pedestrian accident attorney.