Many individuals may enjoy walking to and from their destinations and there might be numerous types of benefits involved with choosing the sidewalk over the pavement. However, pedestrians in California may also have concerns about their safety while walking near lanes of traffic, especially with little in the way of protective barriers to shield them from harm should a collision occur. Addressing some common causes and risks of pedestrian accidents could be integral to taking steps to safeguard one’s health.
Causes and risks
According to experts, failure to yield remains one of the most prevalent causes of pedestrian crashes, and using caution when approaching intersections or crossing streets may be vital to staving off such issues. Negligent driving behaviors such as excessive speeding and distracted driving are two more examples of issues that also play a role in far too many pedestrian crashes. Impaired or fatigued drivers may also struggle to maintain proper lane control and should a vehicle veer off course, the health of any nearby pedestrians may be placed at risk in the process.
Studies also indicate that there are various types of injuries that remain common among victims of such incidents. Such injuries could range anywhere from severe cuts and lacerations to bone fractures or internal injuries. Such a collision could also place a pedestrian at risk of suffering spinal cord injuries or traumatic brain injuries. Unfortunately, pedestrian accidents can also prove fatal at times.
When the unimaginable occurs
While knowing the risk factors involved with pedestrian accidents may be helpful in understanding what to watch for while out walking, sometimes it might be nearly impossible to avoid a potential hazard. When the actions of another party cause a collision to occur, those who suffer severe harm or untimely loss in the process might consider speaking with an attorney for insight on the next steps to take. An attorney in California can evaluate the client’s situation and help prepare to pursue the full amount of restitution to which he or she is entitled to receive via a claim against the party deemed responsible.
