Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Terrell Hills, TX
Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents
Walking is an excellent way to get some exercise and get from one place to another, as any pedestrian accident lawyer Terrell Hills, TX trusts well knows. However, pedestrian accidents can happen anywhere and at any time. Motor vehicle operators need to be on the lookout for pedestrians. A majority of accidents occur because drivers are not looking for people on foot and fail to see them entering an intersection crosswalk, crossing the street, or walking along the side of the road. Common causes of pedestrian accidents include:
► Speeding: Going too fast does not allow you to stop quickly enough or give someone on foot enough time to get out of the way. There is also a strong association between vehicle speed on impact and how severe a pedestrian’s injuries are after the accident. A pedestrian accident lawyer in Terrell Hills, TX will tell you, the more speed is involved, the higher the likelihood of substantial injuries and fatalities.
► Failure to yield: Drivers must give the right-of-way to pedestrians in many situations. Drivers must yield the right-of-way to pedestrians at an intersection with no traffic signs or signals. Drivers must also yield to a pedestrian who has a “walk” signal or who has a green light if there is no pedestrian crossing signal. When drivers pull out of driveways, private roads, or alleys, they are expected to yield any pedestrians on sidewalks.
Drivers should also notice yellow signs that indicate where large numbers of pedestrians cross the street. Our pedestrian accident lawyer in Terrell Hills, TX warns that they should be aware, look out for people on foot, and slow down in these situations. Motorists should also be on the lookout for any blind or disabled pedestrians. When motorists fail to yield, pedestrians stand a good chance of severe or fatal injury.
► Distracted driving: Distraction is often a factor in many pedestrian accidents. Motor vehicle operators who are distracted are more apt to fail to see a pedestrian and cause an accident. That includes drivers who are preoccupied with:
- Talking or texting on cell phones
- Eating food
- Smoking cigarettes
- Putting on makeup
- Adjusting the knobs on the radio or other dashboard controls
- Engaging with their navigation systems
- Talking with passengers
These people not only pose a danger to pedestrians, but other motorists, as well.
► Driving while under the influence
Drunk or impaired driving often contributes to many pedestrian accidents. A significant percentage of pedestrians struck and fatally injured have been hit by drunk drivers. A Terrell Hills, TX pedestrian accident lawyer well knows a substantial number of pedestrians are killed when they are legally intoxicated themselves.
► Reduced visibility: A considerable number of fatal pedestrian accidents happen in the dark when visibility is reduced. Pedestrians are more challenging for drivers to see at night, especially when the pedestrian is wearing dark clothing.
Get Professional Help
At the Law Office of John W. Shaw, PLLC, our compassionate lawyers help pedestrians who have been injured in accidents caused by motor vehicle drivers. Our personal injury attorneys will review the details of the accident and provide you with your legal options during a consultation or case review. The Law Office of John W. Shaw, PLLC has significant legal experience helping injury victims. Reach out and schedule a time to speak with a pedestrian accident lawyer Terrell Hills, TX residents believe in today.