The Main Causes of Pedestrian Accidents
People commute through the boroughs of New York City in a number of ways. With gridlocked traffic, it’s often easier to walk to your destination. However, you may be the victim of a pedestrian accident.
Some pedestrians aren’t so fortunate and wind up losing their lives while others suffer serious injuries. But what causes these horrible accidents? In the Bronx, these are the most common causes of pedestrian accidents.
Speeding
When a driver is speeding, they have little time to react when road conditions change. This is also true if a pedestrian steps off the curb and into their path. If you’re trying to cross at an intersection and someone barrels through in their vehicle at a high speed, you will have much less time to get out of the way.
Even when a motor vehicle is obeying the speed limit, it can have devastating consequences for a pedestrian. The higher the speed, the more catastrophic the injuries could be.
Distracted Driving
There are plenty of things to distract drivers behind the wheel. Phones, eating, other passengers, applying makeup, or searching for music are major distractions that can divert attention from the road. While drivers should be prudent behind the wheel, pedestrians are often entranced with their phones and don’t see the danger until it’s too late.
Drunk Driving
People who get behind the wheel while intoxicated put everyone in danger. Alcohol impairs reaction time, making it more difficult to stop when a pedestrian crosses the road. This impairment also makes it harder for a driver to make good decisions, often leading to taking risks that have deadly consequences.
Intersections and Left-Hand Turns
While intersections are where pedestrians are supposed to cross a road, it’s also the most likely place for a pedestrian accident to occur. When a driver isn’t paying attention while entering an intersection, they’re more likely to hit someone crossing the street.
With left-hand turns, it’s even more dangerous. A driver needs to watch oncoming traffic and the lane they’re turning into, but they don’t always pay attention to pedestrians.
Failing to Stop or Yield
Other drivers simply disregard the rules of the road. Failing to stop or yield when noted also leads to many pedestrian accidents.
Mechanical Issues
Most pedestrian accidents are caused by drivers who make bad choices. However, there are some instances where they are not to blame. While not as common, mechanical defects with a vehicle could be the cause of the crash.
In regards to mechanical issues, the braking system and steering wheel are the most common failures. If it is found that a mechanical defect was responsible for the crash, the pedestrian could bring a lawsuit against the manufacturer of the part.
Regardless of the cause, it may be difficult to get fair compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and other damages. Contact a Bronx pedestrian accident lawyer to find out what you should do after you’ve been hit by a vehicle.
It's also worth mentioning that accidents in construction sites may also affect pedestrians. That's why it's very important to get a pedestrian barrier.