Common Kinds and Causes of Pedestrian Accidents
When a driver crashes into a pedestrian, it frequently leads to injuries or fatalities. Collisions can happen in various locations, including crosswalks, intersections, and parking lots. Factors contributing to these accidents include distracted driving, speeding, and failure to yield the right of way. It’s essential for both drivers and pedestrians to exercise caution and follow traffic laws to prevent accidents.
The Rights and Responsibilities of Pedestrian and Drivers
Pedestrians generally have the right-of-way at marked crosswalks and intersections. But pedestrians are required to follow traffic signals, use designated crosswalks, and remain aware of their surroundings. Pedestrians should avoid unnecessary risks such as suddenly stepping into the path of oncoming vehicles.
Drivers in Gillette have a legal duty to exercise reasonable care to avoid harming pedestrians. When they fail to do so, drivers can be held liable for the injuries they cause. In determining liability, the court will consider whether the driver’s negligent actions caused the pedestrian’s injuries.
Types of Accidents That Cause Pedestrian Injuries in Gillette
Crosswalk accidents frequently harm pedestrians who are legally crossing the street. Even though crosswalks are intended to provide a safe passage for pedestrians, they become hazardous when drivers don’t follow the rules.
Intersection accidents often lead to injuries for pedestrians. Common scenarios for intersection crashes include drivers who run red lights, fail to yield during turns, or neglect to pay attention to pedestrian traffic signals.
Parking lot accidents typically happen in commercial areas where there is a s mix of vehicles and foot traffic. Drivers may become distracted while searching for parking spaces, fail to notice pedestrians, or drive too fast through parking lanes.
What Causes Pedestrian Accidents in Gillette
Distracted driving is a leading cause of pedestrian accidents in Gillette. Distractions can take many forms, including the use of cell phones, eating, adjusting the radio, or interacting with passengers. The prevalence of smartphones has exacerbated this issue, with drivers often texting or using apps when they should be watching the road. Wyoming’s hands-free driving law prohibits the use of handheld devices while driving.
Speeding drivers are a serious hazard for pedestrians. When drivers exceed the speed limit, their reaction time is reduced, often making it difficult to stop in time to avoid hitting pedestrians. Reckless driving behaviors, such as aggressive lane changes, tailgating, and running red lights, further increase the risk of accidents. These actions put pedestrians at high risk of severe injury or death.
Driving under the influence (DUI) is another significant cause of pedestrian accidents in Gillette. Alcohol and drugs impair a driver’s ability to operate a vehicle safely by affecting coordination, reaction times, and judgment. Drivers under the influence are also more likely to engage in risky behavior.
Failure to yield the right-of-way is a major problem. Right-of-way laws are designed to protect pedestrians by requiring drivers to stop and allow them to cross streets safely, particularly at crosswalks and intersections. Pedestrians pay a heavy price when drivers ignore these laws, either due to distraction, impatience, or lack of awareness.
Poor visibility is a significant factor in many pedestrian accidents. In Wyoming, drivers are required to reduce their speed to match road conditions. Low light conditions, such as dawn or dusk reduce a driver’s ability to see pedestrians clearly. Weather conditions like fog, rain, or snow also contribute to impaired visibility.
How Your Campbell County Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Can Help
The aftermath of a pedestrian accident can be overwhelming. You may be facing high medical bills, insurance claims, and other issues to deal with, such as getting your car fixed and requesting time off from work to recover. An experienced Gillette pedestrian accident lawyer can provide invaluable assistance. Your attorney can gather evidence and interview witnesses to find out who is liable for your injuries. Then they will file a claim or lawsuit seeking damages to cover your expenses.
A Pedestrian Accident Attorney in Wyoming Who Seeks Maximum Compensation
When you call Steven Titus & Associates, P.C., we’re going to pick up the phone, any time day or night! Steven treats all of our clients with respect and compassion, and we will keep you informed about how your case is progressing throughout the legal process.
Call (307) 257-7800 to schedule your FREE consultation. You won’t owe us any money unless we win you a payout.
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