What Are the Risks for a Pedestrian Accident?
Today, many people enjoy walking for exercise or for recreation. Some people walk to work or go for a stroll during a lunch break. Children may walk to school or walk home from a bus stop. If you like to walk, you should take precautions to avoid accidents. When you suffer a serious injury in a pedestrian accident, consult with Jacksonville pedestrian injuries lawyers who can identify responsible parties, protect your rights and help you recover compensation.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported in 2011 that within any given 24-hour period, an average of 324 Americans receive emergency room treatment for pedestrian-related injuries. Additionally, a pedestrian dies from traffic crash injuries every two hours. Children are the most at risk for pedestrian accident injuries. The reasons for their risk include:
- Their small size makes them more difficult for drivers to see
- Their inability to judge distances and speeds makes them more vulnerable to being in harm’s way
- Their lack of experience with traffic rules results in poor judgment calls
Children who are under the age of 14 make up about 20 percent of pedestrian traffic deaths.
However, in many instances pedestrians are not at fault for causing traffic crashes. Sometimes drivers drink and drive, violate traffic laws or are distracted and fail to see pedestrians. When drivers are at fault for causing pedestrian injuries or deaths, pedestrian injuries lawyers in Jacksonville can help victims or their family members recover compensation for damages.
The Gillette Law Firm offers a free consultation to evaluate the prospects of pursuing a case so you can receive the compensation you deserve.
