Pedestrian Accidents: Causes and Recovery
Benefits of Walking
There is no doubt that walking can be great for your health. Taking a brisk 30-minute walk each day reportedly provides benefits, such as:
- Reducing the risks of heart disease
- Reducing the risk of stroke
- Managing high blood pressure and high cholesterol
- Reducing joint pain and stiffness
- Diabetes management
- Strengthening bones
- Improving balance
- Increasing muscle strength
- Increasing endurance
- Reducing body fat
In fact, it’s hard to find any reason not to take a good brisk walk every day. And if you walk as an actual form of transportation, in lieu of getting in your car, you help lower your carbon footprint, and that is good for the planet.
Hazards of Walking
Unfortunately, walking can also be hazardous to your health. Each year, thousands of pedestrians are hit by automobiles, resulting in serious injuries or even death. And in too many instances, these accidents were completely avoidable as they occurred because the drivers were acting negligently.
Car vs. Pedestrian Accidents
While there are numerous circumstances that can give rise to a car colliding with a pedestrian, the following are typical causes of car vs. pedestrian accidents:
- DUI drivers.
The automobile driver was under the influence of alcohol or drugs and either veered into an area where the pedestrian victim was walking or did not stop in time when a pedestrian crossed the roadway.
- Distracted drivers.
The automobile driver was texting or talking on a cell phone; or may have been listening to music, talking to passengers, tending to children, paying attention to pets, or otherwise distracted by a device or something going on in the vehicle.
- Inattention while turning.
Left hand turns in particular can contribute to a driver hitting a pedestrian. The problem is often due to the driver looking for oncoming traffic, rather than focusing on a pedestrian in his or her path.
Pedestrian Accident Damages
The injuries a pedestrian can sustain in a collision with a car can be devastating. Often these injuries are catastrophic and life changing, and can even be fatal, giving rise to wrongful death claims by surviving family members.
Pedestrians who survive being hit by a car not only have to deal with healing from the physical and emotional injuries and scars from the accident, but also will incur medical bills and other hard-to-meet expenses. The victim may not be able to return to work and could lose their ability to support themselves and their family. In addition, pedestrian accident victims often face long-term pain and suffering.
How a Colorado Springs Injury Law Firm Can Help
If you or a loved one is the victim in pedestrian accident, you need an advocate who will work hard to make sure that you receive the compensation you deserve. At Colorado Springs injury law firm Levine Law, we have experience dealing with insurance companies and taking negligent drivers to court. Contac us for a free case evaluation, either by phone at 719-471-3000 or visit us online.
