Pedestrian accidents can be caused by many different reasons. As a Wisconsin pedestrian accident injury attorney, these are the six most common causes we see.
Statistics indicate that around 3,500 pedestrians are killed every year in the USA by inattentive drivers. Distractions easily lead to delayed reaction times or failure to react to certain situations, like the sudden appearance of a pedestrian.
Pedestrians typically get the right of way to vehicles at crosswalks and intersections. Unfortunately, drivers neglect this rule all the time – and accidents are often attributed to distractions, impatience, or a lack of understanding of the law.
Speeding/driving recklessly makes it difficult to stop or safely maneuver in unexpected situations – and colliding with pedestrians commonly leads to catastrophic injuries.
On average, alcohol impairment is a factor in more than 40% of pedestrian fatalities – and the courts show zero lenience to at-fault parties.
Not all causes of pedestrian accidents are due to negligent drivers. If pedestrians make a mistake, drivers may not have enough time to react – especially in bad weather conditions.
Municipalities are expected to provide a safe infrastructure – but this isn’t always the case. Dim lighting, poorly-maintained roads, and bad signage can make it difficult to safely navigate the roadways.
Read the full post to learn more about the most common causes of pedestrian accidents in Wisconsin.