Pedestrians enjoy the freedom to walk, run or stroll along sidewalks and roads for recreational or health purposes. Others choose to travel by foot when possible because they are in a city or have limited transportation choices. Despite the many benefits of walking, these individuals face an increased risk of pedestrian accidents. Sadly, many of these accidents could have been prevented with care and vigilance.
According to the Center for Disease Control, in 2012, over 4,700 individuals were killed and approximately 76,000 were injured in pedestrian accidents. West Virginia readers will note that this equates to one pedestrian death in the U.S. every two hours. Additionally, a pedestrian is injured every seven minutes. It is important to understand what causes these accidents, as well as victim rights and options after an accident.
Both the elderly and the very young face the highest chances of being involved in a pedestrian accident. Unsurprisingly, distracted and drunk drivers pose a great risk to those who are traveling by foot. Pedestrians, unprotected against the impact of a vehicle, often sustain serious injuries or even death. While people should take safety precautions while walking or running, they should not have to suffer from the reckless actions of another individual. In many cases, pedestrians who were struck by a vehicle have grounds to seek compensation.
After a crash, a West Virginia victim would be wise to explore his or her options for compensation with the help of a lawyer. Pedestrian accidents can be physically and financially damaging, but victims have rights that should be protected. It is possible to hold liable drivers accountable for their actions behind the wheel.
Source: cdc.gov, "Pedestrian Safety", Accessed on Oct. 27, 2015
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