Victims have legal protections following a pedestrian accident

Pedestrian accidents can have a dramatic impact on the lives of victims and their families. Each year, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 5,000 victims die in fatal pedestrian accidents. Additionally, during 2012, 76,000 pedestrian accident victims were struck and injured in auto-pedestrian accidents. The consequences to victims can be significant.When a pedestrian has been injured they may suffer extensive physical, financial and emotional damages including medical expenses, lost wages and pain and suffering damages. Victims may feel that they are left trying to recover from the harm they have suffered following a pedestrian accident and are left unable to work and struggling with medical expenses and other expenses.A negligent driver who has caused a pedestrian accident may be responsible to compensate the victim for the damages they have suffered. Drivers responsible for an auto-pedestrian accident may be negligent by failing to yield the right of way to pedestrians in crosswalks; by speeding; by failing to signal when turning; by disregarding weather or traffic conditions; by engaging in distracted driving; or by driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol.When a victim has been involved in a pedestrian accident, they should remain at the scene until help arrives, call the police and make sure to get the names and contact information of witnesses and the party responsible and should also seek the medical care and attention they need. It is important to obtain this information and keep records which will help victims establish a legal claim for damages if they later decide that is what is best for them.Source: Injury.findlaw.com, “Pedestrian Accidents Overview,” Accessed Sept. 20, 2016