Pedestrian Accidents and Crosswalks
Car accidents are one of the leading causes of injuries and death in the United States. While most people think of auto accidents as occurring between two vehicles, many involve a vehicle and a pedestrian. These types of accidents can be catastrophic for the pedestrian since they have no form of protection to minimize the accident impact.
The car accident lawyers at Worby Vecchio Edelman, LLP can provide legal representation to individuals in White Plains, NY, and surrounding areas who have been injured in a pedestrian accident in a crosswalk. We will work to collect maximum compensation for all accident damages.
How Common Are Pedestrian Accidents?
Data recently reported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, or CDC, highlights the dangers that pedestrians face when walking down the street or through a crosswalk. In 2017, it was reported that 5,977 pedestrians were killed in traffic accidents, which amounts to one pedestrian death roughly every 88 minutes. The CDC further reports that, based on the number of trips taken, pedestrians are about 1.5 times more likely to be killed in a car accident than vehicle passengers.
Pedestrian deaths are tragic, but injuries are also a concern. Data presented by the CDC shows that, in 2017 alone, around 137,000 pedestrians were seen in emergency rooms for non-fatal accident injuries. Taking both fatal and non-fatal pedestrian accident injuries into account, it is clear that car accidents involving pedestrians are much more common than most people realize.
What Causes Pedestrian Accidents?
As with any other type of car accident, the causes of pedestrian accidents are varied. Many contributing factors stem from reckless or negligent drivers. Some of the most common causes of pedestrian accidents include:
- Driving under the influence
- Speeding
- Failing to stop at a red light or stop sign
- Distracted driving
- Pedestrian failure to use crosswalk signals
Accident Damages
A car is larger and heavier than a person, so even minimal contact can cause significant injuries. Often, pedestrian accidents result in long-term disability or death. Our White Plains clients who are victims of pedestrian accidents, or their surviving loved ones, may suffer losses such as:
- Medical expenses
- Rehabilitation costs
- Lost wages and a loss of wage-earning potential
- Pain and suffering
- Funeral expenses
- Loss of family income and benefits
Seeking Compensation
Pedestrians are granted the right of way, especially when they are traveling through a crosswalk. Unless a pedestrian was blatantly reckless, a driver is likely to be found liable for a pedestrian accident in a crosswalk. Our White Plains lawyers can help pedestrian accident victims hold liable parties accountable for resulting damages. We will gather the evidence necessary to demonstrate the full extent of our client’s losses so that they can receive the maximum compensation they are due under the law.
Contact Us
If you have been injured in a pedestrian accident in a crosswalk and would like to discuss your case with a knowledgeable car accident lawyer, we encourage you to reach out to the legal team at Worby Vecchio Edelman, LLP. Send us a message online at your earliest convenience or call (914) 686-3700.