Pedestrian Accidents
Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Near You
Traffic safety experts attribute the alarming rise in pedestrian deaths to several factors.
Growing number of SUVs and trucks on the road
More motorists are driving SUVs and trucks than ever before. In addition to being heavier than standard automobiles, these vehicles have higher front-end profiles that make it harder to see pedestrians. Additionally, if a truck or SUV strikes a pedestrian, the weight and height of the vehicle is more likely to cause serious or fatal injuries. increase
Accelerated reckless driving behaviors
Despite a decrease in traffic during and since the pandemic, fatal accidents rose 15 percent between 2019 and 2022. Safety experts attribute this rise to an increase in risky behaviors such as speeding, drunk/drugged driving and failing to wear seat belts. Unfortunately, many drivers are still engaging in these dangerous practices.
Surge in road rage and aggression
The isolation, fear and economic uncertainty brought about by Covid-19 caused higher levels of stress and anxiety for countless individuals. Unfortunately, many took their feelings out behind the wheel, leading to a rise in road rage incidents perpetrated by angry, aggressive drivers. And, although the worst of the pandemic has subsided, this dangerous driving trend has intensified.
Rise in distracted drivers and pedestrians
Like drivers, pedestrians can also fall prey to distractions, which can lead to disastrous consequences. For example, a person looking down at a cell phone may not see an oncoming car or a “Don’t Walk” signal in time to avoid being hit. In addition, headphones and ear buds can block out honking horns and other warning sounds. Furthermore, when both drivers and pedestrians are distracted, the risk of a serious accident increases significantly.
Infrastructure issues such as insufficient crosswalks
Numerous Michigan intersections and streets do not have crosswalks, making it dangerous for pedestrians to cross busy roadways. In addition, many drivers and pedestrians are not familiar with crosswalk rules, increasing the risk of a serious accident.
Poorly lit roads and intersections
Most fatal pedestrian accidents involving adults happen at night in areas without street lamps or other kinds of lighting.
WHO IS RESPONSIBLE FOR A PEDESTRIAN CAR ACCIDENT?
When a pedestrian is injured by an automobile, determining who is responsible can be challenging. Establishing fault typically involves several factors, such as who had the right of way.
If the person on foot has the right of way, the driver is responsible for the pedestrian car accident. However, it is not always clear which party had the right of way, in part because Michigan has no specific laws regarding the lawful use of crosswalks. Instead, most municipalities follow the Michigan Uniform Traffic Code. This statute allows pedestrians on the same half of the roadway as an approaching vehicle the right of way. Pedestrians who are walking lawfully and obeying traffic signals in a crosswalk also have the right of way.
However, if a pedestrian is partly responsible for an accident, a settlement may be reduced under Michigan’s “comparative negligence” statute.
Here are some examples where a pedestrian may be partially at fault:
- Crossing the street against a “don’t walk” signal or red light
- Darting out in front of a moving vehicle
- Jaywalking or crossing a street outside of a crosswalk
Drivers who hit a pedestrian while engaging in the following behaviors are likely to be held responsible:
- Running a red light or disregarding a stop sign or other traffic signal
- Speeding or otherwise driving recklessly
- Driving while distracted by a cell phone or other device
- Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
Michigan laws surrounding auto accidents and No-Fault insurance are complex. Therefore, it is wise to contact an experienced pedestrian accident attorney if you are injured by a motorist.