Pedestrian Accidents
The beautiful Texas climate makes walking an enjoyable activity for many residents. Residents may walk for exercise or use it as an inexpensive and convenient form of transportation. However, pedestrian accidents are common and pedestrians must make sure to follow all traffic laws. Even when a pedestrian is cautious, he or she could be injured in an accident involving a motor vehicle.
If you have been injured in a pedestrian accident, contact our experienced car accident lawyers. Email us or call us toll-free.
Pedestrian Accident Statistics
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety reports a total of 6,205 pedestrian deaths occurred in 2019. Pedestrian fatalities decreased 3 percent from 2018 but still account for 17 percent of all crash fatalities. Although pedestrian deaths were 17 percent lower in 2019 than in 1975, they have increased 51 percent since reaching their lowest point in 2009.
A pedestrian accident is more likely to occur in an urban area rather than a rural area. A majority of pedestrian accidents happen at night, with 24 percent of pedestrian accidents in 2019 have occurred between the hours of 9 p.m. and midnight. Nearly one-half of pedestrian fatalities in 2019 occurred on Friday, Saturday, or Sunday.
Children and older individuals are especially likely to be involved in pedestrian accidents. The fatality rate for pedestrians age 65 and older was higher than the rate for all other age groups in 2019. Nearly one-fifth of children between ages five and nine killed in motor vehicle accidents are pedestrians.
Pedestrian Laws
Texas pedestrians are subject to many of the same laws as Texas drivers. For example, pedestrians are required to follow traffic control signals at intersections or crosswalks in the same manner as drivers.
However, drivers are required to exercise due care to avoid striking pedestrians and use a horn when necessary to alert a pedestrian to their presence. Drivers are also expected to exercise extreme caution when encountering a young child pedestrian or a pedestrian who appears confused or incapacitated.
Although a driver must yield the right of way to a pedestrian lawfully crossing in a crosswalk, a pedestrian cannot suddenly leave a curb and walk directly into the path of an oncoming motor vehicle, making it impossible for the driver to yield in time.
Under Texas law, drivers must yield to pedestrians who are in marked or unmarked crosswalks, on the same half of the roadway as the vehicle or approaching that half from the opposite side of the roadway.
Pedestrian Safety
The NHTSA provides several common-sense tips for pedestrians to avoid an accident, such as:
Walk on a sidewalk.
If there is no sidewalk, walk on the shoulder of the road against oncoming traffic.
Walk in a designated crosswalk when crossing a street.
Stop and look left, right, and left again before crossing a street.
Carry a flashlight and wear reflective clothing at night.
Pedestrians should also make sure to not walk while they are intoxicated. It is estimated that in about one-third of all fatal pedestrian accidents, the pedestrian had a blood-alcohol level at or above .08 percent, which is the legal limit in many states.
The Duty Of Reasonable Care
Pedestrian accidents can involve negligence on the part of the driver or the pedestrian, similar to automobile accidents. Both drivers and pedestrians are required to exercise reasonable care on the roadways, and both could be found negligent and liable for damages if their failure to use reasonable care causes harm to another.
Seek out a car accident attorney if you are involved in a pedestrian accident. Email us or call us toll-free for an appointment.
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Bicycle Accidents
Similar to walking, bicycling is a cheap and easy method of public transportation. Much like pedestrians, bicyclists are in danger of being involved in a bicycle accident due to careless or negligent drivers.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that 846 bicyclists were killed and many thousands were injured in 2019.
If you or a family member has been injured in a bicycling accident caused by another’s negligence, you need a strong advocate on your side to ensure you receive all of the compensation you are entitled to.
For all necessary assistance, come see our knowledgeable car accident attorneys. Call our law office toll-free or send us an email.
Bicycle Safety Trends
According to the NHTSA, a majority of bicycle accidents occur between the hours of 4 and 8 p.m. Bicycle accidents are also more likely to occur in urban areas, as opposed to rural areas. Around 72 percent of bicycle accidents occurred in urban areas.
Either very young or slightly older individuals are also more likely to be involved in bicycle accidents, and the average age of those killed and injured in a bicycle accident continues to increase.
Bicyclists between the ages of 45 and 54 had the highest fatality rate based on the population. However, individuals between the ages of 16 and 20 had the highest injury rate.
Males are also more likely to be involved in bicycle accidents. In fact, the majority of the bicyclists injured are male.
Safety Tips To Avoid A Bicycle Accident
There are many guidelines bicyclists should follow to avoid an accident with a motor vehicle. Some of these guidelines include:
Wear a bicycle helmet every time you ride.
Wear fluorescent or brightly colored clothing to increase your visibility to drivers.
Use a front light and red reflector or flashing rear light when bicycling at night.
Ride in the same direction as traffic.
Bicyclists are considered vehicle operators, just like drivers. This means that bicyclists must follow all of the applicable traffic rules such as obeying traffic signs and signals.
Drivers must also remember that they share the road with bicyclists. Drivers are required to exercise reasonable care and be especially alert for bicyclists when making turns. Drivers should also allow at least three feet of clearance when passing a bicyclist on the road and watch for bicyclists when pulling out of a driveway or opening a car door.
Consequences Of Bicycle Accidents
The dangers of bicycle accidents nationally are likely to remain. According to the Texas Department of Transportation, Texas bicyclist fatalities totaled 79 in 2020. This is a 16.18% increase from 2019.
If you or a loved one was injured in a bicycle accident caused by a negligent driver, it is a good idea to have your case reviewed by an experienced lawyer who can determine whether you are entitled to compensation.
If you have a solid case, you could be entitled to payment for medical bills and compensation for lost wages. Damages for pain and suffering are also frequently awarded in bicycle accidents.
For a consultation with an experienced bicycle accident lawyer, contact us by email or call toll-free.
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