Every day walkers and other pedestrians share the road with motor vehicles. This cohabitation, while necessary, can become fatal for pedestrians in an instant. In 2021 over 7,000 pedestrian deaths occurred, a 13% rise from 2020. Various factors have been found to contribute to the rise in fatal pedestrian accidents. Continue reading for more information on the common causes and legal implications of accidents involving cars and pedestrians. If your loved one died due to injuries associated with their accident, speak with a Kane County pedestrian accident lawyer to learn more about your legal options.
What Causes Pedestrian Accidents?
Pedestrian accidents can happen at any time and in any place where walkers and vehicles coexist. They can be the fault of either a vehicle driver or the pedestrian themselves. Refer to the following list of the most common causes of pedestrian accidents.
- Failure to yield the right of way
- Distracted driving
- Distracted walking
- Illegal U-turns
- Speeding
- Intoxicated drivers
- Intoxicated pedestrians
- Jaywalking
- Inclement weather conditions
- Driver fatigue
Any of the above or more can result in the injury or death of a pedestrian. When traffic laws are not obeyed or pedestrians neglect road rules by darting out suddenly into the street, drivers may not have enough time to register the danger and stop or swerve to avoid a collision.
Where do Pedestrian Accidents Mostly Occur?
While pedestrian accidents can occur in a variety of places and at a variety of times, certain circumstances pose more of a threat to pedestrians than others. The following are generally the most dangerous places and times of day for pedestrians.
- Urban city settings
- Intersections
- Parking lots or garages
- Dark or nighttime
You should always exercise caution when walking near cars or traffic, especially in the above environments.
What is a Wrongful Death Claim?
When someone loses their life as a result of another person’s negligent actions, they have suffered a wrongful death. The surviving family of the deceased may be entitled to compensation and justice on behalf of their departed loved one. A wrongful death claim is a civil lawsuit that is filed against a person who was legally responsible for another person’s death. In Illinois, the deceased’s executor or representative has the legal authority to file a claim.
If you lost a loved one in a fatal pedestrian accident, you may be able to receive monetary damages for various costs including the deceased’s medical expenses, the surviving family’s loss of income or financial stability, funeral and burial expenses, and more. Reach out to a skilled accident attorney to learn the laws surrounding wrongful death claims in your jurisdiction and acquire representation to ensure the liable party is brought to justice.
