Tragically, thousands of pedestrians are killed each year due to traffic accidents. In 2016, statistics showed that, on average, one pedestrian died due to crashes every 1.5 hours. There are a number of factors that contribute to the odds of a fatal car accident, but for pedestrians, many don’t have as many options to avoid drivers who aren’t paying attention. While it’s not possible to turn back time after a tragic car accident, it can be possible for loved ones of the victim to take action and get justice.
It is thought that a significant number of pedestrian deaths is caused by driver negligence. In fact, 13% of all pedestrian deaths occurred when the driver had a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) over the legal limit. When taking legal action against a driver, it is important to be aware of some of the most common causes of pedestrian deaths.
Common Reasons for Fatal Pedestrian Accidents: Distracted Drivers
Drivers can cause fatalities when engaging in distracted driving, even if they are driving at low speeds. Sadly, it’s common for accidents to occur because the driver was reading, replying to a text message or attending to children in the back seat.
Drunk drivers
Alcohol can severely impact reaction times in drivers. This means that those over the legal BAC limit may not be able to respond quickly enough to a passenger crossing the road. Our Michigan DUI accident attorneys work tirelessly to stop this!
Reckless driving
There is never any excuse for reckless driving. Speeding or failing to yield can cause crashes that involve fatalities or serious injuries. At higher speeds, an impact can be much more devastating.
If you have lost a loved one to a serious car accident, it is important that you take the time to grieve before considering legal action. When you are ready to explore your legal options, it is likely that you will be successful in holding negligent drivers responsible.
Contact the experienced Southfield Pedestrian Accident Lawyers at Lipton Law for a free consultation.