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When a pedestrian is struck by a vehicle, the results are often severe. In many cases, these incidents lead to life-altering injuries or the tragic loss of life. Families left behind may be unsure of what happened or why. While every case is different, there are some recurring factors that frequently contribute to fatal pedestrian accidents.
What Are The Deadliest Risks Pedestrians Face?
Identifying these causes is an important part of assigning responsibility and seeking legal action with a pedestrian accident claim. The following covers some of the most common causes of fatal pedestrian cases.
Driver Distraction
One of the most frequent causes of pedestrian deaths is driver distraction. When drivers take their eyes or attention off the road—even for a few seconds—the risk of hitting someone on foot increases significantly.
Common distractions include texting, adjusting controls, eating, or looking at GPS directions. Pedestrians are especially vulnerable in intersections or crosswalks where drivers might not be paying full attention.
Failure To Yield
Drivers are required by law to yield to pedestrians in marked crosswalks and at intersections. However, failure to yield is a major factor in fatal pedestrian incidents.
Whether due to impatience, confusion, or lack of awareness, some drivers proceed through pedestrian crossings without stopping. This often leads to deadly consequences, especially when vehicles are traveling at higher speeds.
Speeding
Speed is another major contributor to pedestrian fatalities. A vehicle traveling even slightly over the speed limit can have deadly effects in a pedestrian collision.
The faster a car is going, the less time a driver has to react, and the more severe the impact is likely to be. In urban areas, where pedestrian traffic is higher, speeding poses a serious risk to public safety.
Poor Visibility
Many pedestrian fatalities occur at night or in low-light conditions. Poor street lighting, dark clothing, and weather conditions such as rain or fog can make it harder for drivers to see people walking.
Even at lower speeds, limited visibility can prevent drivers from reacting in time to avoid a crash. Drivers have a responsibility to adjust their behavior based on conditions, including using headlights properly and slowing down when visibility is limited.
Impaired Driving
Alcohol and drug use are major factors in fatal pedestrian accidents. Impaired drivers have slower reaction times, reduced judgment, and often fail to notice pedestrians until it’s too late.
Unfortunately, many of these crashes happen during evening or weekend hours when impaired driving is more common. Holding impaired drivers accountable is critical for victims’ families and for public safety as a whole.
Left Turns And Intersections
Pedestrians are at high risk in intersections, especially when vehicles are making left turns.
Drivers making these turns may focus on oncoming traffic and fail to notice someone crossing the street. Unlike straight-line driving, turning movements involve more visual processing and decision-making, which can lead to critical errors.
Legal Options For Grieving Families
When a pedestrian fatality occurs, the loved ones left behind often face overwhelming grief and financial pressure. Medical costs, funeral expenses, and the loss of income or companionship can create long-term hardship.
In many cases, a wrongful death claim can help hold the responsible party accountable and provide financial relief for the family. A wrongful death lawyer can guide families through this process and help determine whether legal action is appropriate.
Attorneys like our friends at the Choulos & Tsoi Law Firm can attest to how important a full investigation is when a pedestrian death occurs. Identifying the exact cause of the crash helps clarify liability and gives families a clearer path forward. If you’ve lost someone in a pedestrian accident, speaking with a trusted legal team is a meaningful step toward getting answers.