When pedestrians have been unexpectedly struck and harmed they may be left facing physical, financial and emotional damages and wonder what they can do. Legal protections for pedestrian accident victims are important for victims and their families to thoroughly understand so they can call on them if they need to after they have been harmed in a pedestrian accident.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that close to 5,000 pedestrians are killed annually and another estimated 76,000 pedestrian accident victims were injured in pedestrian accidents during 2012 when struck by a car or truck. Negligent drivers who cause pedestrian accidents may be held liable for the injuries and harm suffered by pedestrian victims and their families, and may be required to compensate them for their physical, financial and emotional injuries.
A personal injury claim for damages may help injured pedestrian accident victims recover compensation for their medical expenses, lost wages and pain and suffering damages from a negligent driver responsible for causing the harm they have suffered. Drivers may be considered negligent if they are driving while distracted, under the influence of alcohol of drugs, speeding, failing to adjust to weather or traffic conditions, failing to yield the right of way to pedestrians, disobeying traffic signs or signal or failing to signal when making a turn.
A personal injury claim for damages is an important legal resource and remedy available to victims of pedestrian accidents who may suffer serious and even catastrophic injuries in a pedestrian accident. Legal protections can assist victims so they get the help they need during the difficult recovery process.
