When walking down the street, you need to always be aware of your surroundings. While there isn’t much you can do if a distracted driver swerves into your direction at high speed, there are a few high-risk areas you should be wary of, such as left turns, yield signs, and intersections. Here are four common causes of pedestrian accidents in Washington.
Four Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents
Failure to Yield at an Intersection: Pedestrians have the right of way in most situations. Examples would include a traffic control device instructing them to walk, crossing the street at an intersection, or walking in a crosswalk. When a driver does not yield to a walker, it can result in a potentially fatal collision. Failing to yield is also associated with higher speed crashes, which increases the likelihood of serious or life-threatening injuries. As a pedestrian, it is important to know that a yield sign does not dictate a stop, which means you need to be extra cautious of drivers failing to follow the rules of the road.
Left-Hand Turns: Drivers that are turning left often have a terrible habit of not looking at what or who will be in their path as they make their turn. Left-hand turns are far more likely to result in accidents compared to right-hand turns, often because there is just more to look out for when you are turning left.
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Drunk Drivers: Drivers who operate their vehicle while intoxicated are far more likely to hit a pedestrian. Drunk drivers have a hard time focusing on the road around them and keep their gaze straight ahead. As a result, they often do not see pedestrians until they are directly in front of their vehicle. In fact, alcohol plays a part in roughly 15 percent of pedestrian collisions.
Electronic Devices: One major culprit of pedestrian accidents is cell phones and other electronic devices causing distracted driving. However, pedestrians should also refrain from using these devices while they are maneuvering through traffic as well. Even if you are partially at fault for a pedestrian accident (texting while walking and not being aware of your surroundings, for example), you are still eligible to receive partial compensation for your injuries in the state of Washington.
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Having an experienced lawyer on your side will increase your likelihood of getting the full amount of money damages that you deserve after this type of accident. Certa Law Group can help. Call us or contact us online to learn more or to schedule a free consultation with an experienced Edmonds pedestrian accident lawyer today.