What Are Common Examples of Pedestrian Accidents?

January 10, 2023 Posted In Pedestrian Accident

Pedestrian accidents are all too common and responsible for many severe injuries each year. To increase your safety while walking, it is important to know the common examples of pedestrian accidents that occur.

Turning Vehicle Pedestrian Accident

Drivers turning right or left may fail to check the crosswalk or wait long enough for a pedestrian to make it across, which can quickly and unexpectedly cause an accident. These collisions are often caused when a driver is in a rush or focused on another vehicle. 

Vehicle Backing Up Pedestrian Accident

A backing up pedestrian accident can occur when a vehicle is reversing out of a parking spot or driveway. If the driver fails to look for pedestrians before backing out, they may reverse at the same time an individual is walking by and collide with them. 

“Multiple Threat” Crossing Accident

This type of pedestrian accident happens when a motorist in one lane stops for a pedestrian crossing the street while vehicles in other lanes may or may not. For example, Car A is traveling on a two-lane road in the right lane. They stop for a pedestrian at a crosswalk, obscuring the driver’s view in Car B, traveling in the left lane. Either distracted or unsure of why Car A is stopped, Car B comes careening past Car A and hits the pedestrian as they are crossing. 

Distracted Driver Accidents

Distracted driving is a leading cause of pedestrian accidents and can happen at any moment. Whether a pedestrian is on the sidewalk or crossing a street, a distracted driver can lose control of their vehicle or swerve to avoid hitting a car and end up crashing into a pedestrian. Common causes of distracted driving include texting or talking on the phone, eating or drinking, reaching for an item, changing the music, getting directions, and daydreaming.

Jaywalking Accidents

California law requires pedestrians who cross a street without a crosswalk to yield the right of way. However, a catastrophic accident can occur if a pedestrian darts out without looking or is distracted and fails to yield the right of way to vehicles.  

Pedestrian Accident Liability

In these common examples of pedestrian accidents, drivers are most often liable. They owe a high duty of care to pedestrians to drive safely and prevent harm. If their negligence causes an accident, they can be held responsible for damages. However, liability will depend on the circumstances, as multiple parties can be at fault in a pedestrian accident. 

For example, if a pedestrian darts out into traffic without looking and is hit by a vehicle, they may be entirely to blame for the collision. In other cases, a third party may be liable for a pedestrian accident. For instance, a government agency if preventable dangerous road conditions contributed to the collision, such as improper signage, or a vehicle manufacturer if a defective part led to the collision. 

A Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Can Help

If you or a loved one has been injured in a pedestrian accident, speak to a Riverside Pedestrian Accident Attorney. They can help you determine who is liable and hold the at-fault party accountable.