Feb 25, 2022 | Accident prevention, Pedestrian Accidents
Pedestrian accidents, unfortunately, cause thousands of injuries, and even deaths each year. Pedestrian accidents are especially dangerous because the person has absolutely no protection against a car. In addition, cars are much heavier and faster. Back-up collisions with pedestrians are fairly common. In addition, cars turning at intersections is another common type of pedestrian accident. Pedestrians put themselves at risk when they dart out in front of cars unexpectedly. Especially where they aren’t supposed to. To avoid accidents with pedestrians, never assume they are paying attention. In addition, always drive carefully and alertly. Hopefully, knowing some common types of accidents will make you more aware of when to be extra careful about pedestrians.
Most Common Types of Pedestrian Accidents and How to Avoid Them
Back-Up Accidents
One of the most common types of pedestrian accidents occurs when cars are backing up. Often, these can occur in parking lots. Cars have a lot to pay attention to while backing up. They are often looking for oncoming traffic and neglect to also check for walkers. In addition, many drivers rely too much on mirrors and backup cameras. This can result in them missing people in their car’s blind spot.
Turning Cars
Another source of pedestrian accidents occurs when cars are turning. This is often at intersections but can also occur when cars are turning into parking lots or driveways. If a pedestrian is walking across at the same time they can collide. In intersections, these accidents often happen when cars are turning left. When cars have protected green left-turn arrows pedestrians shouldn’t be crossing. However, walkers can be crossing the street if a car is turning left across traffic. If the driver is paying more attention to finding a gap in the traffic, they could miss a pedestrian. In addition, when cars are turning left on red they often miss pedestrians. They are paying too much attention to cars and fail to notice the humans in the intersection.
Jay Walking
Jaywalking is another source of pedestrian accidents. This occurs when walkers cross the street at an unexpected location. Cars are not usually expecting pedestrians except at intersections. So a person darting out from behind a parked car or where they aren’t supposed to can get hit easily. Similarly, pedestrians crossing at intersections out of turn can be a target for accidents. This is because drivers aren’t expecting them to be blocking intersections.
How to Avoid Accidents with Pedestrians (never assume they’re paying attention)
The easiest way to avoid accidents with pedestrians is to pay attention. This is true if you’re the pedestrian or the driver. Distracted driving is a huge source of pedestrian accidents, so always put your phone away and pay attention to the road. As a pedestrian, you similarly need to always pay attention. Never cross at inappropriate places or dart out into traffic unexpectedly. If you’re in a parking lot, watch out for reverse lights. Also, it helps to wear bright colors instead of dark clothes if you’re walking at night.
Pedestrian accidents are unfortunately all too common. They can often occur in parking lots when cars are reversing. Pedestrians should pay close attention when walking behind cars. They can also occur when cars are turning. Drivers need to always be aware and look for both traffic and walkers before turning. In addition, never run red lights. Jaywalking is also a common source of collisions as cars aren’t expecting a walker to be crossing the street. Whether you’re a pedestrian or a driver, you should never assume the other is paying attention. It’s up to everybody to be very alert when they are traveling on public roads.
Mar 16, 2018 | Pedestrian Accidents
Car accidents are extremely traumatic. No matter if you’re the party that’s at-fault, or that’s been hit— you’re likely quite shaken up. We all expect that the time will come when we’re in a little fender bender, or major accident. But, what you might not expect is to be involved in a car accident with a pedestrian. If you’ve hit a pedestrian, it’s important to remain calm, call an ambulance, and do what you can to help in the meantime. Staying calm can be tough, as often these kinds of accidents are very serious. But, I’m here to assure you that by doing your part, you will come out of this just fine.
If you’ve been in a car accident with a pedestrian: remain calm and follow this guide
Obviously the best way to avoid a pedestrian-related car accident is to stay alert and avoid high-foot-traffic areas. But, for the sake of this piece— we’re going to assume that you’ve already hit the pedestrian and now need to help them.
1: Call an ambulance
It’s safe to assume that the person who’s hit is in need of medical care. So, before you do anything else call an ambulance. Dial 911, give them location, and follow their guidance. They can be of great assistance over the phone until help arrives.
2: Both of you, and the vehicle should move form the roadway if at all possible
This is a critical moment within which you should take that first responders advice. Ask the person on the phone what to do. They will likely tell you not to move the person in case of neck or back injury. It’s important for you to take their advice, and react accordingly.
3: When medical aid arrives, get to work on the other stuff
You still need to photograph the scene, the damage, and any pertinent information. Treat this as you would any other accident, and do not admit fault. While you are the one who’s car hit the person, they might have been jaywalking, impaired, or doing something they shouldn’t have been. As we’ve said, it’s extremely important to treat this like you would any other accident after medical aid has arrived.
4: Call your insurance company
Call your insurance company, explain the situation, and send in the photos— just as you would for any other accident. Go through the steps, and give them the initial information. Then, tell them you will provide more after speaking with an attorney. Which brings us to step 5…
5: Contact an attorney
While you might know that you weren’t at fault, or might not feel like you need representation— it is very likely that the other party will seek out a lawyer. After all, they were struck by a car. Depending on what type of person they are, a lawsuit might be the first thing they seek out after they wake up. All in all, speaking with a lawyer and figuring out the potentials is an important step in preparing for worst case scenario after a pedestrian accident .
Aug 19, 2013 | Car Accidents, Criminal Defense, Pedestrian Accidents, Uncategorized
The Rock Hill Police Department is still investigating an accident that took place on August 8th, earlier this month involving a family as all the key players.
The accident at hand took place on Mt. Gallant Road in Rock Hill, which for some reason seems to be where lots of accidents occur in Rock Hill. It is one of the City’s main street that can direct you to any other exits or avenues to Rock Hill, mainly, Cherry Road.
According to the police reports, the 43-year-old man and his 20-year-old son were walking down the side of the road, when all the sudden a 1995 light blue Geo Prism came darting in their direction. They could hear the engine revving as the car sped towards them in a frightening manner.
The father took his son and threw him in the ditch, protecting him from harm’s way as the car veered off the side of the road into their direction.
The father was seriously injured when the car struck the man in his knees, and causing the man to roll atop the vehicle that charged him.
The saddest part of this story is that the hit-and-run defendant has been identified as the 39-year-olf wife and mother of the two men she attempted to hit.
The son went unscathed, and the father was rushed to Piedmont Medical Center for immediate treatment.
If you have been a victim in a hit-and-run car accident, contact the law offices of Reeves, Aiken, and Hightower, LLP toll-free at 877-374-5999 to discuss your case with an experienced attorney.
May 22, 2013 | Car Accidents, Pedestrian Accidents, Personal Injury, Uncategorized
A British woman is apparently bragging on Twitter about her run-in with a cyclist earlier this week. 
Accordingly, the woman “tweeted” that she hit a cyclist while in her vehicle and then drove away without so much as getting out of her car to check on the poor pedestrian. Specifically, she states that she “definitely knocked a cyclist off his bike earlier – I have right of way, he doesn’t even pay road tax! #bloodycyclists”
The cops were not entirely thrilled to read the post. The “tweet” was getting so much traffic that the police decided to reach out to the woman and “respectfully request” that she turn herself in for the crime that she committed earlier that day.
The local news stations hyped the story up, and the police strongly urged her to turn herself in. She has still not done so.
The victim/cyclist was also found and contacted. The 29-year-old male stated that the car came “tearing around the blind corner, just missing a fellow cyclist in front of her.” He further added that the “wing mirror” of his bicycle was torn off, and he went flying into a nearby hedge. Luckily, the hedge broke his fall, and his injuries were minor.
The defendant’s employer was also contacted about the incident, and promptly notified the public by releasing a statement as follows: “We are taking the incidents very seriously, and a full and detailed investigation will be carried out and appropriate action taken. We have already spoken to Norfolk Police.”
The defendant worked for a local accounting firm but has since stayed quit about the incident at bar.
Pedestrians are often times harmed within a half a mile range from their homes. It is important for both drivers and cyclists to “share the road,” meaning that they most also share the responsibility of watching for the safety of others.
If you, or another pedestrian you know has been seriously harmed in a similar situation, contact the law offices of Reeves, Aiken, and Hightower, LLP toll-free at 877.374.5999 or visit our home page at rjrlaw.com for more information.
Apr 24, 2013 | Car Accidents, Pedestrian Accidents, Personal Injury, Uncategorized
A man from Spartanburg has just pled no contest for a hit-and-run fatality that took place last year.
Apparently, the forty-one-year -old entered his plea literally minutes before the trial was to begin Tuesday morning.
The facts of the fatality are as follows: The Spartanburg man was driving his vehicle last year on June 16. Accordingly, the thirty-one-year-old victim was driving aside the defendant when his car began to malfunction.
The police reports state that the victim then leaped from his malfunctioning vehicle, whereas the defendant accidentally struck him.
The defense attorney made the argument that at the time of the incident, the defendant was severely confused and did not know how to go about changing lanes in the midst of the accident.
He obviously struck the victim, and then continued to drive, due to fear. He subsequently contacted the authorities the next day to report himself and the crime.
The defendant has offered his sincere apologies and condolences to the victim’s family, and as a result, it was the victim’s mother who pled with the Circuit Court Judge to show the defendant mercy.
Thus, the defendant was sentenced to one year in prison, three years of probation, and a $10,000 fine.
Pedestrians are involved in accidents all the time for numerous reasons. Sometimes, both the pedestrian and the driver can be to blame. If the pedestrian is in the middle of the road with dark clothing, and the driver truly did not see him, he may not be the one to blame. What if the pedestrian was intoxicated and ran in front of the car? However, what if the driver were the intoxicated one and the pedestrian was on the walking path beside the road?
No matter who is to blame, a “hit-and-run” is never acceptable behavior. To harm a person and then flee the scene is a serious criminal matter. If you, or a loved one has been injured in any sort of pedestrian or “hit-and-run” accidents, please contact the law offices of Reeves, Aiken, and Hightower,LLP at 877-374-5999 toll free. Let us evaluate your claim for you for a one-on-one inital consultation, free of charge
Apr 8, 2013 | Car Accidents, Pedestrian Accidents, Uncategorized
A pedestrian from Richland County was fatally wounded this past weekend when she was struck in her side by a vehicle just north of Columbia.
The accident took place around 9:00 p.m., near the intersection of U.S. 321 and Crane Church Road, as reported by the South Carolina Highway patrol team.
The Richland County Coroner has reported that the victim did not suffer immensely from her injuries for long, as she was pronounced dead at the local hospital upon arrival.
The Coroner was expected to release more information yesterday evening, after he got a chance to fully examine the body. As of right now, the only details being released is that the location and status of the victim.
There has yet to be any details discussed as to the cause of the accident; if there was any alcohol or other substance abuse involved; and if there are any charged being filed at this time.
Lance Cpl. Kelly of the Highway patrol has released the following statement in regards to the fatality: “”We are continuing to investigate and more details will be released when the initial investigation is finished. Until that time, our thoughts are with the vitcim’s family and loved ones.”
Sadly, pedestrian accidents are not as rare as one may hope. In fact, nearly 12 pedestrians are killed in a traffic-related accident every day in the United States. It is the duty of all road users to share the road and be alert to what is happening around them. Be smart when you are selecting your attire for a night jog; the lighter the clothing, the more likely you are to be seen by night drivers.
The trial attorneys of
Reeves Aiken & Hightower LLP, are experienced
pedestrian accident attorneys. They know the intricacies involved in these cases. As a former Registered Nurse (RN) working in intensive care, attorney
Robert J. Reeves understands complex anatomy and physiology and can explain trauma and autopsy findings. As former insurance defense attorneys, both Mr. Reeves and attorney
Tyler Burns know what to look for, and how to prepare for trial. We welcome the opportunity to sit down and personally discuss your case. Call us today for a private consultation. Call our Fort Mill office at
803-548-4444 or toll-free at 877-374-5999.
