While most motorists (and most pedestrians) exercise caution when using our roads, tragically, some do not pay enough attention to what they are doing, and others drive dangerously. As a pedestrian, you may be hurt in an accident that was someone else’s fault. In such a case, seeking compensation for your losses and injuries is only reasonable. Additionally, you can contribute to their prevention if you are aware of some of Michigan’s prevalent causes of pedestrian accidents.
Distracted drivers
Drivers who text or talk while driving endanger pedestrians and other motorists. However, incidents involving vehicles and pedestrians can also happen to pedestrians who are using digital gadgets while they cross the street.
The key message is to avoid using digital devices while walking or driving in traffic. If a distracted driver causes your accident, you can collaborate with a Michigan pedestrian accident lawyer and make a personal injury claim to seek compensation.
Driving impatiently
In general, pedestrians have the right of way in Michigan. The right-of-way still belongs to the pedestrian if they begin to cross the street against the signal while someone is driving and fails to see them. But impatient drivers who fail to watch out for pedestrians or try to avoid them when navigating crosswalks cause numerous pedestrian accidents.
DUI drivers
Everyone on the road, especially pedestrians, is at risk from drivers who operate their vehicles while intoxicated or under the influence of drugs. Accidents involving pedestrians can happen when intoxicated drivers ignore traffic signals and crosswalks or turn left directly into a crowd of people walking. All pedestrians crossing the street at night should pay attention to drunk drivers. You have the right to compensation if you encounter a pedestrian accident due to impaired driving.
Wearing dark clothes at night
The number of pedestrian accidents tends to rise as the day gives way to night. Wear white or light-colored clothing and bring a pocket flashlight to turn on when crossing the street if you intend to walk after dark.
Although streetlamps and flashing lights light most crosswalks and junctions, it is still challenging for drivers to see pedestrians who blend in with the surrounding darkness. Drivers should be alert of pedestrians and anticipate seeing them on the roadways at night.
Vehicles taking a left
Not all drivers will pay attention to crosswalk signals, even if they are there. Because drivers focus on navigating congested junctions while looking straight ahead instead of the left, pedestrians are always at risk of being struck by cars turning left.
Unfavorable weather
A car may find it difficult or impossible to stop in time to allow a pedestrian to pass on a slippery road, and dangerous walking conditions may result in a person falling into the path of an unaware driver. Additionally, ice and rain can cause cars to leap the curb and hydroplane into crosswalks.
The takeaway
Consult a pedestrian accident lawyer if you are injured in a pedestrian accident.
