Getting hit by a car while walking is one of the most frightening and painful experiences someone can go through. If you were hurt or lost someone because of a driver’s carelessness, you’re probably dealing with a lot right now. Doctor visits, time off work, unexpected expenses, and ongoing pain are taking their toll. Unlike car crashes, where drivers have the protection of a vehicle, pedestrians don’t have anything shielding them from the impact.
What are the common causes of pedestrian accidents? Most of them happen because someone didn’t follow traffic rules, didn’t pay attention, or ignored unsafe road conditions.
This blog explains the most common reasons pedestrian accidents happen, what legal rights injured pedestrians have, and what to do after getting hit. If you're recovering from a pedestrian accident, reach out to a pedestrian accident lawyer serving in Winder for a free consultation to find out what steps to take next.
Driver Negligence and Traffic Violations
Drivers have a legal duty to look out for pedestrians. When they ignore that duty, people walking or crossing the street pay the price. Many of these accidents happen in neighborhoods, near schools, and at intersections.
Distracted Driving
Texting, talking on the phone, adjusting music, or even eating behind the wheel pulls a driver’s focus away from the road. Even a few seconds of distraction is enough time for a pedestrian to walk into a crosswalk and get hit.
Speeding and Reckless Driving
Speeding reduces reaction time. A driver going 45 mph won’t be able to stop as quickly as someone going 25 mph. In neighborhoods and city areas where pedestrians are everywhere, speeding can be deadly. Some drivers also take corners too fast or make illegal moves that put pedestrians at risk.
Failure to Yield Right of Way
Pedestrians often have the right of way in crosswalks and at intersections. Drivers who don’t stop for them, or who speed through turns while someone is still crossing, are breaking the law and putting lives in danger.
Running Red Lights and Stop Signs
Some drivers blow through stop signs or run red lights without checking for people in the crosswalk. These reckless choices often lead to serious injury or death.
What Role Do Poor Road Conditions Play in Pedestrian Accidents?
Pedestrian safety isn’t just about driver behavior. Roads and sidewalks must be designed and maintained to keep people safe too. Poor conditions can create confusion or make it hard for drivers and pedestrians to see each other.
Inadequate Lighting and Visibility Issues
Dark intersections, broken streetlights, or poor lighting in parking lots make it hard for drivers to spot someone crossing the street. Low visibility increases the chances of a crash, especially at night.
Missing or Damaged Crosswalks and Signals
Faded crosswalks, missing signs, and broken pedestrian signals all contribute to pedestrian accidents. When drivers don’t have clear signals or markings, they’re less likely to stop or slow down.
Construction Zones and Temporary Hazards
Construction areas often redirect pedestrians into traffic lanes or remove sidewalks altogether. Without clear signs or barriers, pedestrians can end up walking in unsafe areas, putting them at risk of being hit.
How Do Weather and Environmental Conditions Affect Pedestrian Safety?
Bad weather changes how both drivers and pedestrians behave. It reduces visibility, makes surfaces slick, and leads to more errors and accidents.
Rain, Snow, and Reduced Visibility
Rain and snow make it harder for drivers to see. Windshields fog up, lights glare, and the roads become slippery. Pedestrians might wear dark clothing or carry umbrellas that block their view, making them harder to see.
Ice and Slippery Surfaces
When sidewalks and crosswalks are icy, pedestrians may slip and fall, putting them in the path of oncoming vehicles. Cars also take longer to stop in icy conditions.
Glare and Sun Positioning
The angle of the sun during sunrise or sunset can blind drivers. Glare bouncing off windshields makes it nearly impossible to spot someone crossing the road.
Vehicle-Related Factors in Pedestrian Accidents
Some accidents have less to do with the driver and more to do with the vehicle itself. Larger vehicles and mechanical issues often play a role in pedestrian crashes.
Large Vehicle Blind Spots
Trucks, buses, and SUVs have larger blind spots than smaller vehicles. Pedestrians standing or walking close to these vehicles may not be visible to the driver, especially when turning or changing lanes.
Backing Up and Parking Lot Incidents
Many pedestrian accidents happen in parking lots when drivers back out of spaces without checking behind them. Children and shorter adults are especially at risk in these situations.
Mechanical Failures and Defects
A faulty brake system, worn-out tires, or a malfunctioning steering system can cause a driver to lose control and hit someone. In these cases, vehicle maintenance or manufacturing problems may share the blame.
What Should You Do If You're Injured in a Pedestrian Accident?
Knowing what to do after a pedestrian accident helps protect your health, your case, and your financial recovery. Taking action quickly can make a big difference.
Immediate Steps at the Accident Scene
- Call 911 so that emergency responders and police arrive at the scene.
- If you’re able, take photos of the vehicle, your injuries, the crosswalk, and anything else that might show what happened.
- Ask for the driver’s name, contact info, insurance details, and license plate number.
- Get contact info from any witnesses.
- Don’t say anything about fault or what you were doing right before the accident. These statements can be used against you later.
Actions to Take During Recovery
- See a doctor right away, even if you don’t think you’re badly hurt. Some injuries show up hours or days later.
- Keep a file with your medical records, bills, injury photos, and notes about how the injuries are affecting your daily life.
- Be careful when talking to insurance companies. Stick to basic facts, and don’t give a recorded statement without legal advice.
- Save physical evidence like torn clothes or broken devices. They may help show how serious the crash was.
How Lewis Law Can Help
Getting hit by a car isn’t just painful. It often leaves you unable to work, facing huge medical bills, and dealing with long-term pain. Our legal team can handle the details while you focus on healing.
- We dig into what caused the crash, collect camera footage, talk to witnesses, and build a strong case.
- We talk to insurance companies so you don’t have to. If the other side refuses to offer a fair amount, we hold them accountable in court.
- We calculate the full impact of the accident. That includes doctor bills, missed paychecks, physical pain, and how your life has changed.
- We work to get a full settlement and take the case to court if needed.
- Throughout the entire process, we protect your rights and keep you informed every step of the way.
FAQs About Pedestrian Accident Causes
How long do I have to file a pedestrian accident claim?
In Georgia, the time limit to file most personal injury claims is two years from the date of the accident. Waiting too long could cost you your right to take legal action.
Can I still recover compensation if I was partially at fault?
Yes, Georgia follows a modified comparative fault rule. If you’re less than 50% responsible, you can still recover some damages, but the amount may be reduced based on your share of fault.
What if the driver who hit me doesn't have insurance?
You may still have options. Your own uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage may apply. A lawyer can help explore all possible sources of recovery.
How much is my pedestrian accident case worth?
That depends on many factors, including how badly you were hurt, how much work you missed, and how your life changed after the accident. Every case is different, and a lawyer can help estimate the full value.
Contact an Experienced Pedestrian Accident Attorney in Georgia Now
Pedestrian accident claims often involve strict deadlines, missing evidence, or uncooperative insurance companies. Acting fast gives your case the best chance of success. Winder accident injury law firm has spent the past 13 years helping injured people in the Winder area. You get personal service from a highly qualified attorney who has your best interests at heart.
Contact us today for a free consultation. You won’t pay anything up front, and we only receive payment if we recover damages for you.