Pedestrian accidents can have devastating consequences, leading to serious injuries for those involved. Given the vulnerability of pedestrians during accidents, there is a significant chance that victims end up passing away due to their injuries.
In 2022, pedestrian accidents accounted for 18.4% of road fatalities statewide. Here in Corpus Christi, we see many families affected by these accidents. Understanding the common causes behind these tragic incidents can help raise awareness and promote safer practices for pedestrians and drivers.
Our team at Burkett Law Firm will provide insight into the seven common causes of fatal pedestrian accidents and how a pedestrian accident lawyer in Corpus Christi can help you get justice for your loved one.
Common Causes of Fatal Pedestrian Accidents
1. Distracted Driving
One of the primary causes of fatal pedestrian accidents in Corpus Christi is distracted driving. When drivers take their attention off the road to use their phones, adjust the radio, eat, or engage in other distractions, they greatly increase the risk of hitting pedestrians. In these cases, a Corpus Christi injury attorney can help bereaved families seek compensation for their losses.
2. Speeding
Excessive speeding is another significant factor contributing to fatal pedestrian accidents in Corpus Christi. When drivers exceed the speed limit, they have less time to react to unexpected situations, making it harder to avoid pedestrians crossing the street.
3. Failure to Yield
Failure to yield the right of way to pedestrians at designated crossing areas, intersections, and crosswalks is a common cause of pedestrian accidents. Drivers who neglect to give pedestrians the right of way put lives at risk and can be held liable for any resulting injuries or fatalities.
4. Driving Under the Influence
Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol poses a grave danger to pedestrians in Corpus Christi. Impaired drivers have reduced reaction times and diminished judgment, increasing the likelihood of pedestrian accidents. Families who have lost loved ones in pedestrian accidents caused by impaired drivers should seek help from a pedestrian accident lawyer in Corpus Christi to pursue compensation for their damages.
5. Poor Visibility
Inadequate lighting, inclement weather conditions, and obscured visibility due to obstacles can make it challenging for drivers to spot pedestrians, especially during nighttime or adverse weather. Poor visibility significantly heightens the risk of pedestrian accidents and underscores the importance of cautious driving practices.
6. Drowsy Driving
Fatigued or drowsy driving is a lesser-known yet dangerous factor in pedestrian accidents. Drivers who operate vehicles while fatigued are more likely to exhibit impaired cognitive abilities and delayed responses, putting pedestrians at risk.
7. Failure to Obey Traffic Laws
Disregarding traffic signals, stop signs or other road regulations can result in catastrophic pedestrian accidents. Drivers who flout traffic laws act recklessly and endanger the lives of pedestrians sharing the road.
Seeking Legal Guidance After a Pedestrian Accident
Losing a loved one in a fatal pedestrian accident is a devastating experience. In Corpus Christi, families have the right to file a wrongful death claim to seek justice and receive fair compensation for their loss. Understanding your rights and how to proceed can be challenging, but a pedestrian accident lawyer in Corpus Christi can guide you.
A wrongful death claim can be filed when a pedestrian accident results from another party’s negligence or wrongful actions. This legal action aims to hold the responsible party to account and provide financial relief to the surviving family members. To successfully file a wrongful death claim, it is essential to prove that the defendant’s negligence directly caused the fatal accident. This often involves gathering evidence, witness testimonies, and expert opinions.
Hiring an experienced Corpus Christi injury attorney is crucial in navigating the complexities of a wrongful death claim. They can help you understand your legal rights, gather the necessary evidence, and build a strong case to maximize compensation.
When filing a wrongful death claim, families may be entitled to recover various damages, including:
- Medical expenses: You can recover the costs incurred for the medical treatment your loved one received before their passing.
- Funeral and burial expenses: You are entitled to compensation for the costs associated with laying your loved one to rest.
- Loss of income: If the deceased was a primary earner, you might be entitled to compensation for the lost financial support.
- Loss of companionship: You can seek compensation for the emotional impact of losing your loved one’s presence, guidance, and support.
- Pain and suffering: You may be entitled to compensation for the emotional distress and grief the surviving family members endured.
A knowledgeable pedestrian accident lawyer in Corpus Christi will help you understand and pursue these damages, ensuring you receive the compensation you deserve. If you have lost a loved one in a pedestrian accident, contact a pedestrian accident lawyer in Corpus Christi today to discuss your case and explore your legal options.
At Burkett Law Firm, our team is dedicated to representing individuals impacted by pedestrian accidents. With over 60 years of experience in personal injury law, Attorney David Burkett and our legal advocates strive to deliver exceptional legal assistance to clients in the Corpus Christi metro and Coastal Bend region.
Contact Our Corpus Christi Injury Attorney Today
If you have lost a loved one in a fatal pedestrian accident due to the negligence of another party, do not hesitate to seek the guidance of a reputable Corpus Christi injury attorney. Our firm offers free consultations to discuss your case and provide insights into the legal options available to you.
Remember, understanding the common causes of fatal pedestrian accidents can empower pedestrians and drivers alike to prioritize road safety. By promoting awareness and adherence to traffic laws, we can work together to prevent future tragedies and create safer communities.
Contact Burkett Law Firm today to speak with a pedestrian accident lawyer in Corpus Christi. We can meet for a free consultation at your earliest convenience to discuss your case and the legal options available to help your family get justice.
