Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents in Jacksonville

Pedestrian accidents can lead to catastrophic injuries and deaths. No one should be at risk while walking, yet many pedestrians suffer harm in preventable collisions with irresponsible drivers. If you are facing a situation like this, it is important to understand the common causes of pedestrian accidents in Jacksonville.

A pedestrian accident attorney at Rainwater, Holt & Sexton could help you recover adequate compensation for your losses. As the largest injury firm in the state, we are committed to helping you go through this difficult period with as little stress as possible. You can contact us today to discuss your case with an attorney.

What Factors Commonly Contribute to Pedestrian Crashes?

When cars collide with pedestrians on Jacksonville roadways, it is usually due to negligence. Some common reasons for wrecks include:

• Distracted driving, which may involve texting, talking on the phone, or looking anywhere else besides the road
• Excessive speeding
• Reckless driving, such as driving between lanes, passing on the shoulder, or running red lights
• Pedestrians crossing the road where there is no crosswalk
• Poorly designated crosswalks
• Poor visibility due to inadequate lighting, particularly while driving at night
• Poor infrastructure, such as a lack of shoulders or pedestrian sidewalks on the roads
• A driver’s failure to notice the pedestrian

Additionally, the state’s wide road designs make it seem as though they were built only for cars. This makes walking potentially dangerous for residents. Unless a pedestrian specifically behaves erratically on the road, such as jaywalking, they should not be held responsible for an accident.

If a driver struck you while walking, you have the right to claim damages for your injuries. Our attorneys could review your case and help you seek compensation.

Establishing Liability in a Pedestrian Accident Case

Before you can file an injury claim and receive compensation, you must first prove that the driver who hit you was largely or entirely responsible. To do this, you have to consider the various elements of negligence.

Every driver owes a duty to other road users. When they fail in that duty, either by operating their vehicle recklessly or dangerously, and this failure causes your injuries and subsequent losses, you have a right to sue them for their actions.

For instance, if a motorist ran a red light and hit you while you were crossing the road at a crosswalk, and you sustained injuries requiring medical treatment, that is all you need to establish liability. With the help of a Jacksonville attorney experienced with the common causes of pedestrian crashes, you can make the erring driver pay for their reckless behavior.

Comparative Fault and Its Impact on Recovery

Arkansas is a comparative fault state under Arkansas Code Annotated  § 16-64-122, which means that you can recover compensation as long as you are less than 50 percent responsible for the crash. However, your percentage of fault will affect the amount you receive.

For instance, if you tried to cross the road without using a dedicated crosswalk, and a driver ran a red light and hit you in the process, you would be partly liable. If the court decides that you are 30 percent liable and awards a $200,000 settlement, you would only receive $140,000. A Jacksonville attorney could answer any other questions you have about liability and the common causes of pedestrian collisions.

Talk to a Jacksonville Attorney About Common Pedestrian Accident Causes

As the state’s largest injury law firm, Rainwater, Holt & Sexton is familiar with the common causes of pedestrian accidents in Jacksonville. Our pedestrian accident lawyers have successfully helped many residents injured in these crashes recover substantial settlements. Let us help you navigate the claims process and get you the compensation you deserve.

Call now to speak to an attorney.