Many people walk the streets and roads for exercise or convenience. There are physical, mental, financial, and environmental benefits to walking, but it can be dangerous. Understanding the common causes of pedestrian accidents in Little Rock could help you avoid getting hurt.
However, if the worst happens and you sustain injuries in a vehicle–pedestrian collision, our pedestrian crash attorneys at Rainwater, Holt & Sexton could help. We could support you through a damages claim and help you secure the compensation you need and deserve.
Most accidents involving pedestrians are caused by drivers who do not notice the pedestrian until it is too late. When a person does not see something in their visual field because they are not expecting to see it, this is known as perceptual or inattentional blindness. This phenomenon explains why a driver focusing on the road or other vehicles may not notice a pedestrian.
Alternatively, distracted driving can cause pedestrian accidents. A motorist may be using their phone, watching children in the back seat, or engaging in other activities while operating their vehicle. These behaviors may cause the driver to swerve or drive too fast, increasing the likelihood of hitting a pedestrian.
When you can prove a driver is primarily at fault for an accident, they are liable to pay your damages. Our experienced Little Rock attorneys could investigate the cause of your pedestrian accident and gather the necessary evidence to prove that the at-fault driver owes you compensation.
Drivers have a responsibility to avoid harming others with their vehicles, but pedestrians should be aware of their own safety. If you do not observe basic precautions, the driver’s insurance company may try to blame you for causing the pedestrian crash in Little Rock. Our skilled attorneys could help ensure the allocation of fault is fair, but pedestrian collision cases proceed more smoothly if you took all the necessary safety precautions.
Some safety precautions you can take include:
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that some pedestrian accident fatalities involve drunk pedestrians. When you are too drunk to drive, walking home is not a safe choice—get a ride with a friend or call a taxi.
If a car hits you while you are walking, you are likely to suffer significant injuries. You should seek immediate medical attention and closely follow medical advice. It is also important to reach out to our seasoned lawyers as early as possible.
We could contact the driver’s insurance company and initiate negotiations for damages on your behalf. Potential compensation includes:
If a drunk or reckless Little Rock driver caused your pedestrian wreck, the law may also entitle you to punitive damages under Arkansas Code Annotated §16-55-206.
Pursuing a legal claim allows you to hold the driver accountable, which may encourage them to be more careful in the future. A financial award cannot completely compensate for the suffering the accident caused you, but it could provide the treatment and support you need to move forward.
Driver negligence is one of the most common causes of pedestrian accidents in Little Rock. At Rainwater, Holt & Sexton, we could help you hold an at-fault driver accountable and seek the compensation you deserve for your injuries. We work on a contingency basis and do not charge fees unless we secure a settlement for you. Call us today to explore your options.
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