Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents
Pedestrian safety is a growing concern in today’s busy cities and suburbs. Despite increased awareness, pedestrian accidents remain a significant cause of injuries and fatalities in Tennessee, Georgia, and across the United States. Understanding the most common causes of pedestrian accidents is crucial for protecting yourself, your loved ones, and your community.
In this article, the attorneys at KP Injury Law explain the common causes of pedestrian accidents, discuss what makes these incidents so dangerous, and offer practical safety tips for pedestrians and drivers. If you or someone you know has been injured in a pedestrian accident, contact us online or call (615) 806-6561 for a free consultation.
Understanding Pedestrian Accidents
Pedestrian accidents occur when a person walking, running, or standing is struck by a vehicle, bicycle, or even another pedestrian. These accidents are often serious because pedestrians have little protection from the force of a crash. In urban areas like Nashville, Chattanooga, and Atlanta, a mix of heavy traffic, dense development, and distracted driving can create hazardous conditions for people on foot.
National statistics from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reveal that thousands of pedestrians are killed and tens of thousands are injured each year in the U.S. Many of these accidents are preventable if both drivers and pedestrians understand the risks and take appropriate precautions.
Most Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents
While pedestrian accidents can occur in a variety of circumstances, certain causes are reported more frequently than others. Below, we break down the most common causes of pedestrian accidents and explain why these incidents happen.
Distracted Driving
One of the leading causes of pedestrian accidents is distracted driving. When a driver is texting, talking on the phone, using navigation apps, eating, or otherwise not paying attention to the road, they are less likely to notice pedestrians. Even a brief distraction can result in a driver failing to yield at a crosswalk or reacting too slowly to a person entering the street.
Failure to Yield at Crosswalks
Crosswalks are designed to provide safe passage for pedestrians, but many drivers fail to yield as required by law. This is especially dangerous at intersections where pedestrians have the right of way. When a driver ignores a crosswalk or fails to observe traffic signals, pedestrians are at risk of being struck even while following all traffic rules themselves.
Speeding in Urban Areas
Excessive speed is a factor in many pedestrian accidents. The faster a vehicle is traveling, the less time the driver has to see and react to a pedestrian. Urban speed limits are often lower for this reason, but drivers who exceed them put everyone at greater risk. A pedestrian hit by a car at 40 mph is far more likely to suffer serious injury or death compared to one hit at 20 mph.
Poor Visibility and Weather Conditions
Pedestrian accidents frequently occur in conditions of low visibility—such as at night, in fog, or during rain. Dark clothing, inadequate street lighting, and obstructed sightlines (for example, cars parked close to intersections) all make it harder for drivers to spot pedestrians in time to stop. Wet or icy roads also reduce a vehicle’s ability to brake quickly and safely.
Impaired or Drunk Driving
Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is a major cause of all traffic accidents, including those involving pedestrians. Impaired drivers have slower reaction times, poor judgment, and may not see pedestrians at all. Nighttime and weekend hours are particularly dangerous for this reason.
Left Turns at Intersections
Intersections are high-risk areas for pedestrian accidents, especially when vehicles make left turns. Drivers focused on oncoming traffic or trying to beat a red light may overlook pedestrians crossing legally in the crosswalk. The risk is even higher in busy downtown areas with complex traffic signals and multiple lanes.
Backing Up Accidents in Parking Lots
Many pedestrian accidents occur in parking lots and driveways when drivers are backing up without adequately checking for people behind their vehicles. Children and shorter adults are particularly at risk because they are less visible in mirrors or rearview cameras. Always look around your vehicle carefully before moving in reverse.
Tips for Pedestrian Safety
Although drivers are often at fault in pedestrian accidents, pedestrians can reduce their risk by following safety tips and remaining alert:
- Always use crosswalks and obey traffic signals.
- Make eye contact with drivers before crossing in front of vehicles.
- Wear bright or reflective clothing, especially at night or in low light.
- Walk on sidewalks whenever available; if not, walk facing traffic and as far from vehicles as possible.
- Stay alert and avoid using phones or headphones while crossing streets.
- Teach children about pedestrian safety and supervise them closely near traffic.
How KP Injury Law Can Help Injured Pedestrians
If you have been injured in a pedestrian accident, your recovery may depend on securing fair compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages. Proving fault in pedestrian accidents often requires a detailed investigation, witness statements, traffic camera footage, and expert testimony.
The attorneys at KP Injury Law have extensive experience representing injured pedestrians and their families. We understand the unique challenges of these cases and are dedicated to holding negligent drivers accountable. Our team will:
- Investigate the accident scene and collect crucial evidence.
- Work with medical providers to document your injuries.
- Negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf.
- Take your case to trial if necessary to secure full and fair compensation.
- Keep you informed at every stage and provide compassionate guidance throughout your recovery.
We know the law, the tactics insurance companies use to avoid paying claims, and how to build a strong case for our clients. If your accident involved a hit-and-run or an uninsured driver, we can help you explore all possible avenues for compensation.
Contact Us for a Free Consultation
If you or a loved one has been hurt in a pedestrian accident, don’t wait to get the legal help you deserve. Call KP Injury Law at (615) 806-6561 or contact us online for a free, no-obligation consultation. Our attorneys serve clients across Tennessee, Georgia, and the surrounding areas, and there is no fee unless we recover for you.
For more information on pedestrian safety, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s pedestrian safety page. This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For guidance on your specific situation, please contact KP Injury Law directly.
