In a perfect world, drivers and pedestrians share the road respectfully. Unfortunately, this isn’t always the case, and far too many pedestrians suffer serious personal injuries because vehicle drivers fail to take the precautions necessary to avoid these accidents. Pedestrian accidents are also a significant problem here in Virginia. In 2023, 118 pedestrians were killed, and safety advocates predict that number will be even higher by the time this year is over.
It is these alarming numbers that led our Virginia pedestrian accident lawyers to commission a pedestrian accident study and develop a Virginia pedestrian danger zone interactive map that reveals the most dangerous areas for pedestrians.
Drivers’ Reactions to Pedestrians
In the majority of pedestrian accidents, the driver of the vehicle is at fault. One major issue is drivers’ failure to notice pedestrians around them. Researchers at the University of Toronto Engineering studied the eye movement of drivers who entered busy intersections. The study participants ranged in age from 35 to 54. All participants had good driving records and were considered low risk for causing car accidents.
The researchers used eye-tracking equipment to access where participants were looking when they were turning at an intersection. Each participant was required to make right turns at several locations in downtown Toronto, including a signalized four-way intersection and an uncontrolled T-intersection that led to a smaller street. These turns also required participants to turn right across a dedicated cycling lane.
The results revealed that more than half of the study participants failed to make the necessary eye scans, looking for pedestrians and/or cyclists when the driver was going to make a right-hand turn. Many of them were also easily distracted by all the activity at the busy intersections, like obeying all the traffic signs and signals and watching for other vehicles and traffic.
Another key finding was that when participants were more familiar with the area, they were less cautious at the intersections.
The study’s results are not only a reminder for drivers to properly look in all areas for pedestrians while approaching intersections and taking right turns, but they are also a critical reminder for pedestrians to be aware of their surroundings since the results reveal that many drivers are not properly scanning before they turn and may not see them.
Proving Fault in a Pedestrian Accident
One of the key elements of a pedestrian accident case is proving who was at fault. In most pedestrian accidents, the vehicle driver violated one or more traffic violations. This often includes ignoring crosswalks, traffic signals, signs, intersections, and right-of-way laws. Another common factor in pedestrian accidents is alcohol and/or drug use on the part of the driver. According to national data, almost half of all fatal pedestrian accidents are alcohol-related.
Your attorney will investigate all the evidence in your case to determine the cause of the accident and who was at fault.
Call Our Virginia Beach Pedestrian Accident Lawyers
If you or a loved one has been injured in a pedestrian accident, you may be able to pursue compensation that will address your medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, and more.
The Virginia pedestrian accident attorneys at Shapiro, Washburn & Sharp have been advocating for victims and their families for more than 35 years, using all available resources to successfully obtain the best possible outcome based on the circumstances of the case. Our attorneys have built solid reputations as skilled negotiators who will not hesitate to pursue litigation if the insurance company fails to negotiate in good faith, like the $1.1 million insurance settlement for one client – a high school senior – who was critically injured after being hit by a tractor-trailer as he was crossing the road.
Contact our office today for a free case evaluation and find out how our legal team can help get you the financial compensation you deserve.
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For over twenty years, Mr. Sharp's law practice has focused on serious personal injury claims, including traumatic brain injury and spinal cord injury claims. He also handles nursing home neglect cases and medical malpractice claims. Mr. Sharp has counseled numerous clients about the complexities concerning litigation of both pediatric and adult brain injury. Mr. Sharp has been awarded the AV Preeminent ranking by Martindale, the highly respected and widely utilized directory of lawyers throughout the world. AV Preeminent status is awarded only to those lawyers who achieve the highest level of success within the legal field and is a testament to the fact that a lawyer's peers and Judges rank him at the highest level of professional excellence. He has also been recognized as a "Best Lawyer" by U.S. News for personal injury, an accolade awarded to only a small fraction of lawyers. Mr. Sharp has also been recognized by Super Lawyers as one of the top personal injury lawyers in Virginia. This recognition is awarded only to those lawyers who have achieved the highest level of success and have been recognized by their peers as demonstrating the highest level of professional excellence.
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