Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents in Terre Haute

Causes of pedestrian accidents in Terre Haute often involve driver negligence. Whether they are impaired or simply in a hurry, motorists are often the at-fault party for a collision.

If you were hurt due to the actions of a careless driver, you might be entitled to a monetary award. A successful civil lawsuit could provide you with damages based on your physical, emotional, and financial losses. Let a skilled pedestrian accident attorney answer your questions and advise you of your legal options.

Impaired Drivers

Drivers who are intoxicated by drugs or alcohol are a major threat to everyone with whom they share the road in Terre Haute and are a common cause of pedestrian accidents. Alcohol reduces a person’s reaction times, making them more likely to cause a crash. These motorists often fail to notice slowing traffic or red lights in time to avoid a collision. They are also more likely to take unnecessary risks, like accelerating through an intersection on a yellow light or taking a turn too sharp.

Distractions

Distracted drivers are dangerous for the same reason as impaired motorists. When they take their eyes off the road—even for a moment—the chances of a collision increase dramatically. Texting while driving is a common distraction that motorists face in Terre Haute and often lead to accidents where pedestrians sustain serious injuries.

Speeding

The faster a motor vehicle travels, the more difficult it is to control. This is especially true for larger vehicles like commercial trucks. When truckers travel too fast, adjusting to avoid a collision can be challenging, as they also need additional room to come to a complete stop, which increases the odds of striking a pedestrian in a crosswalk when the light changes to red in Terre Haute.

Failure to Yield

Accidents are most likely to occur in places where pedestrians and vehicles will likely cross paths. This usually involves marked crosswalks and intersections where a person traveling by foot has the right of way. While pedestrians are generally protected at intersections, some drivers fail to wait for foot traffic when they approach a four-way stop. The result is often severe physical injuries caused by the negligent motorist.

Mechanical Defects

Often pedestrian accidents result from driver error, but that is not always the case. There are times when a person traveling on foot is struck by a motor vehicle due to a mechanical defect from the automobile. For example, the loss of power steering or the failure of the braking system could make it impossible for a driver to avoid an accident. The manufacturer could be held liable through a civil lawsuit when defects lead to dangerous accidents in Terre Haute that cause harm to a pedestrian.

Talk to an Attorney in Terre Haute About the Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents Today

If you are considering a personal injury lawsuit, understanding the common causes of pedestrian accidents in Terre Haute can be helpful. Your experienced attorney can take the facts of your case and develop a viable case for compensation.

Reach out to the well-versed lawyers at Fleschner, Stark, Tanoos & Newlin to discuss your options during a free consultation.