If you’ve ever worried about being involved in a pedestrian accident in Buffalo, you’re not alone. The scariest thing about these accidents is that they’re often not the fault of pedestrians. We can be innocently walking down the sidewalk, crossing at the right point, and paying attention when a driver makes a dangerous mistake.
Stats from the National Security Council found that over 9000 pedestrians died in America in 2022 alone. The majority occur in urban areas, so Buffalo residents must stay vigilant. Outside of those fatalities, there are all the cases of pedestrians getting injured. When we look at New York State, we see approximately 15,000 injuries by cars each year, with over 3,000 ending up in hospital.
Even minor pedestrian accidents with minor injuries are still traumatizing and can lead to a loss of earnings and medical bills. Therefore, pedestrians must understand the risks and potential for compensation via top accident lawyers. Here are some of the leading factors in pedestrian accidents.
10 Causes Of Pedestrian Accidents In Buffalo
Typically, these pedestrian accident cases occur because of the negligence of drivers. This could be a motorist in a car, a bus driver, a truck driver, or anyone. If they were responsible for your injury, you may be able to make a claim. Here are some of the more common reasons for pedestrian accidents in New York.
1) Speeding
This one is common because it happens so easily and can be so devastating. It doesn’t take much for drivers to go over the speed limit, even accidentally. Some deliberately do so to make up lost time or for the thrill. The problem is that increased speed means difficulty breaking and more forceful impacts.
2) Driving under the influence
Drivers who get behind the wheel while impaired are less likely to notice hazards or react to dangers in time. They might not see a pedestrian until it’s too late. Being under the influence can relate to anything from alcohol and illegal drugs to prescription medication.
3) Driving while texting
This is something police forces across the state want to crack down on. So many people are glued to their phones for calls, texts, and entertainment, that it becomes a habit. Too many drivers think it’s fine to send a quick text while on the road and stop paying attention to what’s in front of them.
4) Distracted driving
Texting while driving is just one factor in distracted driving. All kinds of external stimuli can stop people from concentrating on the road. If you’re one of those people who turns down the radio to concentrate on parking, you know how distracting the music can get. Then there are the distractions from children, pets, and other passengers in the vehicle.
5) Running red lights
This one is terrifying for pedestrians. We assume that traffic signals will keep us safe by directing traffic and offering a secure place to cross. Yet, some drivers either feel they can continue on through a yellow light and end up putting people at risk. Others are so negligent they don’t see the lights change at all.
6) Failure to yield
This one follows on from the issue of red lights. Motorists don’t have an automatic right of way 100% of the time. Pedestrians have a right of way when they have entered a marked crosswalk, and motorists need to respect that. Ignorant and arrogant drivers who think otherwise could cause serious harm.
7) Failure to signal
This one often comes down to bad habits as much as being reckless or distracted. Signals are essential to show other road users your planned route. Failure to do so could put you in the path of a pedestrian who assumed you were going a different way.
8) Reckless driving
The term reckless driving is much broader and refers to any erratic or negligent driving behavior. This could be any other action that could lead to a pedestrian’s injuries. Examples include overtaking vehicles incorrectly, driving up onto the sidewalk, clipping corners, and more.
9) Weather conditions
While this one isn’t directly the fault of drivers, it can play a part in pedestrian accidents. Flooding, heavy rain, icy roads, and high winds can affect the ability to drive safely. Drivers who don’t take precautions or amend their driving could be liable for injuries caused.
10) Car accidents
Finally, there is the chance that pedestrians become third-party victims during car accidents. Car collisions can see vehicles swerve into sidewalks or debris hit passers-by. Collisions with property can also prove to be just as dangerous.
Determining Blame In Buffalo Pedestrian Accidents
The factors above relate to all the time when drivers are to blame for your injuries. However, this isn’t always going to be the case. The best accident lawyers in Buffalo may be able to make a case against the city instead due to their negligence. For example, poorly maintained sidewalks could result in pedestrians tripping and falling into traffic. Faulty traffic signals could lead to people crossing at the wrong time.
Then, there are the cases where pedestrians themselves are at fault. This is important to remember when looking to make a claim. You and your lawyer must present a case that clears you of any wrongdoing and puts the blame squarely on the other party. Distracted walking is as much a factor as distracted driving, with some people walking out into traffic while on their phones. There are also the potential issues of intoxication and deliberately crossing against a light.
Finding A Good Accident Lawyer For Your Case
Whatever the situation behind your pedestrian personal injury case, you need a skilled and qualified Buffalo accident lawyer by your side. Get in touch with a local firm that specializes in these cases, set up a consultation, and see if you have a case against the motorist, city, or anyone else. You could end up with enough compensation to cover your medical bills and additional pain and suffering. You could ensure that those negligent and arrogant motorists don’t put anyone else at risk again.
