Why Do Pedestrians Get Hit in Crosswalks?

In theory, a pedestrian who is properly and legally using a crosswalk should never get hit. That’s the entire purpose of the crosswalk. It makes it safe and easy to cross the road.

Of course, these accidents happen all of the time, and they lead to catastrophic injuries and fatalities. Even when a car is only going 10 or 20 miles per hour, the impact on an unprotected pedestrian is devastating. So why do these accidents, which should never happen, continue to be such an issue?

One reason is that drivers get distracted. Someone who is looking down at their phone may not see a light turn red. The pedestrian could enter the road, assuming the driver is going to stop, and then he or she could run the red light and hit that pedestrian. When drivers do not follow the rules of the road, those rules are not going to keep anyone safe on their own.

Another potential issue is that cars are getting larger and larger by the year. This has caused a lot of problems, such as increased pollution and higher fatality odds for those in small vehicles. For pedestrians, one problem is that a large vehicle may have a wider frame around the windshield. A driver who is turning right or left through an intersection may not see the pedestrian, as the wide frame creates a blind spot.

If you do get hit and you suffer some serious injuries as a result, make sure you know what legal options you may have and seek out financial compensation for your losses. If you’re uncertain where to turn next, an attorney can help.