When people think of pedestrian accidents they often think of individuals who are struck by negligent drivers while crossing the street. Although this is a common type of pedestrian accident often caused by driver distraction, fatigue, or intoxication, it is not the only way that pedestrians can be injured by motor vehicles. In fact, when in close proximity to a roadway, there is very little that can protect a pedestrian from serious injury when an errant driver heads in their direction.
This point was highlighted with tragic clarity recently when a 69-year-old Phoenix man was struck and killed by a SUV as he was walking along a sidewalk. Reports indicate that the man was with a 69-year-old woman who was also struck in the accident. Although she was taken to the hospital, she is expected to survive her injuries. Police claim that the 71-year-old driver of the SUV merely lost control of her vehicle, but the accident remains under investigation. The authorities did, however, indicate that intoxication did not appear to play a factor in the wreck.
Victims and their families can struggle to recoup in the aftermath of a pedestrian accident. While there are certainly financial losses to contend with in the form of medical expenses and lost wages, these individuals usually also suffer overwhelming physical and emotional pain and suffering. For these individuals, imposing liability on the negligent party who caused the harm in question can go a long way toward obtaining closure as well as the compensation needed to pursue a full recovery.
Of course, those who are hurt in a pedestrian accident, as well as those families who lose a loved one to one of these wrecks, may not be in the right place to think about taking legal action, especially in the accident’s immediate aftermath. This is where the assistance of a skilled legal advocate may prove useful, considering that these individuals will valiantly fight for a fair and just outcome.
