Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents in Loveland
While the law protects your rights to cross the street or walk on the sidewalk without fear of being harmed, pedestrian accidents are an unfortunate reality. When people on foot are struck by motor vehicles, the injuries that occur are often catastrophic.
If you are considering legal action for your injuries following this type of incident, you could benefit from understanding the common causes of pedestrian accidents in Loveland. Let a seasoned pedestrian accident attorney help you seek financial compensation after being struck by a careless or distracted driver.
Distracted Drivers
One factor that has become a common cause of pedestrian accidents in Loveland is distraction. When motorists are not watching the road, the chances of hitting a pedestrian increase dramatically.
Many different types of distractions could lead to a crash. Some common examples include the following:
- Texting or talking on the phone
- Reaching for an object in the glove box
- Putting on makeup
- Eating
Distractions are especially dangerous in pedestrian accidents, as it is much more difficult to spot a person traveling near a roadway than another vehicle.
Impaired Drivers
Motorists who are under the influence of drugs or alcohol are a significant threat to pedestrians. These drivers often lack the reaction time needed to avoid a collision when someone is in front of them. Drunk drivers are also known for making poor decisions behind the wheel.
Impatience
There is no shortage of impatient drivers in Loveland. When motorists get in a hurry, they are more likely to act irrationally. This could include rolling through a stop sign or attempting to beat a red light. This aggressive behavior can be dangerous for nearby pedestrians, and anyone traveling on foot in a crosswalk is at an increased risk of injury.
Mechanical Failures
Not all common causes of Loveland pedestrian accidents result from driver behavior. Collisions can happen even when motorists do everything they can to drive safely. For instance, a mechanical defect or failure can lead to an incident.
Many car accidents happen when vehicle parts fail. Defective braking systems, headlights, steering wheels, and tires can all contribute to a pedestrian’s injury. When something goes wrong, a crash can be unavoidable, and the vehicle manufacturer could be held liable.
Hazardous Weather
Dangerous weather conditions can result in a driver striking a pedestrian despite their best efforts to avoid a crash. Precipitation, primarily snow and ice, is a common cause of Loveland pedestrian accidents. For drivers in numerous weather-related situations, no amount of safe driving can entirely prevent an accident from occurring.
However, there are times when a person’s negligence can combine with hazardous weather conditions to lead to an accident. For instance, a motorist who travels at an unsafe speed on icy roads is more likely to strike someone traveling on foot or by bike than other drivers might be.
Speak With a Loveland Attorney About the Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents Today
We have only gone through a few common causes of pedestrian accidents in Loveland. Numerous circumstances could ultimately lead to a dangerous crash and debilitating injuries.
If a negligent driver has hurt you, holding them accountable through a lawsuit may be possible. Schedule a private consultation today to speak with a seasoned lawyer who handles personal injury cases.