Thousands of individuals are killed or injured in pedestrian accidents each year in the United States. One in five children (20.4 percent) under the age of 15 killed in crashes were pedestrians in 2020. Parents and caregivers can help reduce the risk of pedestrian accidents for kids by helping children learn and practice safe pedestrian behaviors. Also, parents and caregivers can help avoid pedestrian accidents by understanding the most common causes of pedestrian accidents involving children. Our Virginia pedestrian accident attorneys discuss both topics in this blog.
Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents Involving Children
Children are impulsive. Many minors do not have the maturity to understand the consequences of darting out into the road. Therefore, some of the common causes of pedestrian accidents involving children involve children who suddenly run into traffic or dart behind a vehicle. However, many of the causes of childhood pedestrian accidents involve negligent and careless drivers.
Causes of pedestrian accidents involving kids include, but are not limited to:
- Distracted driving
- Backover accidents
- Parking lot accidents
- Impaired driving
- Speeding and reckless driving
- School zone accidents
- School bus accidents
Drivers have a duty to avoid pedestrian accidents. Motorists should remain alert and slow down in areas where children may be present, such as neighborhoods, parks, schools, and playgrounds.
Ten Safety Tips for Parents and Children to Avoid Pedestrian Accidents
Parents can help their children avoid pedestrian accidents by teaching them these important safety tips:
- Always hold hands with an adult when crossing the road or walking in a parking lot.
- If walking without an adult, always stop and look before crossing a road. Look twice in both directions for moving cars.
- Cross the road at a marked crosswalk or an intersection, if possible.
- Never dart into the road for any reason. If something falls into the road, always stop, look, and wait for traffic to clear before retrieving the item.
- Always walk on the sidewalk.
- Whenever possible, walk in groups instead of alone.
- Do not play or roughhouse near roads and streets.
- Wear brightly colored clothing whenever walking. If walking to school in the early morning hours, carry a flashlight.
- Always look for cars backing out when walking through a parking lot.
- Put cell phones and other electronics away when walking. Do not wear headphones when walking. Always remain alert and pay close attention to your surroundings.
Contact Our Virginia Pedestrian Accident Attorneys for Help with a Pedestrian Accident Claim
Children who are injured in pedestrian accidents can sustain life-altering injuries and impairments. They may be entitled to substantial compensation for their injuries and damages. Parents need to take steps to protect their child’s legal rights after a pedestrian injury. If your child has been injured, download our free child injury guide and find the answers to the following questions:
- What is the legal process for filing a personal injury claim for a minor?
- What can be recovered for a permanent injury, scar, or catastrophic injury?
- Can the money recovered be used for medical bills or expenses, and when?
- Who controls the interest earned before the injured child or teen turns 18?
- What is the role of the parent and any guardian in the legal process?
- Will our injured minor child be forced to testify in court?
- What will an injury attorney do to help me prove the value of the minor/child/teenager claim?
- Why should I hire a personal injury lawyer?
Then call Shapiro, Washburn & Sharp to schedule a free and confidential consultation with one of our Virginia pedestrian accident attorneys.
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