Nighttime Pedestrian Accidents | Shapiro, Washburn & Sharp

Even if a pedestrian is using designated crosswalks, traffic signals, and other safety mechanisms that are supposed to keep pedestrians safe, the reality is that even these safety factors do not prevent pedestrian accidents. Tragically, when a person is struck by a vehicle, the impact can be so strong that injuries are often severe, if not fatal.

Statistically, the majority of pedestrian deaths occur at night, with more than 90 percent of the total increase in pedestrian fatalities the past decade being nighttime pedestrian accidents.

Pedestrian Accident Injuries

A pedestrian accident can occur at any time – when a person is out taking a stroll, running, or just standing on a sidewalk waiting to cross the street. No matter what the size of the vehicle that hits the pedestrian, they will still suffer more severe injuries than if they were an occupant in a hit vehicle. This is because there is nothing there to protect the pedestrian from the hitting vehicle as there would be if they were sitting in a car.

 

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Accident injuries are often so severe they require surgery, rehabilitation, and, in some cases, amputation. A pedestrian accident victim may be unable to work because they suffer from chronic pain or brain damage from the accident. All of these issues can result in lost income and loss of overall quality of life. Some of the most common types of pedestrian accident injuries the North Carolina accident attorneys at our firm see include:

  • Back/spinal cord damage or paralysis
  • Broken or fractured bones
  • Damage to joints, shoulders, or knees
  • Internal bleeding
  • Neck injuries resulting in whiplash or fractured vertebrae
  • Traumatic brain injury (TBI)

Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents

The risk of pedestrian accidents spikes at night compared to the daylight hours. This is often due to poor street lighting or lack of traffic enforcement, combined with distracted driving, speeding, driving under the influence, and other dangerous driving behaviors and these are recipes for disasters.

If a vehicle driver fails to pay attention to the road in front of them, they may not see a pedestrian crossing the street until it is too late. If a driver is looking at their phone instead of the street, they may not have enough time to stop by the time they realize there is a person in the crosswalk. The same goes for a driver who is under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

If the pedestrian is wearing dark clothing, this can make it even worse since drivers may not be able to see the pedestrian. This is why pedestrians should always wear bright-colored clothing if they are going to be out walking at night.

 Have You Been a Victim of a Pedestrian Accident?

If you have been injured in a pedestrian or any other type of vehicle accident caused by a negligent or reckless driver, contact a North Carolina accident attorney to find out what legal options you may have for your pain and loss. Our Carolinas personal injury firm has successfully advocated for many clients in obtaining the compensation they deserved and will use all available resources to get you the best possible outcome.