In Louisiana, people choose to walk from one place to another for many different reasons. It can be faster, cheaper and better for health to walk whenever possible instead of driving. While pedestrians do enjoy certain benefits, there may be certain risks involved as well. Pedestrian accidents are on the rise across the country, specifically fatal accidents.
Statistics indicate that serious pedestrian-involved accidents have increased dramatically over the last few years. At this point, the number of people who died in these types of accidents is at its highest point since 1990. Clearly, pedestrian safety is a pressing issue, and it may help to first understand what causes these types of accidents and what can be done to prevent them.
Experts believe that one reason why these accidents are so serious is because pedestrians are completely vulnerable to the impact of a moving vehicle. Even a low-speed accident involving a person walking can have devastating consequences. Louisiana drivers are responsible for being safe when driving near pedestrian zones, intersections and in other situations when there may be people walking or running. Drivers who are distracted, speeding or drunk are far more likely to cause a crash.
Pedestrian accidents are often the result of the reckless of negligent actions of a driver. Victims may have grounds to pursue compensation through a civil claim filed against the parties deemed responsible, which may help an injured individual and his or her family recoup financial losses, such as those related to medical care. It may help to first seek an understanding of options for legal recourse available.
