Drivers Bear Responsibility for Pedestrian Knock Down Accidents
Jul 13th, 2009 by ANorman
In a world that is forever on the go, far too many drivers are becoming increasingly impatient to get to their target destination. We see evidence of this in the fact that many motorists weave in and out of traffic lanes hoping to speed pass others cars. Their goal? To get to point A to point B in record time. What they do not understand is that they rarely get to where they need to be any faster this way. Another thing they fail to keep in mind is that pedestrians, especially children, are everywhere and their haste can cause a pedestrian knock down accident.
Pedestrians Have the Right of Way
No matter what, pedestrians have the right of way. While drivers may think this to be a bit unfair, they must keep in mind that a vehicle can bear the brunt of a pedestrian-to-car-accident. A human being may not be able to do so. This means that even if the pedestrian is working against their own best interest by let’s say, jay walking, it is still your job to look out for these individuals.
Why Hit-and-Run is Not the Answer
After a pedestrian knock down accident, most drivers will get out and make sure the individual they hit is okay. Still, an alarming number will keep going, even when there is evidence that they have hurt someone. There are many reasons for this, but the chief causes could be the fact that they were either driving under the influence, or scared to face criminal charges. What these individuals fail to realize is that, with intersection cameras, eye witnesses, and crime scene reconstruction, the changes of getting away Scott free are minimized. When they are found, the fact that they ran will not look good in court and additional charges will be heaped upon them.
Negligent Drivers Face Civil Charges
Not only will a pedestrian knock down driver be held criminally liable, he may have to face civil litigation as well. The charges will be compounded if the accident resulted in fatalities. In civil court, bereaved family members may be able to receive financial reparation for their loved ones injuries or death. Victims will be represented by a civil attorney who will pursue either a personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit, depending on the outcome of the accident. The amount of award will largely depend on the extent of the injuries and can climb into the millions.
This fact means that drivers should always keep in mind that they have a responsibility not only to themselves, but to others when they decide to place a motor vehicle on the Nation’s highways.
If You or a Loved one Has Been Injured…
Always bear in mind that it is the driver’s responsibility to be on the look out for pedestrians and that they always have the right of way. No matter the circumstances, a driver who hits a pedestrian is at fault.
If you have been seriously injured or lost a loved one due to a driver’s recklessness, contact competent legal representation to learn your legal rights. You cal also call us at any time, toll free, at 888.207.5321 to set up a free, face-to-face consultation. We can outline your legal options and tell you what you can do to receive financial compensation and get the justice you require for you and your loved ones.
No related posts.
Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.
