When drivers fail to yield or act carelessly, pedestrians can suffer devastating injuries. If you were hit by a vehicle in Silver Springs, Nevada, the pedestrian accident lawyers at Maier Gutierrez & Associates are here to help. We fight for victims to recover compensation for their injuries, medical care, and lost income. Our experienced attorneys know how to build a strong case and stand up to insurance companies on your behalf. Call 775-406-8981 today for a free consultation and let us help you seek justice.
Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents
Pedestrian accidents are a serious concern in Silver Springs, Nevada, and across the country. Walking is one of the most basic forms of transportation, yet pedestrians are highly vulnerable when sharing the road with motor vehicles. Each year, thousands of pedestrian accidents result in serious injuries or fatalities. Knowing the common causes of these accidents is essential for both pedestrians and drivers to prevent injuries and protect legal rights in the event of a collision.
Distracted Driving
One of the leading causes of pedestrian accidents is distracted driving. Drivers may be texting, talking on the phone, adjusting the radio, eating, or engaging in other activities that take their attention away from the road. A momentary distraction can result in a collision with a pedestrian who has the right of way. Even at low speeds, distracted driving can lead to serious injuries, including broken bones, head trauma, or spinal injuries.
Failure to Yield the Right of Way
Many pedestrian accidents occur when drivers fail to yield at crosswalks or intersections. Nevada law requires drivers to yield to pedestrians in marked crosswalks and when pedestrians are crossing at intersections. Unfortunately, some drivers ignore these rules, whether due to inattention, impatience, or reckless behavior. Pedestrians who are legally crossing the street are particularly at risk when drivers fail to yield, and such incidents often form the basis of personal injury claims.
Speeding
Speeding increases both the likelihood and severity of pedestrian accidents. A driver traveling above the speed limit has less time to react to a pedestrian and cannot stop quickly if someone steps into the road unexpectedly. Even small increases in speed significantly raise the force of impact, leading to more severe injuries or fatalities. In pedestrian injury cases, evidence of speeding can play a crucial role in establishing liability.
Driving Under the Influence
Alcohol and drugs impair judgment, reaction times, and motor skills, making drivers under the influence a major threat to pedestrians. Drunk or impaired drivers are more likely to run red lights, fail to yield, and misjudge distances, all of which can result in devastating pedestrian accidents. Victims of accidents caused by impaired drivers often have a strong basis for legal claims, as the driver’s negligence is clear.
Poor Visibility
Pedestrian accidents frequently occur in low-visibility conditions, such as at night, during heavy rain, or in fog. Drivers may fail to see pedestrians wearing dark clothing or crossing in poorly lit areas. Lack of streetlights, obstructed views, or weather conditions that reduce visibility can all contribute to accidents. Pedestrians are advised to wear bright or reflective clothing, and drivers must remain vigilant in areas with limited visibility.
Unsafe Road Conditions
Damaged sidewalks, uneven pavement, potholes, and other unsafe conditions can cause pedestrians to stumble into traffic or fall in areas where vehicles are present. When property owners or local authorities fail to maintain safe walking conditions, they may share liability for pedestrian injuries. Unsafe road conditions are often a contributing factor in personal injury claims, especially when negligence can be proven.
Driver Aggression or Recklessness
Aggressive driving behaviors, such as running red lights, tailgating, or weaving through traffic, are common causes of pedestrian accidents. Drivers who operate vehicles recklessly endanger pedestrians, cyclists, and other motorists alike. Reckless driving often leads to serious or fatal accidents, and in many cases, the driver’s behavior may be considered gross negligence in a legal claim.
Pedestrian Distractions
While drivers are often at fault, distracted pedestrians also contribute to some accidents. Walking while texting, listening to music at high volumes, or ignoring traffic signals can put pedestrians in dangerous situations. Personal injury claims may still be viable if the driver is clearly negligent, but pedestrian distractions can reduce compensation under Nevada’s comparative negligence laws.
Failure to Obey Traffic Signals
Pedestrians are also expected to follow traffic signals and cross streets only when it is safe to do so. Accidents can occur when pedestrians cross against a light or jaywalk in areas with high traffic. Similarly, drivers who run red lights or fail to stop at pedestrian crossings are frequently responsible for collisions. Both driver and pedestrian actions are considered when determining liability in a personal injury case.
Turning Vehicles
Many pedestrian accidents occur when vehicles are making turns at intersections or driveways. Drivers may fail to check for pedestrians in crosswalks or misjudge the pedestrian’s speed. Right-turn and left-turn collisions are common, and eyewitness accounts or traffic camera footage can help establish fault in these situations.
Inexperienced or Elderly Drivers
Inexperience and age-related declines in reaction time can also increase the risk of pedestrian accidents. Young drivers may underestimate pedestrian speed or fail to follow traffic laws, while older drivers may have slower reflexes and reduced vision. Both factors can contribute to accidents that are preventable with greater attention and caution.
Pedestrian accidents in Silver Springs, Nevada, often result from a combination of driver negligence, environmental factors, and pedestrian behavior. Common causes include distracted driving, failure to yield, speeding, impaired driving, poor visibility, unsafe road conditions, aggressive driving, pedestrian distractions, and unsafe turns. Understanding these risks is vital for preventing accidents and protecting legal rights if a collision occurs.
Move Forward with a Silver Springs Pedestrian Accident Attorney
A pedestrian accident can disrupt every part of your life, but you don’t have to face recovery alone. The Silver Springs pedestrian accident attorneys at Maier Gutierrez & Associates are ready to help you pursue full and fair compensation. We combine legal skill with personalized support to ensure your case receives the attention it deserves. Take action today by calling 775-406-8981 for a free consultation and start your journey toward recovery and peace of mind.