The Most Common Causes of Pedestrian & Car Accidents
A car hitting a pedestrian is usually one of the deadliest types of accidents because pedestrians are the most vulnerable road users. Pedestrians are at risk of catastrophic and fatal injuries when they are struck by a car. With thousands of pedestrians crossing the street in Hamilton, Ontario, every day, these types of accidents happen quite often.
Pedestrian Accidents in Hamilton, Ontario
Unfortunately, pedestrian accidents are not an uncommon occurrence on our roads in Hamilton, Ontario. According to the 2019 Annual Collision Report for the City of Hamilton, the number of pedestrian accidents in Hamilton ranged from 245 to 295 between 2015 and 2019. Of those, nearly 90% result in injury. Here is what you also need to know about pedestrian accidents in the city:
- January accounts for the largest number of pedestrian accidents
- Nearly 70% of pedestrian accidents happen at intersections
- The driver fails to yield the right of way to a pedestrian in more than 42% of pedestrian collisions
If you or someone you love suffered injuries in a pedestrian accident, consider contacting a personal injury lawyer in Hamilton to recover financial compensation for your injuries and losses.
Top Causes of Pedestrian Accidents in Hamilton
Causes of pedestrian accidents vary from one accident to another. However, the following are some of the most common reasons pedestrians get hit by cars in Hamilton:
Distracted driving
Car drivers are more likely to hit a pedestrian when they are not paying enough attention to the road. Taking the eyes off the road to send or read a text message can be deadly for the unsuspecting pedestrian crossing the road.
Impaired driving
Operating a car under the influence of alcohol or drugs impairs a driver’s reaction time, judgment, and muscle coordination. As a result, impaired driving increases the risk of a preventable pedestrian accident.
Speeding
When a driver exceeds the speed limit or drives too fast for conditions, they may not have enough time to react and stop in time to avoid hitting a pedestrian.
Running a red light
Many pedestrian accidents occur when drivers do not stop at a red light.
Rolling through a stop sign
A driver may not notice a pedestrian when rolling through a stop sign.
Failure to follow other traffic laws
Disregarding traffic rules increases the risk of pedestrian collisions.
Understanding the most common reasons pedestrian accidents happen can help prevent many of them. If you or your loved one was hit by a car, consider speaking with an accident lawyer in Hamilton to explore your compensation options.
How a Pedestrian Accident Lawyer in Hamilton Can Help
At Virk Personal Injury Law, our team of experienced pedestrian accident lawyers assists accident victims and their families throughout the legal process. We help clients in Hamilton, Ontario, to file a personal injury claim and fight for the compensation to which they are entitled. Our accident lawyers in Hamilton can help by providing the following services:
- Helping you determine fault for the accident
- Gathering evidence of the other party’s negligence
- Preparing the necessary paperwork for your personal injury case
- Handling negotiations with insurance companies
- Providing you with legal advice and guidance throughout the claims process
- Taking your personal injury case to court if doing so is necessary to win your case and maximize your compensation
Schedule a case review with our personal injury lawyer in Hamilton to discuss your particular situation. When working with Virk Personal Injury Law, you do not have to pay anything until we win your case. Call 905-521-8888 or book a free consultation online.