Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents in New Braunfels

When it comes to traffic accidents, pedestrians often suffer the most. A person walking down the street or crossing a parking lot is not protected by a metal box or an airbag. A driver’s negligence could cause a pedestrian to sustain severe injuries or even die.

Pedestrian accidents are not a rarity. Understanding the most common causes of pedestrian accidents in New Braunfels can help you fight for your rights with a skilled attorney.

Why Do Pedestrian Accidents Occur?

When a person is traveling on foot, they often feel protected from the road traffic. In reality, the negligent actions of other traffic participants often lead to severe crashes. The most common causes of pedestrian collisions in New Braunfels include:

  • Alcohol Impairment: Drivers under the influence of alcohol are less aware of their surroundings and have slower reactions.
  • Backing-Up Accidents: Drivers reversing without checking for pedestrians, especially in driveways or parking lots.
  • Crosswalk Violations: Drivers failing to yield at crosswalks can cause collisions.
  • Distracted Driving: Drivers using mobile devices, eating, or chatting with passengers may fail to see pedestrians.
  • Failure to Obey Traffic Signals: Drivers running red lights or stop signs.
  • Poor Visibility: Accidents can occur when pedestrians are not visible to drivers due to darkness, bad weather, or obstructed views.
  • Speeding: Drivers exceeding speed limits have less time to react to pedestrians or lose control of the vehicle at turns.
  • Turning Accidents: Drivers making turns, especially at intersections, may not see pedestrians crossing the street.

Pedestrian accidents occur both on small streets and large intersections.

Who Is Liable for a Pedestrian Accident?

While in most cases, the driver is to blame for a pedestrian accident, other people or organizations may be liable. Depending on the cause of the pedestrian accident in New Braunfels, the at-fault parties can be:

Drivers

The driver of the vehicle that hurts the pedestrian may not be the only driver responsible for the crash. For example, if this driver was swerving to avoid another car, that was running a red light, both of these drivers can be liable for the collision.

Government Entities

A pedestrian accident can occur because of the lack of proper signage and markings on the road. Since government agencies are responsible for these, they could be liable for a crash.

Vehicle Manufacturers

If a pedestrian accident occurs because of a vehicle’s malfunction, the manufacturer may be held responsible. For example, if the car’s brakes give out on the road and the driver crashes into a pedestrian, the former can file a claim against the manufacturer.

To seek compensation after a pedestrian accident, the injured person would need to identify all liable parties and file a claim accordingly. In most cases, this requires the assistance of a personal injury attorney.

Discuss the Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents in New Braunfels with an Attorney

If you were hurt in a pedestrian accident in New Braunfels, you have to identify the cause. If the cause was negligent behavior of another party, you can seek compensation.

At Felix Gonzalez Law Firm, we have helped many pedestrians get the money they deserve. Please contact us to schedule a consultation at any time.

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