Jacksonville Injury Attorney Blog
Earlier this week, a 66-year old man was hit as he was trying to cross a street in Jacksonville’s westside. According to a report by Jacksonville.com, the man was attempting to cross the 1300 block of Cassat Avenue when he was struck by a Saturn car that was heading south on Cassat. The car vs. pedestrian accident, that occurred shortly after 10:30 p.m., left the pedestrian dead and the driver of the Saturn uninjured. Police do not suspect that alcohol was a factor, and criminal charges have not been filed.
Pedestrian Accidents Are Increasingly Common on City Streets
If you have been paying attention to the headlines lately, you may have noticed that there has been an increase in car accidents involving pedestrians. This deadly trend is due, in part, to the increasing stress placed on Jacksonville’s streets as populations increase, as well as an increase in pedestrian traffic as more people eschew cars for public transit and walking options, especially in light of many people still suffering financially from the recession and having to forego the expense of owning a car.
Pedestrian auto accidents are, not surprisingly, often fatal. Generally, the pedestrian does not see the car until it is too late. In many of these situations, the pedestrian is not at fault for the accident.
Dangers Inherent in Walking the City Streets
Jacksonville is no exception when it comes to the dangers of navigating the city streets. To keep safe while out there walking the streets, there are some common-sense guidelines all pedestrians should follow:
– Make sure to always be aware of your surroundings;
– Always use a sidewalk if one is provided;
– Make eye contact with drivers as they approach;
– If you have been drinking, take a cab rather than walk;
– When crossing, assume that cars do not see you and stay out of their way until you know they do see you.
Some Accidents Can’t Be Avoided
Despite all the precautions in the world, some auto accidents cannot be avoided by the pedestrian. This is because, in some cases, drivers act negligently and strike pedestrians due to no fault of the pedestrians. This may be due to any of the following factors:
– Distracted driving;
– Driving under the influence;
– Failure to yield;
– Inattentive driving.
In these cases, the pedestrian has a right to recover for the damages caused by the accident. In some cases, pedestrians are able to recover even if they were partially at fault for the accident. Recoverable damages include medical expenses, future medical bills, and pain and suffering. To find out what you may be entitled to, contact an experienced Jacksonville accident attorney today.
Have You Been Injured in a Car Accident?
If you or a loved one has been injured in an auto accident as a pedestrian, you may be entitled to monetary damages. To find out what rights you have, and to see if there are any deadlines you need to be concerned with, contact an experienced Jacksonville accident attorney today.
Photo Credit: *Kicki* via Compfight cc
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