Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents and How an Anchorage, AK, Personal Injury Attorney Can Help
Pedestrian accidents remain a significant public safety concern, with approximately 10% of all vehicle-related incidents involving pedestrians. These accidents often result in life-altering consequences, ranging from severe injuries to fatalities. Understanding the common causes of pedestrian accidents is critical for both pedestrians and drivers in Anchorage, AK, where the unique environmental and traffic conditions present additional risks. While many pedestrian accidents are the fault of drivers, pedestrians themselves can also contribute to accidents. Below, we explore the leading causes of pedestrian accidents and provide guidance on how an experienced attorney in Anchorage can assist victims in seeking justice and compensation.
Drunk Drivers: A Persistent Threat in Anchorage, AK
Despite strict laws and regulations, drunk driving continues to be one of the leading causes of pedestrian accidents. Alcohol impairs a driver’s ability to react quickly, make good decisions, and judge distances, putting pedestrians at significant risk. In Anchorage, where roads can be icy and conditions challenging during the winter months, impaired drivers are even more dangerous. Pedestrians walking in these conditions may find themselves in harm’s way when drivers under the influence fail to slow down or notice them in time.
If a pedestrian accident occurs due to a drunk driver, there are grounds for a wrongful death or personal injury claim. An experienced Anchorage personal injury attorney can help the victim or their family pursue a claim and hold the responsible party accountable for their actions. The legal team will ensure that all relevant evidence, including toxicology reports, is used to build a strong case.
Lack of Awareness and Concentration: A Major Cause of Accidents
Distracted driving is another major cause of pedestrian accidents. Drivers who are not paying full attention to the road, whether due to mental distractions, personal issues, or external factors like passengers or loud music, are at a heightened risk of colliding with pedestrians. In Anchorage, where weather conditions can change rapidly and traffic patterns can be unpredictable, the consequences of a distracted driver are amplified.
Pedestrians in Anchorage should be especially cautious when walking near roads with high traffic volume or poor visibility, as distracted drivers are less likely to notice pedestrians in time. Victims of accidents caused by distracted drivers can rely on a personal injury attorney to help gather evidence, such as witness testimonies or traffic camera footage, to prove negligence and secure compensation.
Texting and Driving: A Growing Problem in Anchorage, AK
Using a mobile phone while driving, especially texting, remains a major problem despite the legal consequences. Texting is a significant distraction, as it takes the driver’s attention away from the road entirely. This is particularly dangerous for pedestrians, who may not be seen by drivers focused on their screens instead of the road ahead.
In Anchorage, where some roads can be dimly lit or poorly maintained during winter, the risks of texting while driving are even greater. Pedestrians walking in these conditions are more vulnerable and less visible, making them prime targets for distracted drivers. If you have been injured in a pedestrian accident caused by texting and driving, an Anchorage personal injury attorney can help hold the responsible driver accountable and pursue compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Slip and Fall Incidents Near Roadways
Sometimes, pedestrians themselves may contribute to accidents by slipping or falling near busy streets, creating a situation where they inadvertently put themselves in the path of oncoming traffic. In Anchorage, this is especially common during the winter months when icy sidewalks and snowy streets make it difficult for pedestrians to maintain their footing.
In cases where a pedestrian slip and fall leads to an accident, the situation becomes more complicated legally. While pedestrians are often responsible for their own safety, property owners and municipalities can also be held accountable for failing to maintain safe walkways or sidewalks. If your slip and fall near the roadway resulted in a serious injury and you were not at fault, an attorney can help you determine if negligence on the part of another party contributed to your injury.
Vehicle Faults: When Mechanical Failures Cause Accidents
Vehicle malfunctions are another leading cause of pedestrian accidents. Mechanical issues, such as brake failure or a malfunctioning steering system, can make it impossible for drivers to control their vehicles and avoid pedestrians. Drivers who fail to maintain their vehicles properly—especially in harsh climates like Anchorage’s—can be held liable for accidents that result from such malfunctions.
Anchorage drivers must ensure their vehicles are in good condition to avoid accidents. If an accident occurs because of a vehicle fault, it is important for victims to work with an experienced attorney who can investigate the vehicle’s maintenance history and hold the responsible parties accountable.
Walking at Night: The Importance of Visibility
Pedestrian accidents are far more common at night, particularly when pedestrians fail to wear reflective or brightly colored clothing that makes them visible to drivers. In Anchorage, where winter nights are long, pedestrians face an increased risk of accidents due to poor visibility. Drivers may not see pedestrians in dark clothing or those walking without reflective gear.
To minimize the risk of being involved in an accident, pedestrians should always wear reflective jackets or carry a flashlight, especially when walking in low-light conditions. Drivers should also be extra cautious when driving in poorly lit areas or areas where pedestrians are likely to be walking at night. If a pedestrian is injured at night due to a lack of visibility or other factors, an attorney can help determine if the driver was negligent in maintaining safe driving practices.
Unsafe Decisions by Pedestrians: Jaywalking and Crossing at Unsafe Locations
Pedestrians sometimes make poor decisions that increase the risk of accidents, such as jaywalking or crossing the road in unsafe places. In Anchorage, where crosswalks and traffic signals are often spaced far apart in certain areas, some pedestrians may attempt to cross in the middle of the block, placing themselves in danger.
Pedestrians should always use crosswalks and wait for traffic signals to change before crossing the street. Additionally, when walking in areas with limited sidewalks, pedestrians should be cautious and walk against traffic to increase their visibility. If a pedestrian is injured because they made an unsafe decision, they may share some responsibility for the accident. However, the driver’s negligence can still be a contributing factor in the incident.
Inexperienced Drivers: A Growing Risk
Inexperienced or nervous drivers pose a unique risk to pedestrians. New drivers may struggle with judgment calls, or they may panic in situations requiring quick decision-making. In Anchorage, where roads can be slick in the winter months, inexperience increases the chance of an accident. A nervous driver may fail to slow down in time or misjudge the distance between themselves and a pedestrian.
If a pedestrian is injured by an inexperienced driver, they may be entitled to compensation for their injuries. An attorney can help ensure that the responsible party is held accountable and that the pedestrian receives proper compensation.
Speeding: A Major Hazard for Pedestrians
Speeding is one of the most common causes of pedestrian accidents. A driver traveling above the speed limit has less time to react to a pedestrian crossing the road, especially in urban or residential areas where pedestrians are more likely to be present. In Anchorage, where roads can be icy or snow-covered, speeding increases the likelihood of an accident significantly.
Pedestrians can be seriously injured or killed if they are struck by a speeding vehicle. If you have been injured by a speeding driver in Anchorage, an attorney can assist in gathering evidence such as traffic camera footage, witness statements, and accident reports to build a strong case against the negligent driver.
Pedestrian Distractions: The Role of Phones and Alcohol
Just as drivers can become distracted, pedestrians are also at risk when they are not paying attention to their surroundings. Using a phone while walking or crossing the street can divert attention away from the road, putting pedestrians at risk of being hit by a vehicle. Additionally, alcohol consumption can impair judgment, leading to unsafe walking behavior.
Pedestrians should avoid distractions, including texting or scrolling through their phones, while walking near busy streets or intersections. If a pedestrian is injured because they were distracted, they may be partially at fault, but the driver’s actions still play a major role in the accident.
How an Anchorage Personal Injury Attorney Can Help
Pedestrian accidents in Anchorage are complex, with multiple factors often contributing to the incident. Whether the driver was distracted, drunk, speeding, or otherwise negligent, a skilled personal injury attorney can help you pursue a claim for compensation. Pedestrians can also be at fault, but even in these cases, it’s important to understand the full circumstances of the accident.
If you or a loved one has been involved in a pedestrian accident, contact Farnsworth & Vance for a free consultation. Located at 2525 Gambell Street #410, Anchorage, AK 99503, our experienced attorneys are dedicated to helping you seek justice for your injuries or loss. Call (907)-416-9068 today to speak with a personal injury attorney who can help you navigate the complex legal process and fight for the compensation you deserve.