Need an Injury Attorney for a Pedestrian Accident in North Dakota?
Here is the unfortunate truth about pedestrian accidents in North Dakota: They are on the rise. For instance, statistics show us that, in 2016, pedestrian accidents rose to 5,987 fatalities, which is the highest number recorded since 1990. Why is this? Proper care taken by drivers can prevent the number of lives lost on the roadways every day in the U.S.; unfortunately, these numbers seem to grow every year. One of the leading contributions to these accidents is driver distraction and the fact that drivers just don’t notice pedestrians on the roadways, as they should. What duty of care does a driver owe to you and how can an experienced attorney help with your case?
The Driver’s Duty of Care to Pedestrians
Pedestrians are entitled to the highest duty of care on our roadways because they are the most susceptible to fatalities due to the fact that they have absolutely no protection from the elements when a vehicle hits them. This is why drivers are always supposed to watch out for pedestrians at any cost. When a driver fails to abide by the law and it leads to a pedestrian accident due to negligence, a pedestrian may be able to receive compensation for the serious injuries that result. Common forms of negligence that take place in these cases include:
- Improper lane use, forcing a pedestrian onto the roadways or hitting them head-on
- Unmarked crosswalks that lead to intersection-related accidents, one of the most common types
- Left-hand turn accidents when drivers are too busy negotiating an intersection instead of looking at the pedestrian
- Use of electronics by drivers and pedestrians, taking eyes from the roadways
- Dark clothing that makes a pedestrian difficult to spot, especially during the night when these accidents tend to occur
Who is Liable for My Accident?
When a driver has disregarded the rules of the road, they have violated a safety statute and a duty of care owed to a pedestrian. You, as the plaintiff in your injury claim, must be able to show that a safety law was violated, such as a driver who chose to text while driving, and that you should have been offered protections by all drivers on the roadways due to the fact that you are a pedestrian. If you have been involved in any type of serious accident due to the negligence of a party, you will be able to compensate for your losses. This is especially true in cases involving pedestrians where serious injuries almost always occur.
However, if your own negligence has also occurred in your case, and you are found to have contributed to your accident, your damages could be reduced. This is why it is important to speak to an attorney when another party is accusing you of contributing to your own accident.
It is always important to move forward with the help of an attorney in your pedestrian accident case. If you have received any type of injuries, after seeking medical treatment, seeking a specialized attorney is one of the best ways to move forward with your claim. You will be able to compensate for elements like medical bills, lost income, mental anguish, loss of consortium, and more. Call us today to find out how we can help you with your case and help you compensate for your losses.