Pedestrian Accident Attorney Phoenix, AZ
Pedestrian fatality rates have been at alarmingly high rates for the last several years. In the state of Florida, there have been 1.85 pedestrian deaths per 100,000 people or around 16 deaths per day. These statistics have government officials, researchers and pedestrian advocates looking for ways to keep pedestrians safer.
Boston has a population of about 600,000, there are actually close to two million pedestrians every day when the commuters and tourists are counted.
A Boston study found risky behaviors by pedestrians, including:
- Only one out of ten pedestrians waited for the “walk” signal before crossing the street.
- Approximately one-third of pedestrians crossed at least five feet away from the crosswalk.
- Almost all drivers yielded to pedestrians crossing with the light, but only half of the drivers yielded to pedestrians crossing against the light.
These habits are unnecessarily putting people at risk. Most pedestrian fatalities happen in the dark and away from a crosswalk. It is often a situation that the driver just could not see the pedestrian until it was too late.
Many state and local governments have issued safety tips for pedestrians and bicyclists, including:
- Pedestrians always need to use the crosswalk.
- Look both ways before crossing the street, even if you have the right of way.
- Use the sidewalk if there is one available. If there is no sidewalk, walk on the left side of the street facing traffic.
- Watch for cars backing out of parking spaces and driveways.
- Bicyclists should wear a helmet.
- Bicyclists should ride defensively, and be aware of cars or car doors opening.
- Bicyclists should wear bright, reflective clothing.
- Bicyclists should use proper lights while riding at dusk and after dark.
- Bicyclists should obey traffic rules.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration recommends that the federal safety standards include performance-based standards for headlight systems aimed on the road, but to help see pedestrians too. Another proposal is to allow adaptive headlight systems where the light “bends” to better see off the corners of the vehicle, and would help drivers see pedestrians before they get too close.
Some cars already have radar or sonar sensors as part of a pedestrian collision avoidance system, and making these systems more widely used, could help lower the number of serious injuries and pedestrian fatalities.
In Arizona, a wrongful death claim may be brought by a surviving spouse, child or parent of the decedent, on behalf of the spouse or children, or parents of the decedent.
The amount of damages that a surviving spouse, parent or child may recover will differ from case to case, there are many variables. Damages that are considered may include the following:
- The loss of love, affection, and companionship since the death of the decedent and in the future.
- The pain, grief, sorrow and mental suffering experienced since the death, and in the future.
- The lost income sustained as a result of the death.
A pedestrian accident attorney Phoenix, AZ residents recommend can advise crash victims about the settlement and litigation process, there should be no fees unless a settlement is obtained. Call the office of Paul Englander, PLC today.