Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents in San Jose

Pedestrian accidents can lead to severe, and often fatal, consequences. There are countless reasons these incidents can occur, but while the driver is frequently at fault, other parties could also be to blame. A compassionate injury attorney can help you seek compensation after being struck by a car.

Understanding the common causes of pedestrian accidents in San Jose can help you prepare for a successful injury lawsuit. Before you can recover compensation for your injuries, you will need to prove that someone else was at fault. If you have injuries from a pedestrian accident, call the Valero Law Group, and we can help guide you through this process.

What Causes Pedestrian Accidents?

Pedestrians and motor vehicles might meet each other in many ways. In San Jose, some of the most common causes of pedestrian accidents include the following.

Distracted Driving

One of the most common reasons for drivers to strike pedestrians is when they are distracted. When motorists look away from the road or take their hands off the wheel, an accident can occur in a matter of seconds. Distractions are more common now due to the widespread use of smartphones while behind the wheel.

Intoxication

Drivers who are impaired due to drinking or drug use represent a serious threat to pedestrians. The use of these substances can dramatically reduce reaction times, lower inhibitions, and lead to bad decision-making. Intoxicated motorists are often unable to react to changing road conditions in time to avoid a crash.

Speeding

Drivers traveling at unsafe speeds are more likely to strike any pedestrians in their path. This is primarily the case because of the increased reaction time a speeding driver needs to come to a complete stop. The faster a vehicle is moving, the more difficult it becomes to navigate around pedestrians or other hazards.

Unsafe Road Designs

In some situations, pedestrian accidents occur due to unsafe road designs rather than a negligent motorist. State, local, and federal governments have an obligation to design roads that are safe and mitigate roadside dangers. When a street or highway has blind curves or visibility issues, the risk of striking a pedestrian increases substantially.

Mechanical Defects

Another situation where accidents can happen through no fault of the driver is when a mechanical defect leads to a crash. Problems with steering wheels, headlights, or braking systems could all be factors in a pedestrian accident.

Why Negligence Matters?

Not every pedestrian accident will result in a viable case for compensation. Pedestrians who are injured by motor vehicles will need to show that their accident occurred through an act of negligence.

Negligence involves some form of careless or reckless action that results in someone else’s injuries. In terms of pedestrian accidents, this might be running a red light, swerving onto a sidewalk, or failing to yield at a crosswalk.

Recognizing the common causes of San Jose pedestrian collisions is an important first step toward financial compensation. Call the Valero Law Group today to discuss recovering compensation for injuries from pedestrian accidents.

Talk to a San Jose Attorney About the Common Causes of Accidents Involving Pedestrians

If you have questions about the common causes of pedestrian accidents in San Jose, contact an experienced lawyer to help you with your case. Our team at Valero Law Group can evaluate your case, identify the at-fault party, and pursue legal action against them.

You will only put your recovery at risk by handling your case on your own. Call to schedule a confidential consultation about your case.