Negligence in Tulsa, OK pedestrian accidents takes many forms.
You probably realize the risks when walking around traffic and surrounded by much larger, heavier, faster vehicles, but you may still be shocked to learn statistics on pedestrian accidents. According to the Oklahoma Highway Safety Office (OHSO), there are almost 700 traffic incidents involving individuals on foot every year statewide, and almost 200 of them occur in Tulsa County. Thousands of other victims are injured, leading to devastating losses for victims and their families.
What the statistics do not reveal is the underlying causes behind pedestrian accidents. The details are important for purposes of your rights, though you can trust a Tulsa, OK pedestrian accidents lawyer to handle the legal process. However, knowing some of the common reasons why and how drivers hit pedestrians may help you to know how to protect yourself while walking.
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SPEAK TO AN ATTORNEY TODAYCauses of Oklahoma Pedestrian Accidents
There are numerous factors that may contribute to these incidents, but they share a common element: People on foot are usually hit by negligent motorists. The concept of negligence has a very specific meaning in the practice of law, since it requires evidence that the collision occurred as a direct result of the at-fault driver’s failure to exercise reasonable care behind the wheel. Examples of motorist negligence in pedestrian accidents includes:
- Speeding or driving too fast for conditions;
- Driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol;
- Failure to yield to a pedestrian in a crosswalk;
- Texting, talking on the phone, taking pictures, and related cell phone use; and,
- Other forms of distracted driving, such as eating, adjusting the radio, and using a GPS.
Still, it is important to note that the person on foot can also be responsible for causing a pedestrian accident. Your own negligence can affect a claim if your actions contributed to the incident, since Oklahoma’s comparative negligence statute bars monetary damages when the victim was more than 50% at fault.
Compensation for Injured Victims
You may not have been in a motorized vehicle when struck by a driver, but your rights still derive from car accident laws. The first step in the legal process is filing a claim for compensation from the at-fault driver’s insurer, though you may need to initiate litigation if the company will not pay a fair amount. Through an insurance claim or lawsuit, you may be entitled to recover for such losses as:
- Medical costs;
- Lost income;
- Pain and suffering;
- Scarring and disfigurement;
- Emotional distress; and,
- Losses that impact your personal relationships and quality of life.
Set Up a Free Consultation With a Tulsa, OK Pedestrian Accidents Attorney
While an overview of the common reasons why and how drivers hit pedestrians is helpful, this information is not enough to prevent tragic consequences. Our team at BDIW Law will help you navigate the legal process, so please contact us today. You can schedule a complimentary case review with an Oklahoma pedestrian accidents lawyer by calling 580-789-4936 or visiting us online.
