Most of the time, when people hear “car accident” they assume two (or sometimes more) cars are involved and have collided. That isn’t always the case. More often than people realize, pedestrians–or someone walking along a road or on a sidewalk–are involved in accidents, too. According to the Center for Disease Control, one in six people who died in car crashes in 2020 were pedestrians. Walkers in developed cities with nice weather like San Jose are especially prone to being in an accident. In case of a San Jose pedestrian accident, it’s important to know what to do and who to contact.
How Common Are Pedestrian Accidents?
Any San Jose car accident lawyer will admit that accidents involving only motor vehicles are more common in the San Jose and Bay Area. In 2019, 3,705 people were injured or killed in car accidents. That does not mean pedestrians should not be concerned or that pedestrian accidents are a rare occurrence.
Many cities in the Bay Area, including San Jose, are known for their walkability. This increases the likelihood of a person being struck by a vehicle. In fact, Bay Area traffic statistics show that pedestrian fatalities have increased in recent years. According to the California Office of Traffic Safety, 382 pedestrians were injured or killed in accidents in 2019.
What Causes a Pedestrian Accident?
While it might seem like a different type of car accident, pedestrian accidents are often caused by similar factors as those involving just vehicles.
Some of the primary causes include:
- Distracted driving
- Drivers under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Bad weather
However, it’s also important to note that sometimes pedestrian behaviors put them at greater risk of being involved in an accident. This includes crossing the street outside of a designated crosswalk. At the beginning of 2022, San Jose saw six pedestrian deaths over a short period of time. The Mercury News reported that five of the six deaths occurred outside of crosswalks. Regardless of the cause, a San Jose auto accident lawyer can help you determine your next course of action following a pedestrian accident.
What To Do If You’re Involved in a San Jose Pedestrian Accident
If you are involved in any kind of accident, it is important to stay calm. This might be difficult, but staying calm is key for assessing yourself and others for injuries.
First, call the police. Even if no one is severely injured, the police are necessary to file a report. This can be critical evidence in securing the injured party’s necessary compensation. Then, collect the information of anyone involved, as well as any witnesses. Finally, you’ll want to make sure everyone seeks the necessary medical attention.
After all that has been taken care of, you will want to find the best personal injury lawyer in San Jose to help you determine your next steps in seeking an appropriate settlement for your injuries.
Look no further than Avrek Law. We have more than 50 years of combined experience resolving cases in favor of clients who were wrongfully injured. Avrek Law has recovered more than $1 billion in compensation for injury victims in more than 45,000 cases. Contact us for your free consultation to learn more!
