Over 110,000 pedestrians are injured every year in the United States and almost 60,000 pedestrians are killed. People of all ages are affected by these staggering statistics, but school age children and the elderly are most vulnerable. In fact, 41% of pedestrian fatalities nationwide occur between 3:00 and 4:00 in the afternoon.

Motor vehicle operators have a responsibility to adhere to the laws of the road and drive in a safe and observant manner at all times. Pedestrians are injured and killed every day due to driver negligence.

A few of the most common factors contributing to driver negligence are:

• An inattentive or pre-occupied driver.
• A driver's failure to observe posted speed limits.
• A driver's failure to yield the right of way to pedestrians at marked crosswalks.
• A driver negligently turning at an intersection.
• Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
• Pedestrians who are hit by motor vehicles may have a claim against the driver but they must prove that the driver was negligent. The very nature of the circumstances (3,000 pound car versus unprotected pedestrian) suggests that the driver would ultimately be responsible, however pedestrians must also adhere to the laws of the road.

A few of the most common factors contributing to pedestrian negligence are:

• Pedestrians who ignore the "walk" signal at an intersection.
• Pedestrians who enter a stream of traffic and disrupt the flow.
• Pedestrians who fail to use marked crosswalks.
• Pedestrians who "dart out" in front of a vehicle.
• Impaired pedestrians.

Be aware that the driver's insurance company's lawyers will try to blame YOU for the accident by claiming that your negligence caused the accident. If you have been involved in a pedestrian accident, you must do the following:

• Call the police immediately.
• Do not leave the scene of the accident before help arrives.
• Gather names and telephone numbers of any witnesses.
• DO NOT make any statements to the driver or his/her insurance company.
  Most importantly, do not offer any information that could be interpreted as you being negligent.
• Call a qualified and experienced personal injury lawyer as soon as possible.
  If you have any questions, please contact The Law Offices of Timothy O'Hare & Associates for a free initial consultation.