Pedestrian Rights and Safety in Washington, D.C.
Pedestrian rights and safety in Washington, D.C., is a critical issue, demanding immediate attention and action
Pedestrian Accidents
Pedestrian Injury Accidents Caused by Negligent Drivers in Washington, D.C.
Pedestrian injury accidents caused by negligent drivers remain an ongoing issue in the Washington, D.C. area. Each year, pedestrian fatalities account for a significant portion of traffic deaths in the District of Columbia. Negligent driving can take many forms and lead to serious or fatal injuries for pedestrians. Such behavior includes failing to yield to pedestrians in a crosswalk, speeding through residential neighborhoods, running red lights and stop signs, and failing to maintain control of a vehicle.
What Happens When a Pedestrian Is at Fault for a Car Accident?
If you are involved in a car accident and it is determined that the pedestrian is at fault, there are certain things that will happen. First, the pedestrian’s insurance company will likely not cover any damages that they caused in the car accident. This means the walker will be responsible for paying for any damages to the other party’s vehicle, as well as any medical bills that they incur.
Additionally, the pedestrian may be sued by the other party for damages if permanent disfigurement or scarring occurs to the other party. If the pedestrian is found to be at fault for the accident, they may also face criminal charges.
Common Injuries Suffered in a Pedestrian Accident
A pedestrian accident is a common sight in Washington, D.C. Learn what you can do if this type of trauma causes injuries and lost wages.
Public transportation is plentiful in Washington, D.C. However, many people enjoy walking to work or to run errands, which is not only good exercise but lets them enjoy the many beautiful sights the city offers. Unfortunately, the District is also congested with drivers, and all of them seem to be in a hurry. This contributes to the number of pedestrian accidents in the area. Nationwide, the number of pedestrian accident fatalities increased by 20 percent nationwide from 2019 to 2020, and Washington, D.C. saw its share of deaths caused by negligent drivers.
Pedestrian Safety in Washington, D.C.
With accidents involving walkers escalating nationally, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, pedestrian safety efforts are essential. This is caused in part by an increase in both vehicular and pedestrian traffic. Other reasons as we shall see are due to driver distraction and reckless behavior.
Some roadways are especially dangerous for pedestrians. This includes those at intersections where vehicles, walkers and bicyclists converge. Intersections also have a significant problem with red-light runners or those who sail through a stop sign without looking. If a pedestrian is in a crosswalk when this happens, the likelihood of a catastrophic accident is high. So, how do pedestrians protect themselves?
Pedestrian Accidents in Washington, D.C.
Across the nation and in Washington, D.C., the number of pedestrian accidents is increasing at a rapid rate. This is happening due to the ever-escalating number of walkers who are on urban streets and rural trails every day. In fact, the Governor’s Highway Safety Association reported that 2020 was one of the worst years for pedestrians with many fatalities on record. Let’s look at why the number of deaths occurred, what changes can be made and who is liable in a pedestrian collision.
Car Accident FAQs for Washington DC
Car crash claims in Washington DC can be confusing. Make sure you know about your legal rights before taking any steps that could impact the outcome of your car accident case. Car accidents in Washington DC resulted in 37 deaths in 2020. Many more people sustained injuries in car wrecks, including pedestrians, bicyclists, motorists, and …