Niagara Falls, New York, Distracted Driving Pedestrian Accident Injury Lawyers

Jed Dietrich, Esq. and His Battle-Tested Team of Lawyers at the Dietrich Law Firm P.C. Aggressively Litigate Claims to Obtain the Best Possible Outcomes for Pedestrians Injured by Distracted Drivers in Niagara Falls, New York, Throughout Niagara County, and Beyond.

Niagara Falls, New York, is a wonderful place to walk, especially during the summer and fall months. However, like any other metropolitan area, pedestrians face grave risks from inattentive drivers. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), every day, 9 victims suffer fatalities in crashes caused by distracted drivers. Approximately 20% of the 3,142 victims that were killed in accidents involving distracted motorists in a recent year were not in vehicles. Any activity that diverts a driver’s concentration away from driving, such as eating fast food, scrolling through an MP3 player, tinkering with the global positioning system (GPS), and updating social media on a smartphone, are all considered distractions. Regrettably, these same activities have all become ingrained in our culture, even behind the wheel. Most motorists are incapable of safely and effectively performing other tasks while driving. Drivers who fail to devote their eyes, hands, or concentration to the road ahead often fail to react when necessary. In the crucial seconds between being distracted and seeing a pedestrian, a motorist might not have sufficient time to react.

Research demonstrates that multitasking typically leads to substandard performances in each undertaking. In other words, distractions can cause those behind the wheel to drive worse and increase their risk of crashing. While there are various reasons for pedestrian-related accidents, distracted drivers continue to be responsible for a substantial number of these tragic incidents. Since pedestrian injuries and deaths continue to occur at troubling levels, the devastating impacts of distracted driving in pedestrian collisions have become a rising safety concern. Suppose that you, or a loved one, was the victim of a pedestrian accident caused by a distracted driver. In that case, the Dietrich Law Firm P.C.’s seasoned team can help you get the compensation you deserve for your hospital bills and lost earnings. Call our Niagara Falls, New York, distracted driving pedestrian accident attorneys now to schedule a complimentary, no-obligation consultation and case evaluation.

At the Dietrich Law Firm P.C., our leading lawyers take great pride in fighting for the legal rights of injured pedestrians. Upon hiring us, we will launch a thorough investigation and build the strongest possible case. Decades of practice have made our lawyers experts at accurately analyzing the facts and demonstrating liability. The Dietrich Law Firm P.C.’s top rated attorneys promise to do everything in our power to obtain the best possible result. Jed Dietrich, Esq., has obtained more than $175 million in judgments and settlements for his clients. We take our clients on a contingency fee basis, meaning that you will never pay anything until we win your case. Our veteran team is available 24/7 by dialing 716-839-3939 or by completing our online consultation form. When you are ready to have the finest attorneys in Niagara County fighting in your corner, please contact us.

The danger of a distracted driver crashing into a pedestrian significantly increases with each interference he or she deals with. A victim’s risk of getting hit by a car depends on several distinct factors. Research from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) provides us with a better understanding of the demographic groups that are most vulnerable to suffering pedestrian accident-related fatalities. The groups that are most at risk while on foot include:

1. The Elderly: Adults 65 and older accounted for 20% of all pedestrian deaths. Older adults tend to be at a heightened risk due to their slower reaction times.
2. Children: According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), nearly 20% of children 14 and younger killed in car accidents were pedestrians. In a recent year alone, this same group suffered almost five hundred pedestrian fatalities. Most of these fatalities occurred after school and among boys.
3. Impaired Individuals: Those on foot that are under the influence of drugs or alcohol are much more prone to pedestrian accidents than sober people. Intoxicated pedestrians were the victims of one-third of all pedestrian crash deaths.
4. Males: During a recent year, the total male pedestrian fatality rate per 100,000 people was double the rate for females. Around 70% of all traffic-related pedestrian deaths were male, and the single most susceptible group was male pedestrians eighty and older.

In a recent year alone, 104,000 pedestrians were rushed to trauma centers for non-fatal crash-related wounds. Some of the most prevalent injuries reported in distracted driving pedestrian collisions include fractured and broken bones, soft tissue damage, internal organ damage, neck and spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries (TBI), complete paralysis, and permanent disfigurement. Additionally, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that every 75 minutes, a pedestrian is killed by a car. Those on foot are ten times more likely to die in accidents than those in vehicles.

With over 7,000 pedestrians killed in car crashes on our nation’s roadways in a recent year, it is crucial to protect yourself. All individuals must try to play their part in staying safe while traveling on foot. We recommend implementing the following steps while walking:

1. Crosswalks are Your Friend: More than 75% of pedestrian fatalities happen when walkers are not crossing at intersections. Whenever possible, use a designated crosswalk and preferably cross at a traffic light or stop sign.
2. Make Eye Contact: Before crossing the street, try to make eye contact with oncoming motorists. Never assume that a driver is paying attention or will notice you.
3. Avoid Distractions: Preoccupied pedestrians and distracted drivers are an extremely dangerous combination. Avoid using your smartphone while walking and especially when crossing the street.
4. Be Noticeable: Wear bright or reflective clothing when you are walking at night or during low visibility conditions. Carrying a flashlight can also be extremely helpful in getting the attention of distracted drivers. About 75 percent of those on foot are struck during the night.
5. Use the Sidewalk: When available, walk on a sidewalk or pathway instead of the road. When there is no sidewalk, walk facing oncoming vehicles and use the shoulder of the road.
6. Never Walk While Under the Influence: Walking after using drugs or alcohol can significantly impair your coordination, reaction time, and judgment.
7. Plan: Carefully plan your route and try to avoid walking in hazardous areas that lack sidewalks or wide road shoulders. Also, walk predictably to avoid surprising inattentive drivers.
8. Do Not Wear Headphones: Wearing headphones or earphones can obscure the sound of nearby vehicles and put you at unnecessary risk.

Unfortunately, even the most cautious pedestrians can find themselves victims of distracted drivers. The Dietrich Law Firm P.C.’s Niagara Falls, New York, highly experienced attorneys know exactly how to hold distracted drivers liable for pedestrian accidents. For instance, Jed Dietrich, Esq. uncompromisingly negotiated to obtain $2,400,000.00, a wrongful death settlement for the loved ones of a 49-year-old pedestrian who was stuck by a school bus. Our compassionate team of personal injury lawyers is available 24/7 at 716-839-3939 or by completing our online consultation form. 

Call the Dietrich Law Firm P.C. immediately at 716-839-3939 so that our aggressive, tenacious, and hardworking personal injury lawyers can fight to obtain the best result for your personal injury claim in Niagara Falls, New York. We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and there is never a fee until we WIN for you!