How DC Pedestrian Accidents Differ From Other Types of Accidents

Despite the fact that motor vehicles are often involved, pedestrian accidents are unique from other types of accidents because a person typically suffers a more significant injury as a pedestrian. As a result, it is important to consult with a DC pedestrian accident lawyer who will be able to look at the facts of your case and help you build the strongest claim possible.

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Difference Between Pedestrian Accidents and Car Accidents

The biggest difference overall between a pedestrian and a car accident is that when a pedestrian is hit there is no protection at all. Motor vehicles often weigh thousands of pounds and therefore when a pedestrian is struck by a motor vehicle, the collision is oftentimes much more traumatic on the person’s body than if they were a seat-belted passenger in another motor vehicle.

Thus, it is easy to imagine how a collision involving a pedestrian, even one that happens at a relatively low speed, can result in significant injuries.

Difference Between Bicycle and Pedestrian Accidents

An important distinction between pedestrians and bicycles is that pedestrians are defined as pedestrians whereas bicycles are deemed to be vehicles in DC. This means that pedestrians are required to follow the rules concerning pedestrians and bicycles are required to follow the rules concerning motor vehicles. The operator of the bicycle is required to conform to the rules of the road as if it were any other car or truck travelling along the road.

Persons operating a bicycle may think that they have a greater right of way or that they can disregard traffic signals, but that is simply not the case. In DC, bicyclists are required to follow the rules of the road and conform to the rules of the road.

Unique Aspects of Pedestrian Accidents

It is common, as strange as it may seem initially, that either the pedestrian or the driver simply did not see the other person involved in the accident. Conversely,  in a rear-end accident on a highway, the driver  of a motor vehicle may see traffic stopped  in front of him or her, but may simply not be able to stop in time. There are not many other types of accidents that occur simply because one did not see the other, which makes pedestrian accidents unique.

Trends Regarding Pedestrian Accidents

It has been my experience that juries are usually more sympathetic to pedestrians versus claims made by occupants of a vehicle. Juries are more likely to attribute claimed injuries of a pedestrian to the motor vehicle accident.  Whereas, a jury may be more skeptical or conservative in its award of damages for the occupant of a  motor vehicle.