Children and Pedestrian Accidents
The lawyers of Chanfrau & Chanfrau take child injuries of all kinds extremely seriously. Children should not have to suffer because of an adult’s negligent actions. Our law offices in Daytona Beach and Palm Coast, FL are here to help parents dealing with these stressful and at times devastating occurrences.
Many children are injured each year because of auto collisions. Even low-speed pedestrian accidents can cause serious harm. Let’s consider why these collisions happen and what legal options you can consider.
Statistics on Pedestrian Accidents
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), there were 6,283 pedestrian deaths in 2018. Based on 2017 numbers, the NHTSA estimates that there was at least 1 pedestrian killed every 88 minutes.
There’s greater nuance and texture to the above NHTSA numbers thanks to findings from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Using figures from 2016, the CDC estimated that pedestrians comprised 1 in 5 auto accident fatalities involving victims age 15 and younger. Even if the pedestrian crash is not fatal, it can be serious. In 2015, the CDC found that roughly 129,000 pedestrians were treated in emergency rooms for the injuries they sustained.
Why Pedestrian Accidents Happen
There are numerous causes of pedestrian accidents. They include:
- Speeding
- Reckless driving
- Texting while driving
- Distracted driving
- Driver fatigue
- Drunk driving
Dangers to Children Around Schools
There are many children crossing the street around schools in the mornings and afternoons. It makes sense that there is extreme concern about hazardous drivers around the campus and its surrounding area. Drivers must exercise added caution whenever they are in areas where students are present.
Hazards Around Your Neighborhood
There are likely many places in and around your neighborhood where drivers may strike your children while they are simply getting from point A to point B. This is especially true of blind turns, busy intersections, and especially areas with poor visibility due to low light or weather conditions.
Ways to Protect Your Children from Dangerous Drivers
The best ways for parents to protect their children is to consider the following tips:
- Accompany your children around the neighborhood as much as possible, especially if they are very young
- Tell your child to look both ways before crossing the street
- Tell your child to make sure the driver sees them before crossing the street
- Tell your child to only cross at crosswalks
- Make sure your child uses electronic crossing signals when they are available
- Hold your child’s hand whenever crossing the street
- Make sure your children wear light-colored and/or reflective clothing when out at night
- Tell your child to walk only in well-lit places at night
Holding Negligent Drivers Accountable
If a negligent driver injures or kills your child in an accident, it is crucial that you speak with an attorney about potential civil action. We can seek damages to address medical expenses as well as the emotional pain and suffering related to the crash.
No parent should have to deal with the injury or loss of a child. Our lawyers will stand with you and offer compassionate legal guidance every step of the way.
Speak with Our Attorneys
For more information about legal options after your child has been injured by a negligent motorist, be sure to contact our team of personal injury and accident attorneys. You can reach Chanfrau & Chanfrau’s location in Daytona Beach by calling (866) 610-0653 and the law firm’s location in Palm Coast by calling (386) 439-7760.