Why are Pedestrian Hit and Run Accidents on the Rise? - Lee Steinberg Law Firm

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Why are Pedestrian Hit and Run Accidents on the Rise?

A Casual Walk can Result in a Life or Death Decision

You read it in the newspapers and see it on television all the time; someone is injured by a hit and run driver. And it’s no surprise, as many of our cities are nowhere close to being “pedestrian friendly.” Urban planners could never have foreseen the massive congestion of cars and foot traffic we face in a sprawling city like Detroit. For pedestrians in the Motor City, just taking a walk these days can be a life or death situation.

Victims and Families Cope with Aftermath of Accidents

The sad truth is pedestrian hit-and-run accidents make up 10% of all Michigan car crashes. A pedestrian is killed by a car every two hours, or seriously injured every nine minutes. Many of these drivers flee the scene leaving the victim or their families to deal with the medical, financial, and emotional ramifications of the crash.

Leaving the Scene of a Deadly Crash is Serious

A driver in a fatal pedestrian hit-and-run accident can be charged with a felony, incur sizeable fines, and face several years in prison if convicted. There are many factors that contribute to a driver being involved in a crash and often they are the reasons why they flee.

  • Inexperienced drivers
  • Failing to make a full stop at stop sign
  • Speeding
  • Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
  • Being distracted by texting or cell phone use
  • Illegal U-Turns

Distracted Drivers – It Only Takes a Moment to Kill

One of the most common causes of pedestrian hit-and-run accidents is when driver is distracted. Whether texting while driving or looking at a smartphone, five unfocused seconds is all it takes for a car traveling 55 mph to cover the length of a football field. That is enough time to hit someone using a cross-walk and change both your lives forever.

The most common driver distractions:

  • Talking on a cell phone
  • Texting
  • Reaching for a moving object in the car
  • Looking at something outside of the car
  • Reading a book
  • Eating food
  • Putting on makeup
  • Talking to someone in the back seat

Using a Cellphone While Driving Can Be Deadly

At any given daylight moment in the U.S. around 660,000 drivers are using cellphones or manipulating electronic devices while driving. Unbelievably there is now a phenomenon known as “Death by Pokémon” due to the increase in accidents from drivers attempting to play the Nintendo game “Pokémon Go” while driving. There is also a rise in pedestrians walking in front of cars while playing the game. Distraction can work both ways.

We Can Help You Receive No-Fault Benefits

The unfortunate reality is many times drivers involved in pedestrian hit-and-run accidents are never held accountable. If an at fault hit-and-run driver is never caught, a victim can still collect insurance benefits since Michigan is a No-Fault state. There are numerous ways this can be achieved, which is why having the assistance of an experienced pedestrian hit-and-run lawyer is often necessary.

Let the Lee Steinberg Law Firm Handle Your Claim

If you or a family member is a victim of a hit-and-run accident, your first responsibility is to focus on recovery. Before speaking with the insurance company seek out the qualified advice of a pedestrian hit-and-run attorney.

The Lee Steinberg Law Firm has been representing accident victims for over 40 years and we can help you through this difficult time. Call us today for a free consultation about your potential case at 1-800-LEE-FREE.