Pedestrian Injuries Caused by Unsafe Crosswalks

According to data compiled by the Federal Highway Administration, more than 75 percent of pedestrian accident deaths occur at non-intersection locations, such as midblock crossings. If you are a pedestrian who was injured in a traffic-related accident at an unsafe crosswalk, you could be entitled to compensation to help cover the cost of medical expenses related to your injuries, lost wages if you are unable to work, pain and suffering caused by the accident, and more.

At Leary Law, we are committed to fighting for justice and accountability for our clients. We have the necessary knowledge and resources to help you investigate the accident, gather evidence to support your claim, document and calculate damages you are owed, and provide you with sound legal advice at every stage of the legal process.

While you focus on recovering from your injuries, we will aggressively seek the compensation you deserve. Contact us by phone or online today for a free consultation.

What Is an Unsafe Crosswalk?

Midblock crossings are a common type of crosswalk, but, unfortunately, they’re often unsafe. Midblock crossings are marked crosswalks placed between two intersections, allowing pedestrians to cross a roadway between blocks. However, these crosswalks can be particularly dangerous to pedestrians because drivers typically do not expect pedestrians to cross a roadway at any location other than an intersection.

Midblock crossings on multilane roadways can be dangerous to pedestrians as well. For example, if one vehicle has stopped at the crosswalk to allow a pedestrian to cross, vehicles in the other lanes may find it difficult to spot pedestrians that are crossing since the stopped vehicle may obstruct their view of the crosswalk.

Injuries in Midblock Crosswalks

Pedestrian injuries are often catastrophic, particularly if a car is moving at speeds exceeding 25 mph at the moment of impact. Common injuries suffered by pedestrians who are injured in midblock crosswalks include:

• Traumatic brain injuries
• Back and spinal cord injuries
• Broken and fractured bones
• Internal injuries
• Paralysis
• Whiplash
• Accidental amputation
• Cuts, scrapes, and lacerations
• Burns

How These Accidents Can Be Prevented

Cities and municipalities can take certain actions to help prevent pedestrian accidents at midblock crosswalks, such as:

• Create “islands” that allow pedestrians to cross a roadway in two phases. Pedestrians can stop in the middle of the roadway on one “island” before crossing the rest of the roadway.
• Install flashing lights that pedestrians can easily activate by pressing a button. These lights usually begin flashing yellow to warn drivers that a pedestrian is about to cross, and then turn red. They usually remain red for a set amount of time to allow pedestrians to fully cross, after which they will blink red for a period of time. When the lights are blinking red, drivers must stop to check for crossing pedestrians before proceeding.
• Install stop markers that are located 20 to 50 feet ahead of the midblock crossing. The stop lines create a safe distance between motorists and the crossing, and also help ensure that drivers who are approaching the intersection in the outer lanes can clearly see pedestrians who are using the crosswalk.

Who Is Liable If You’re Injured?

Determining liability after a pedestrian accident that occurred in an unsafe crosswalk area can be challenging. While it may seem obvious that the driver who hit you is at fault for the accident, they may not be the only liable party. It’s also possible that the city or municipality could be held liable if they did not take reasonable steps to ensure the safety of the crosswalk.

A skilled Fairfax pedestrian accident attorney will be able to thoroughly investigate the accident and identify the liable parties who are responsible for compensating you.

Contact Leary Law for Help

If you are a pedestrian who has been injured by a motorist at an unsafe crosswalk, then you could be entitled to compensation for your losses. Contact a knowledgeable Fairfax pedestrian accident lawyer at Leary Law to discuss your case and evaluate your legal options. Call us at (703) 359-7111 or reach out to us online to schedule your free consultation.