When learning how to operate a car, drivers receive training to always comply with road safety rules. These regulations are in place to keep everyone safe, including vehicle occupants and others on the road. However, the risk of physical harm can remain.
Some crashes can be unavoidable despite being careful, including accidents caused by poor road design and maintenance. Drivers inside sturdy vehicles may leave these incidents unscathed, but pedestrians often face the most danger.
Understanding risks and challenges
Despite having advanced technology and improved practices when building roadways, poor roads are still causing deaths among pedestrians nationwide. Data shows that 2021 marked a 40-year high, peaking at 7,522 crash deaths of people walking when the collision happened. This number is a steep 75% increase from 4,302 in 2010.
These facts prove that pedestrians remain in danger on public roads. Ideally, safety improvements and better infrastructure can help address risks for everyone’s sake, including children and those with walking impairments.
Additionally, the injuries caused by these incidents are frequently severe. Considering income disparities and the cost of medical care, some people might not have the financial resources to recover fully. In some cases, the medical expenses can balloon as victims receive treatments over extended periods, making money a significant challenge for many.
Knowing who is at fault
When poor roads cause a crash involving a pedestrian, the government could be responsible for any injuries or deaths. So much could be at risk for the victims and their families. In these situations, seeking legal counsel can be helpful when determining who to hold accountable for the accident and what led to it. By learning these details, victims can decide if legal action is appropriate.