There are many individuals in West Virginia and elsewhere who may prefer to do the majority of their traveling via the sidewalk. While there are numerous benefits to walking, recent reports also shed light on the risks involved. These reports indicate that the number of deaths in pedestrian-related motor vehicle accidents over the previous year was the highest number reported the past three decades.
Recent reports indicated that there were more than 6,200 pedestrian deaths reported over the past year alone. Experts cited a variety of possible reasons for the increase, some of which included the absence of crosswalks in areas of heavy traffic congestion. While pedestrians in these areas may be forced to cross outside the confines of a crosswalk, experts indicate that jaywalking isn’t the primary issue at hand.
Studies indicate that many areas simply fail to provide pedestrians with the necessary accommodations. However, experts also indicate that there is another factor that has contributed to the recent rise in pedestrian accidents. According to reports, nearly 30 percent of the recent increases to similar incidents could be the result of distracted driving.
Pedestrian-related motor vehicle accidents can have cataclysmic results. Individuals who suffer loss or harm due to another party’s negligent actions may wish to know more about their available legal avenues, and they could choose to retain the services of an attorney for guidance on how best to proceed. An attorney can examine the incident thoroughly and assist a client in West Virginia in pursuing the full amount of restitution entitled through a claim against the party deemed responsible.
