Pedestrians can suffer catastrophic and fatal injuries on roadways. Motorists driving under the influence can pose a very real danger to pedestrians. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), nearly half of accidents that resulted in pedestrian fatalities involved alcohol for the driver or pedestrian.
If you've been seriously injured in a drunk driving accident, contact William Mattar law offices as soon as possible. Car accident claims can be time-sensitive. Our drunk driving accident attorneys are available to get started on your case. Don't hesitate to call (844) 444 - 4444 today. We're standing by 24/7 to help.
Risk Factors for Pedestrian Accidents
While drunk driving can cause fatal pedestrian accidents, pedestrians who are intoxicated can also increase the crash risk. According to the CDC, one in every three fatal pedestrian accidents involved a pedestrian with a Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) of at least 0.08.
In addition to alcohol impairment, other risk factors can increase the likelihood of pedestrian accidents, including age, vehicle speeds, location, and time of day. An estimated 20 percent of pedestrian deaths involved those aged 65 and older.
The Dangers of Drunk Driving
Alcohol reduces the functioning of the brain. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), as blood alcohol levels rise, the adverse effects on the central nervous system increase. A higher BAC can increase the risk of a crash. In New York State, the legal limit is 0.08 for this reason. However, alcohol in small amounts can also be deadly. According to the NHTSA, 1,878 drivers who died in crashes had BACs of 0.01 to 0.07 in 2018.
Motorists who drink and get behind the wheel can cause pedestrian crashes because of their diminished driving ability. Alcohol impairs judgment, reasoning, and coordination. In many cases, a drunk driver may not follow traffic laws (such as yielding the right of way to pedestrians) or be less attentive in general.
What Should I Do If I I Was Hit By A Drunk Driver While Walking?
If you are a pedestrian who was injured after being struck by a drunk driver, you should consider seeking the help of an experienced accident attorney. Accident injuries can have severe effects on a person's life, leading to financial stress, inability to work and loss of income, and long-term emotional anguish and physical pain. An accident attorney can investigate your case and help you pursue compensation for these damages, among others.
Contact a Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Today
If you have been hit by a drunk driver while walking, our pedestrian accident lawyers can help. We understand the pain and stress you may be experiencing, and we will work to help you receive maximum compensation. To schedule a free initial case consultation, complete our online contact form or call our offices at (844) 444 - 4444.