Attorney
It’s not just the distracted drivers who pose a safety risk, but distracted pedestrians as well.
In crosswalks and sidewalks, pedestrians often ignore how dangerous it is to use a cellphone while walking.
While many know that talking or texting on a mobile phone while driving can get you killed, the fact that 3,154 people died and an estimated 424,000 were hurt in 2013 shows that a great many people are willing to ignore the advice to keep their attention on the road.
There is an abundance of anecdotal evidence and an emerging body of research to support the dangers of distracted walking.
Some data suggests that at any given moment in the U.S., 60 percent of pedestrians are distracted while walking, according to Alan S. Hilibrand of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.
As cell phones have become more ubiquitous, there has been a noticeable increase in the amount of distracted walker-related emergency room visits. In 2005, there were 256 pedestrians treated in a hospital who were hurt while using mobile device. By 2010, that number had grown sixfold.
Hersman predicts that, since the explosion and proliferation of mobile devices has taken off more since 2010, the numbers have increased.
Speak with a Personal Injury Attorney Who Handles Distracted Pedestrian Accidents
You should talk to a personal injury lawyer who knows how to handle a pedestrian accident case, even if you believe you may have some fault. With our experience handling personal injury claims throughout DC/VA/MD, the personal injury attorneys at our firm can discuss your legal rights in a free pedestrian accident claim review so that you may better understand both the legal issues and what recoveries may be available to help pay for the damages after a pedestrian accident.
Koonz, McKenney, Johnson & DePaolis L.L.P. – Maryland, Washington, D.C. and Virginia Injury Attorneys