If driving, you should always be cautious around intersections or crosswalks and especially around schools and places where children might be playing.
Weirton, WV (PRWEB) April 16, 2014
Commenting on a news report revealing pedestrian fatalities decreased in 2013 compared to the prior few years, West Virginia auto accident attorney Steven M. Recht of the Recht Law Offices said today that drivers across the state need to remain vigilant when pedestrians are nearby in order to avoid potentially fatal car accidents involving pedestrians.
The West Virginia Gazette reported on March 5, 2014 that preliminary estimates by the National Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA) revealed West Virginia pedestrian accident fatalities to have fallen in 2013 after fatalities across the West Virginia and throughout the United States increased from 2010 to 2012.
“Our firm has handled cases in which pedestrians were injured in accidents or lost their lives because of other careless or reckless drivers,” said Recht. “These are difficult cases, because the pedestrian typically suffers serious injuries or worse. While drivers may not have meant to cause harm, they have a responsibility to share the road safely with others, including pedestrians.”
According to the West Virginia Gazette article, preliminary GHSA safety reports revealed that from January to June 2013, there were nine pedestrian fatalities in West Virginia. The report indicates that there were 16 deaths over the same time period in 2012, reflecting the national trend of decreasing pedestrian accident fatalities across the United States.
West Virginia was ranked 35th among the nation in pedestrian fatalities in 2013, according to the report. A 2011 report released by Transportation for America suggests that 40 percent of pedestrian accidents occur on roadways where no crosswalks are available, according to the West Virginia Gazette.
Attorney Recht offered tips for drivers to avoid cause pedestrian accidents. “If driving, you should always be cautious around intersections or crosswalks and especially around schools and places where children might be playing,” Recht said. “However, many accidents happen on roads where there are no crosswalks, so it’s important to be alert at all times while driving and be on the lookout for people on foot, even in places where you might not expect to see a pedestrian. Avoid distractions like using cellphones for talking or texting while driving and never drive after having too much to drink. Many pedestrian accidents involve a drunk driver or someone who was distracted.”
Attorney Recht said anyone injured in a pedestrian accident or who loses a loved one should seek the advice of legal counsel. An attorney can help hold the negligent individual accountable and pursue compensation for the victim’s losses.
The West Virginia Gazette story cited is “Report shows decrease in W.Va. pedestrian-related fatalities.”
About Recht Law Offices
Recht Law Offices serves West Virginia, Ohio and Pennsylvania. The firm handles all types of serious personal injury and wrongful death cases, from car and truck accidents to nursing home abuse, slip and fall injuries and workers compensation claims. The attorneys at Recht Law Offices work on a contingency fee basis. That means clients do not pay any fees if they don’t win.
For more information about what to do after a car accident in West Virginia, Ohio or Pennsylvania and the legal options available to families, call 1-800-HURTLINE (1-800-487-8546) or complete the online contact form.
Recht Law Offices
3405 Main Street
Weirton, WV 26062-4505
http://www.rechtlaw.com