As a pedestrian walking along busy roads, you know the risks that passing cars pose, but did you know that some vehicles have a higher risk of harming pedestrians than others? Bulkier vehicles are more prone to causing more severe injuries, but they are also more likely to hit a pedestrian for several reasons. Knowing what causes these pedestrians may be able to help you avoid oncoming vehicles like SUVs, vans, minivans, and pickup trucks, so here are a few leading factors that cause these accidents:
Larger blind spots
The bigger the vehicle, the bigger the blind spot. While a person driving a larger vehicle may be able to spot another car reliably, they may have difficulty seeing a pedestrian walking by. When these drivers are not paying close attention to their surroundings, the person walking by can pay the price.
Trouble stopping
Larger vehicles need more time and distance to come to a complete stop when compared to sedans and other small vehicles. If a person driving a large vehicle is driving recklessly, or at excessive speeds, they may not be able to stop in time for someone using a crosswalk.
Difficulty maneuvering the vehicle
New drivers of large vehicles may be unfamiliar with how the vehicle handles. Larger vehicles often take wider turns, and the tail of the automobile can also swing out further than smaller cars. When a driver is unfamiliar with how their large vehicle handles small or tight areas or even turns at a traffic light, the people around them can be in danger.
Earning fair compensation
No matter their excuse, a driver who hits a pedestrian should be responsible for the consequences and costs of the accident. A skilled personal injury attorney can help you hold the reckless or inexperienced driver accountable and secure the fair and full compensation you deserve. No matter what the liable party’s reason for hitting you was, you should not be the one paying the costs of your recovery.
