Pedestrian accidents can occur anywhere in Little Rock, but they are especially common at busy intersections and near roads that see heavy traffic on a daily basis. In many situations, these accidents result from negligent behavior by motorists.
If you recently sustained injuries in a Little Rock pedestrian accident, an experienced pedestrian accident attorney in Little Rock can handle every step of your case. Your pedestrian accident lawyer will first review the circumstances of your accident, obtain documentation, and file a personal injury claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance company on your behalf. Then, your lawyer can handle all settlement negotiations with insurance company adjusters on your behalf or litigate your case to a fair resolution in the state court system.
Most Common Locations for Pedestrian Accidents in Little Rock, Arkansas
In Little Rock, pedestrian accidents frequently occur in areas where traffic is heavy, visibility is poor, or pedestrian infrastructure is lacking. Many of these accidents result from driver negligence, such as distracted driving, speeding, or failing to yield the right-of-way to pedestrians.
- One common location for pedestrian accidents in Little Rock is along busy intersections and roadways, such as those found on major streets like West Markham Street, Cantrell Road (Highway 10), and Rodney Parham Road. These streets see high volumes of traffic, and many drivers often rush through without properly watching for pedestrians crossing the street. The combination of multiple lanes and fast-moving vehicles can make Little Rock’s roads dangerous for people on foot – especially when drivers fail to obey traffic signals or pedestrian crossing rules.
- Another area prone to pedestrian accidents is downtown Little Rock, where both vehicle and foot traffic are heavy. The downtown area, particularly near River Market and President Clinton Avenue, is filled with shops, restaurants, and attractions that bring in pedestrians throughout the day. While crosswalks and traffic signals are in place, drivers may become distracted or ignore the right-of-way, leading to accidents. Additionally, parking lot entrances and exits can be a hotspot for pedestrian accidents in this area, as drivers may not fully check for pedestrians while pulling in or out of parking spaces.
- School zones and neighborhoods, such as around Little Rock Central High School or the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, also see pedestrian accidents due to driver negligence. In these areas, speed limits are lower, but some drivers ignore these limits or fail to watch for pedestrians crossing the street, particularly during school arrival and dismissal times.
- Finally, highway crossings, including stretches of Interstate 30 and Interstate 630, can be dangerous for pedestrians when drivers don’t anticipate people attempting to cross near on-ramps or off-ramps.
How Do Pedestrian Accidents Usually Happen in Little Rock, Arkansas?
Pedestrian accidents in Little Rock are often the result of negligent driving, where drivers fail to act responsibly and follow traffic laws. There are several ways that negligent drivers can cause these accidents, putting pedestrians at serious risk.
- One of the most common causes of pedestrian accidents is distracted driving. Drivers who are texting, talking on the phone, or using in-car entertainment systems are not fully focused on the road. This distraction reduces their ability to notice pedestrians, especially at crosswalks or intersections. When drivers take their eyes off the road for even a few seconds, they may not see a pedestrian crossing in front of them, leading to dangerous and sometimes fatal accidents.
- Speeding is another major factor in pedestrian accidents. When drivers exceed the speed limit, they have less time to react to unexpected situations, such as a pedestrian stepping into a crosswalk. Additionally, higher speeds increase the severity of injuries if a collision does occur. In residential areas or school zones, speeding can be particularly dangerous because pedestrians – especially children – may cross the street unpredictably.
- Failing to yield the right-of-way is also a common way negligent drivers cause pedestrian accidents. Arkansas law requires drivers to yield to pedestrians in crosswalks, but some drivers ignore this rule, either because they are impatient or simply not paying attention. When drivers fail to yield, they put pedestrians at risk of being hit, even when the pedestrian is legally crossing the street.
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is another major contributor to pedestrian accidents. Impaired drivers have slower reaction times and poor judgment, making it more likely for them to hit a pedestrian. Alcohol and drugs impair a driver’s ability to notice pedestrians and react quickly enough to avoid a collision.
- Reckless or aggressive driving, such as running red lights, changing lanes without signaling, or tailgating, can also lead to pedestrian accidents. Drivers who act aggressively on the road are less likely to stop for pedestrians or obey traffic signals, increasing the risk of an accident.
What are the Most Common Injuries that Individuals Suffer in Little Rock Pedestrian Collisions?
Pedestrian accidents in Little Rock often result in serious injuries because pedestrians have little or no protection when a vehicle hits them. These injuries can range from minor cuts and bruises to life-threatening conditions that require immediate medical care. Some of the most common injuries that pedestrians suffer in these accidents include broken bones, head injuries, spinal injuries, and internal injuries.
- Broken bones are among the most frequent injuries in pedestrian accidents. When a vehicle strikes a pedestrian, the force of the impact can break bones in the legs, arms, ribs, or pelvis. In some cases, the pedestrian may also be thrown to the ground, causing fractures in the wrists, hands, or face as they try to brace themselves during the fall. Broken bones can be painful and may take weeks or even months to heal, often requiring surgery or physical therapy.
- Head injuries, including concussions and traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), are also frequent in pedestrian accidents. A pedestrian may hit their head on the vehicle or the ground, leading to a concussion or more severe brain injury. TBIs can cause long-term cognitive problems, memory loss, or personality changes, making it difficult for the injured person to return to their normal activities.
- Spinal injuries can occur when the force of a vehicle collision causes damage to the pedestrian’s spinal cord or vertebrae. These injuries can lead to paralysis or loss of mobility, depending on the severity and location of the injury. Spinal injuries often require extensive medical treatment, including surgeries, rehabilitation, and long-term care.
- Internal injuries, such as damage to organs or internal bleeding, can be life-threatening and may not always be immediately apparent following a pedestrian accident. The force of the collision can cause the pedestrian’s organs, like the liver or kidneys, to become bruised or punctured, leading to internal bleeding. These injuries often require emergency surgery and can result in ongoing medical complications.
In addition to these physical injuries, pedestrians involved in accidents may suffer emotional and psychological trauma, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, or anxiety, which may require counseling or therapy.
Overall, pedestrian accidents in Little Rock can result in a wide range of serious injuries that may have long-lasting physical, emotional, and financial effects.
How to Prove a Pedestrian Accident Claim or Lawsuit in Little Rock Successfully
Successfully proving the legal elements of a pedestrian accident case in Little Rock, requires demonstrating that the driver was negligent and that their negligence caused the pedestrian’s injuries. To do this successfully, the pedestrian must establish four key elements: duty of care, breach of duty, causation, and damages.
- The first element is duty of care. Drivers have a legal responsibility to follow traffic laws and drive safely. This includes obeying speed limits, yielding to pedestrians in crosswalks, and staying alert to avoid causing harm. To prove this element in a pedestrian accident, the injured victim must show that the driver had a duty to act in a way that would protect others on the road – including pedestrians.
- The second element is breach of duty. Once duty of care is established, the next step is proving that the driver breached that duty by acting carelessly or recklessly. Examples of breaching the legal duty of care include speeding, texting while driving, running a red light, or failing to yield to pedestrians at a crosswalk. Evidence such as traffic camera footage, eyewitness testimony, or police reports can be used to prove that the driver’s actions violated their legal duty of care.
- The third element is causation. This means proving that the driver’s breach of duty directly caused the pedestrian’s injuries. It’s not enough to show that the driver acted negligently. Rather, the pedestrian must also prove that this negligence was the primary reason for the accident and resulting injuries. Medical records, accident reconstruction reports, and expert testimony can help link the driver’s negligent actions to the pedestrian’s injuries.
- The fourth and final element is damage. Damages refer to the harm or losses that the pedestrian suffered because of the accident. This can include physical injuries, medical bills, lost income, inconvenience, emotional distress, and pain and suffering. To prove damages, the pedestrian must provide medical records, proof of medical expenses, and documentation of lost income. Photos of the injuries and testimony from doctors can also support a claim for personal injury damages.
How Much is a Pedestrian Accident Case Worth in Little Rock?
The value of a pedestrian accident case in Little Rock, can vary significantly based on several factors, including the extent of the victim’s injuries, the total cost of all past (and anticipated) medical treatment, and the overall effect of the accident on the victim’s life. Injured pedestrians may be entitled to recover compensation, also known as damages, for the losses they suffered due to the driver’s negligence. These damages are typically divided into two main categories: economic and non-economic damages.
- Economic damages are intended to cover the financial losses that result from an accident. One of the primary forms of economic damages is medical expenses. This includes hospital bills, surgery costs, physical therapy, and any other treatments required for recovery. In cases involving severe injuries, future medical expenses may also be covered if ongoing treatment is necessary.
- Another form of economic damage is lost earnings. If the injured pedestrian is unable to work due to their injuries, they may be compensated for the income they lost while receiving medical care. In cases where the injuries result in long-term or permanent disabilities, the injured person may pursue additional compensation for future lost earning capacity.
- Non-economic damages are more subjective and compensate for the emotional and psychological effects of the accident. One of the most common types of non-economic damages is pain and suffering, which accounts for the physical pain the injured person experiences as a result of their injuries. Additionally, injured pedestrians may be entitled to compensation for emotional distress, which covers mental health issues like anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) that arise after the accident.
- In some cases, loss of life enjoyment may also be considered part of non-economic damages. This refers to a diminished ability to participate in activities or hobbies that the injured person enjoyed before the pedestrian accident.
While there is no fixed amount for a pedestrian accident case in Little Rock, the total value will depend on the circumstances surrounding the accident. Serious injuries that result in a permanent disability or long-term medical care typically lead to higher compensation awards.
An experienced pedestrian accident lawyer in Little Rock will work to ensure that you recover the maximum amount of compensation available for both your economic and non-economic losses. Your personal injury attorney skilled at pedestrian accidents can also aggressively represent you during settlement negotiations with insurance company adjusters, and if necessary, at courtroom proceedings throughout your trial.
Speak with an Experienced Little Rock Pedestrian Accident Lawyer about Your Case Today
If you or a person you love suffered injuries in a recent Little Rock pedestrian accident, it’s important that you reach out to experienced legal counsel as quickly as possible. A knowledgeable personal injury lawyer in Little Rock can swiftly evaluate your case, file a claim or lawsuit on your behalf, and work to maximize the compensation you recover for all of your accident-related losses.
