If a car struck you while you were walking, you may be facing painful injuries and questions about how the crash happened. Understanding the common causes of pedestrian accidents in Olive Branch can clarify whether a driver’s conduct contributed to your injuries and what evidence may support a claim. These cases often rely on an examination of what the driver and the pedestrian were doing in the seconds before impact.
At The Law Office of David E. Gordon & Elissa M. Coombs, we represent injured people seeking compensation after pedestrian crashes. Our experienced pedestrian accident attorneys can investigate the circumstances of your accident and evaluate how state traffic laws apply to your claim.
Why Do Pedestrian Crashes Happen?
Driver distraction is a leading factor in Olive Branch pedestrian crashes because spotting a person walking requires attention to the roadway. A driver using a phone or looking away from traffic may not see a pedestrian until it is too late. Speeding also compounds the danger by shrinking the time a driver has to react to someone crossing the road.
State law imposes duties to protect pedestrians. Under Mississippi Code § 63-3-1112, drivers must exercise due care to avoid colliding with a pedestrian and use extra caution when circumstances require it. Elissa can review witness accounts, vehicle information, and other evidence to determine whether a driver failed to meet that duty.
Failure-To-Yield Collisions at Crosswalks
Failure to yield is another common cause of Olive Branch vehicle-pedestrian collisions, especially at crosswalks. A driver approaching an intersection may focus on surrounding vehicles without checking for someone crossing on foot, and turning drivers often look for a gap in traffic rather than confirming the crosswalk is clear.
As codified in Miss. Code § 63-3-1103, a driver must yield to a pedestrian within a marked or unmarked crosswalk at an intersection, and another driver may not pass a vehicle stopped to let a pedestrian cross. Determining whether a driver broke either rule requires attention to the pedestrian’s position and how the vehicles approached the crossing.
Nighttime and Backing-Vehicle Pedestrian Crashes
Poor visibility often contributes to nighttime pedestrian crashes on Olive Branch roadways, particularly when drivers do not adjust their speed or attention. Limited light makes people harder to see, but it does not erase a driver’s duty to stay alert. Backing vehicles create a separate hazard, since drivers leaving parking spaces or driveways often have a restricted view behind them.
A pedestrian’s own conduct can also matter. Under Miss. Code § 63-3-1105, a pedestrian crossing outside a crosswalk generally must yield to traffic. Even so, the state’s pure comparative negligence rule means an injured person who shares some fault can still recover. A court will reduce the person’s compensation by their percentage of blame rather than barring recovery entirely.
Contact Our Olive Branch Attorneys About Common Factors in Pedestrian Crash
Learning about the common causes of pedestrian accidents in Olive Branch can help you determine how a crash occurred and whose conduct led to your injuries. Evidence about visibility and right of way can shape both fault and the compensation available through a claim.
At The Law Office of David E. Gordon & Elissa M. Coombs, we can evaluate the circumstances of your pedestrian crash and explain your options under state law. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation with an experienced lawyer.
