3 Reasons Why Fatal Pedestrian Accidents Occur in San Jose

 Posted on December 19, 2023 in Car Accidents

San Jose is a vibrant city known for its technological advancements and bustling streets. However, with this growth has come an unfortunate increase in fatal pedestrian accidents. Families of people who have been killed in car accidents will need to determine who was responsible, and with the help of an experienced attorney, they can take legal action to recover financial compensation that will address their losses. An attorney who has experience with cases involving fatal car accidents can ensure that families in these situations will be able to achieve justice for their tragic losses.

Over the past 15 years, there has been a troubling trend throughout the United States in which pedestrian accidents have increased, with a large number of people being killed after being struck by drivers during the nighttime. People in San Jose have been affected by this issue, with 32 pedestrian deaths occurring in 2022, a significant increase from previous years. While several issues have led to more pedestrian accidents, some of the most common factors in these cases include:

Distracted Driving

With more and more people using smartphones and other electronic devices, drivers are more prone to distractions than ever before. Texting, talking on the phone, checking social media, or adjusting GPS systems can divert a driver's attention away from the road. These behaviors can be hazardous at night when drivers may already have trouble seeing pedestrians. Failure to fully pay attention to driving safely may cause a driver to fail to notice someone who is walking near the road or crossing the street, and they may be unable to react in time to avoid striking and killing a pedestrian.

Unsafe Roads

The condition of roads plays a crucial role in ensuring pedestrian safety. Unfortunately, some areas may suffer from inadequate infrastructure that fails to protect the safety of pedestrians. Poorly designed crosswalks without proper signs or signals can make it difficult for drivers to anticipate when they should yield to pedestrians. Additionally, insufficient lighting along sidewalks and poorly maintained walkways can increase the risks faced by those on foot.

Large, Dangerous Vehicles

Over the past few decades, vehicles in the United States have gotten larger. More people are driving large trucks, vans, and SUVs. Unfortunately, these large vehicles can put pedestrians at risk of being seriously injured in accidents. Because of their size and weight, larger vehicles require longer stopping distances and have larger blind spots. Larger vehicles are more likely to inflict head injuries or other forms of serious bodily harm when they strike pedestrians. When combined with other factors, pedestrian accidents are more likely to be fatal.

Contact Our San Jose, CA Pedestrian Accident Attorney

Following a fatal pedestrian accident, a family will need to determine how they can hold a negligent driver or other responsible parties liable for the harm they have suffered. At the Law Office of John J. Garvey, III, our Santa Clara County, CA fatal pedestrian accident lawyer can help families take legal action to address the wrongful death of a loved one. Attorney John J. Garvey, III understands the complexities of personal injury cases involving pedestrian accidents, and he will fight tirelessly to ensure that family members will be fully compensated for their financial losses, emotional trauma, and other damages. Contact us at 408-293-7777 to schedule a free consultation today.