How School Zone Accidents Differ From Other Pedestrian Accidents

Pedestrian accidents are on the rise and sadly, far too many of them occur in school zones, putting kids at risk of serious injury or even death.

How School Zone Accidents Differ From Other Pedestrian AccidentsIn fact, approximately 25,000 children are injured and 100 are killed in school zone accidents each year, according to the Transportation Research Board. In 2016, Pennsylvania citizens were involved in nearly 500 school zone accidents, 78 of which involved pedestrians.

Pedestrian accidents that happen in school zones can differ from traditional pedestrian accident cases in several key ways.

For example, these accidents:

  • Are most likely to occur on Wednesdays, rather than weekends.
  • Usually happen during good lighting conditions in daylight hours, rather than at night when visibility is reduced.
  • Frequently occur in good weather conditions, rather than in inclement weather.

Additionally, the victims of school zone pedestrian accidents are often children. This factor impacts the case in the following ways:

  • Children injured in school zone accidents can’t represent themselves in court, so the lawsuit would have to be filed by a parent, guardian, or other representative
  • Adults owe children a higher duty of care
  • Children are held to a lower standard of conduct than adults and are rarely considered contributorily negligent, whereas an adult pedestrian’s contributory negligence could negatively affect their case

Consult an Experienced Pedestrian Accident Attorney

Drivers are expected to exercise additional caution in school zone areas and when they fail to do so, accidents, injuries, and deaths can result. If you were injured in a school zone pedestrian accident, or you’re the parent or guardian of a child who was injured in this type of accident, you may be entitled to compensation for injuries and other damages.

Contact the Accident and Injury Law Group today to schedule an appointment for a free initial review of your case. Our knowledgeable pedestrian accident attorneys are eager to help you understand your legal rights and options.

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