What Happens if You Disregard a Traffic Regulation and Hit a Pedestrian?
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Disregarding traffic regulations and hitting a pedestrian can lead to serious legal, financial, and personal consequences in the U.S. The Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA) reports 14.1% more pedestrian deaths in 2023 than pre-pandemic. Driving recklessly, distractedly, failing to yield at crosswalks, or driving under the influence cause many of these accidents.
In other states, like North Carolina, traffic violations could cause you penalties, including fines, points on your driving record, or even criminal charges. Civil lawsuits can be filed by the injured pedestrian seeking compensation for their medical expenses, lost income, and emotional distress. In addition to increased insurance costs, drivers risk having their licenses suspended or revoked.
At the moral level, there may be long-term victim and driver emotional repercussions to colliding with a pedestrian. Let's take a closer look at this situation and see what this serious violation means.
Legal Consequences for Traffic Violation
A driver could face criminal or civil repercussions if they are found to be at fault in an accident or if the traffic violation they committed ends up harming someone.
If you’re wondering what is the penalty for hitting a pedestrian, the driver might receive a ticket, face some jail time, or sometimes experience a mix of both consequences. He or she can also face civil liability, as the pedestrian may take him or her to court to sue over injuries they suffered.
For instance, getting a speeding ticket in California can have serious consequences, ranging from fines to points on your driving record, potentially affecting your insurance and legal standing.
Keep in mind that there are serious and potentially lifelong legal consequences for injuring a pedestrian as a result of traffic violations. Drivers must constantly obey traffic laws, put pedestrian safety first, and drive responsibly to prevent these kinds of accidents.
Civil Liability for Pedestrian Injury
If traffic violations cause pedestrian injuries, you may be liable for damages. Civil liability usually involves paying the injured pedestrian for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages. Civil liability differs from criminal charges as it emphasizes financial compensation rather than punishment.
In pedestrian injury cases, the victim or their representatives may sue you for damages. Civil cases require a higher burden of proof to determine liability, which contrasts with the standards set in criminal cases. This suggests that you could be responsible for any financial repercussions if your actions probably led to the pedestrian's injury.
Potential Criminal Charges for Negligence
Disregarding the traffic laws and causing harm to a pedestrian can lead to serious legal consequences that extend beyond just civil liability. If someone fails to act in a way that a reasonable person would to avoid causing harm, it could lead to facing criminal charges.
When negligence is involved in pedestrian accidents, it can lead to various criminal charges. For instance, if the negligence is serious, you might find yourself facing charges like assault with a deadly weapon, vehicular manslaughter, or reckless driving in certain areas. Fines, license suspension, and even jail time are possible outcomes of these accusations.
Financial Ramifications and Insurance Impact
Failure to follow traffic laws that injure a pedestrian always has financial and insurance consequences. If you hit a pedestrian carelessly, they may sue you for medical bills, lost income, and emotional distress. These costs can add up quickly, causing substantial financial strain.
Following a pedestrian accident, you might notice an increase in your car insurance premiums. When these kinds of incidents happen, insurance companies tend to increase your premiums to reflect the greater chance of future claims. If your insurer decides to cancel your policy, you might find yourself needing to look for new coverage, and that can end up costing you quite a bit.
The responsible party will face significant financial penalties in addition to the risk of human life caused by traffic violations.
Importance of Adhering to Traffic Laws
Abiding by traffic laws ensures the safety of both pedestrians and drivers. By following the rules of the road, you contribute to a safer and more orderly environment, reducing the chances of accidents occurring. Following speed limits, stop signs, and traffic signals, drivers can play a crucial role in ensuring their own safety and that of others on the road.
The aim of traffic laws is to ensure everyone's safety.
Conclusion
Hitting a pedestrian while disregarding traffic laws can lead to significant legal issues, accountability for any injuries the pedestrian suffers, and potentially even criminal charges.
For the safety of yourself and others while driving, it is important to follow all traffic laws consistently. Always prioritize your safety and the safety of others while driving by following the law.
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