Both visitors and residents alike tend to spend as much time as possible outdoors when they are on the Hawaiian Islands. This can mean choosing to walk to one’s favorite dining spot, beach or park in lieu of driving simply because it is so pleasant to be close to nature. However, when individuals choose to travel on foot rather than in the protective confines of vehicles they may find themselves at risk of suffering injuries or death due to dangerous drivers.
A national newspaper recently reported on a Hawaii Department of Transportation statement that claimed pedestrian accidents across the state are much higher than they were last year. According to the report, 25 people have died in Hawaii as pedestrian accident victims. This figure represents an 84 percent increase over pedestrian deaths during the same period of last year.
Pedestrian accidents can be prevented and it is often the responsibility of drivers to exercise care for those individuals that they encounter on the roads. Drivers who speed, operate while drunk or distracted or fail to follow traffic laws put themselves and others, including pedestrians, in harm’s way. When they cause accidents they can be held responsible for the damages they inflict on their victims.
Anyone who has suffered the devastating consequences of a pedestrian accident may feel lost with regard to what they may do to seek the recovery of their costs and expenses. In order to receive information that is personalized to their case, a victim should seek the counsel of a personal injury attorney to begin learning about their options under the law.