Pedestrian accidents near college campuses are unfortunately common. With so many students walking to class, crossing busy streets, and drivers who may be distracted or even impaired, collisions occur frequently. When a driver hits a pedestrian at a college crossing or intersection, the issue of legal fault often arises. An Illinois personal injury lawyer can help you prove fault.
Driver Negligence
Drivers have a duty to pedestrians to operate their vehicles carefully and avoid distractions. If a driver fails to yield when they should have, speeds through crosswalks, or is provably distracted or intoxicated, they may face criminal charges like reckless driving or aggravated DUI. Drivers can also be civilly liable for injuries they cause by negligence.
Factors like poor visibility, sun glare, or bad weather do not relieve a motorist’s duty to pedestrians. Drivers must adapt their driving to conditions to prevent accidents. Violations of traffic laws like speed limits, ignoring traffic signals or signs, and failure to yield commonly establish driver negligence in court.