When we send our children to school, we expect that they will be safe and taken care of. Whether your children ride the school bus every day, walk, or get to school another way, there are always risks on the commute. When those risks, however, are created by negligent or reckless drivers, those who are responsible must be held accountable for their actions.
According to a recent local news report, a two-car accident near a local Washington, D.C. school has led to the community demanding change. Just inches from Kimball Elementary School, local authorities reported two cars colliding, which shut down nearby roads for several hours. The accident took place at a five-point intersection right next to the school. Two people were transported to a local hospital for treatment, but the severity of their injuries is unknown.
Witnesses and long-time residents of the neighborhood around the school claimed that crashes and speeding have been an ongoing issue for decades. While Washington, D.C. police have yet to release specifics on how the crash took place, neighborhood residents have been demanding speed bumps and speed camera installation for years to lower the prevalence of crashes. Fortunately, no students were outside at the time of the crash, but community members warn that it is only a matter of time before another accident takes place. The accident remains under investigation.
Since 2013, there has been a 13 percent increase in the pedestrian death rate for 12 to 19-year-olds. In school zones, more than ever before, there are kids and teenagers who are distracted while walking either by their phones or other devices. In fact, distracted walking was observed among one in four high school students and one in six middle school students by a national youth pedestrian safety organization.
With pedestrian accidents on the rise, local neighborhoods around school zones can implement a number of proactive measures to decrease the prevalence of accidents and speeding in these areas.
First, proven interventions, such as crosswalks, speed limits, and visible signs and traffic lights can significantly curb accidents. Marked crosswalks, for example, are often missing in three out of every ten observed intersections. Second, setting and enforcing speed limits in school zones so that drivers are required to stay within 20 miles per hour is crucial. Low speed limits, although seemingly obvious, are also only in about four out of every ten school zones around the country. Third, installing other tools such as speed bumps and speed cameras can increase the accountability of drivers and help local authorities enforce speed limits. Finally, parents and students should be educated thoroughly so that they know about the potential consequences of dangerous walking and driving habits. Phones, for example, should be put away while walking, and crossing mid-block instead of at a marked crosswalk can often increase the potential of an accident taking place.
Does Car Insurance Cover Injuries to Pedestrians?
Yes, if a negligent driver causes a Washington, D.C. pedestrian accident, in theory, their insurance policy will likely cover the pedestrian’s injuries. However, insurance companies are always looking out for reasons to deny an accident victim’s claim, making it important to work with an experienced attorney.
Do You Need a Washington, D.C. Personal Injury Lawyer?
If you or someone you know was recently injured in a Washington, D.C. car accident or related personal injury accident, contact the attorneys at Lebowitz & Mzhen today. Our lawyers have years of experience fighting for the injured and will work to get you the compensation you deserve. To schedule a free initial consultation today, contact us at 800-654-1949.