When considering making a claim it is often confusing when deciding who was at fault, especially in cases involving children. As a motorist you owe a duty of care to pedestrians, as they are extremely vunerable to road users. Pedestrians also owe a duty of care to motorists. It is there duty to show consideration and care to other motorists when crossing the road.
However some pedestrians require additional care, this may be due to disability, infirmity or age. The most obvious pedestrian that needs extra care and consideration is a child. Now that the new school year has begun, there will be more children on the roads during rush hour, both morning and evening.
Children, especially those aged under ten years of age don’t have a full understanding of danger. Therefore they won’t necessary think to look once, never mind twice before crossing a road, or stop to think before running out from behind a parked vehicle.
Parents can help motorists by attaching high visibility material to their child’s school bag or clothing.
With the dark night’s drawing in and events such as Halloween and Bonfire Night coming up, it’s no surprise that there’s going to be more children than normal on the streets when it is dark. This means that as a motorist you’ll need to take extra care on the roads.
If a child was to run out in front of your car, and you were driving at the legal speed limit and taking the necessary precautions then that child would be part to blame for the accident.
If you have been involved in an accident involving a child, and are unsure whether they were part to blame then a quick call to Injury Lawyers could help. Our specialist solicitors are here to offer advice and information to anyone who feels it would be beneficial to them.