Do Headphones Put Pedestrians in Danger? If They Are in an Accident but Have Headphones on, Who is Liable?

Headphones have long been a popular and convenient piece of technology in Forsyth County and beyond. They allow each individual their own listening experience and control over what they listen to and how loud. What's not to like about them? They can put pedestrians in danger. Pedestrians already have enough risks and hazards on the road.

Contact a seasoned Forsyth County personal injury attorney immediately if you or a family member were injured in a pedestrian accident. Even if you were wearing headphones or a similar device at the time of the accident, you might still have a viable injury claim.

Do Headphones Put Pedestrians in Danger?

Sound is one of the first indications of a present danger. While headphones can help you tune in, they also simultaneously disconnect you from your surroundings. Such a disconnection while walking is extremely risky. Even without this audio distraction, it's dangerous to walk near or through traffic, but headphones muffle your ability to hear what is happening around you, where your eyes can't necessarily see. Instead, they drive your attention away from the road, increasing your risk of injury.

A study published in the journal Injury Prevention revealed that in the U.S., over a seven-year period, 116 pedestrians wearing headphones died or were injured in accidents with cars or trains they didn't hear or see coming. Another study found that in 29 percent of cases, victims who were hit by cars or trains failed to hear the warning sounds of horns and sirens, likely due to their headphone use.

Who is Liable in a Pedestrian Accident if a Pedestrian is Wearing Headphones?

Just because a pedestrian is wearing headphones doesn't mean they are liable for their injuries. Anyone injured in a pedestrian accident should contact a Forsyth County personal injury lawyer, no matter the circumstances. In many cases, they are still eligible to receive compensation for their injuries. While some accident victims wearing headphones might receive less compensation than those who won't, often other parties are still at least partially liable for the accident.

For example, suppose a pedestrian was wearing headphones and crossing the street at a crosswalk when the traffic signal told them it was their turn to walk. A car speeds through the red light and hits them. In that case, the driver of the car is still liable for the injuries they cause. Even if the pedestrian wasn't wearing headphones, the outcome would likely still be the same.

Injured in a Pedestrian Accident? Our Forsyth County Personal Injury Attorneys are Here for You

At Banks, Stubbs & McFarland, our Forsyth County personal injury lawyers are here for you. We will investigate your accident to determine liability and identify all insurance policies that may apply to your case. Even if you were wearing headphones when you were hit or think you might be to blame in some other way, it's always best to discuss your case with an experienced attorney. If you don't, you may deny yourself the compensation you deserve for your injuries.

Schedule a complimentary case consultation today by calling 770.887.1209 or completing our online form.