Pedestrians are some of the most vulnerable parties on our roadways. Think of it this way: When a pedestrian is struck, they have few protections from harm. Motor vehicles are large and tend to be thousands of pounds heavier than pedestrians, making us susceptible to great harm in the midst of one of these accidents. If you are somebody who goes walking around city areas or has to utilize intersections in certain areas, you should always keep some helpful tips in mind so that you can prevent the likelihood of one of these dangerous and sometimes life-threatening accidents.
Preventing Pedestrian Accidents
Stay Visible at All Times: You should always ensure that you stay visible to drivers at all times. Somebody who makes the decision to walk at night should not be out wearing an all-black outfit without reflectors while crossing the street in a high-traffic area, as they will never be seen. You want to ensure that you are visible not only at night but also during the day. If you see a vehicle coming, ensure that you make eye contact with the driver so that they know you are crossing. If you are walking at night, wear light-colored or reflective clothing. Try to stay in well-lit areas and never cross in front of a vehicle any time of the day when you know they are in close proximity and might not see you.
Stay Alert: The problem with many pedestrian accidents is that both pedestrians and motor vehicle drivers alike have too many visual distractions. When you are out walking or driving, you should always put down your phone and turn your music down. Many pedestrians are killed every year because they were listening to music with headphones on and never even heard a vehicle coming.
Follow Traffic Rules: Both drivers and pedestrians need to follow the rules of the road at all times. If you want to increase your safety as a driver and pedestrian, you need to stay aware of all traffic signals and remember right-of-way rules.
Walk Safely: When a pedestrian is crossing the street, they should always do so in safe areas. This means using crosswalks when crossing a street and finding well-lit spots on the road when none is available. If there is a gap in traffic in both directions, this is always the best time to cross. Many pedestrians should also remember that crossing traffic in highways is never a safe idea, as there is congestion and it is never easy to judge how quickly someone is approaching.
Avoid Drinking and Walking: Alcohol affects decision-making and leads to a huge amount of pedestrian accidents every day, which is why both pedestrians and drivers should avoid alcohol at any cost.
If you have been struck by a motor vehicle driver and you are a pedestrian, you will have to show to the court that the driver owed you a legal duty of care, breached this duty to you, and now you have been harmed in some way by the driver. From there, you will be able to bring a personal injury claim that will help you receive the compensation you deserve during this difficult time.
Being involved in any type of accident can be one of the most difficult experiences you ever endure. Because of this, we want to ensure that your rights are being protected as you work toward results in your case and build your claim from the ground up. At Katz Kantor Stonestreet & Buckner, we have your best interests at heart and want to help you collect evidence for settlement or trial that will help you gain the best results in your case. Contact us today at (304) 713-2014 for more information on how we can assist you in your case.
Note: This post was created with the help of secondary sources operating independently from Katz, Kantor, Stonestreet & Buckner Law Firm. The information used from these sources has not been independently confirmed by our staff. If anything included in these posts is incorrect, please inform us and we will promptly correct the post.
Disclaimer: Our intent with these posts is to honor the victims of these terrible accidents and inform the public about how to avoid these accidents and what to do in the event of one. This information should not be considered legal or medical advice.