Pedestrian accidents are a common phenomenon. According to NHTSA data, pedestrian injuries and fatalities are high. In 2020, around 6516 pedestrians lost their lives, and 55,000 were injured.
The common causes of pedestrian accidents include distracted driving, heavy traffic, bad weather, and speeding; however, most of the time, pedestrian accidents occur due to the negligence of motorists. It is difficult to determine whether you have a personal injury claim following an accident if there is no clear at-fault person. A pedestrian accident attorney can help determine the at-fault party and hold them accountable for your losses.
Below are some of the ways you can ensure that you are safe and the guilty party gets punished so that it will be an example for others too.
Increase Visibility
One significant contributing factor to pedestrian accidents is the lack of visibility. If a driver cannot see a pedestrian, the chances of hitting them increase. However, to avoid this, you must wear bright clothes, use a flashlight, and you can wear reflectors on your clothes too. Also, it is not advised to wear dark clothes at night. When the sun goes down, even with headlights, it becomes challenging to see a pedestrian. When a pedestrian increases their visibility, it also gives the driver time to slow down.
Walk on Designated Area
Drivers are aware that pedestrians use crosswalks to cross the street. So, when drivers drive carefully and are vigilant, they look for pedestrians whenever they approach a crosswalk. Also, there are marking on the crosswalks to alert the driver. So, when you cross a street other than the crosswalk or the designated area, it may cause a surprise to the driver and increases the chances of getting hit.
Stay Focused
Pedestrians must walk whenever they are on the road defensively. In this way, you will be aware of the vehicles around you, mainly in a parking lot, as the vehicles can back up unexpectedly. So, always stay focused when crossing a high-risk spot or parking area. Also, wearing earbuds when crossing the road is not advised as it does not let you stay focused.
Avoid Alcohol
Walking under the influence of drugs or alcohol can impair your decision-making. If you get high or drunk, your chances of unconsciously walking into a busy street increase, and you might not be able to get out of the way. Also, using drugs can lead to hallucinations. There are reports that people under the influence of alcohol are likely to get hurt while on the road.
Pursuing Compensation
Even if you follow every rule, there are still chances that there are negligent drivers on the road. So, if you are involved in a pedestrian accident, you can get in touch with a lawyer that will help you with your case.
When you file a claim against the at-fault driver and can prove that they are guilty, you are eligible to receive compensation for the following:
- Your medical bills
- Your financial loss and lost wages
- Emotional suffering
- Pain and suffering
Also, if there is wrongful death, the surviving family member of the loved one receives the damages. Remember that California has a statute of limitations, meaning you have two years to file your claim. After that, you will not be able to ask for a claim.
Conclusion
Summing up, it goes without saying that it is important for pedestrians to be aware of the surroundings and make it easy for drivers to see them. However, accidents can happen to anyone. The driver may be speeding or under the influence of alcohol, etc., leading to accidents. This can gravely affect the injured and their loved ones too. That is why pedestrian accidents should go for legal help so the lawyer can help get the claim for their losses.
