While vehicles of all kinds and people share our roads each day, pedestrians are often the most vulnerable and face high risks of severe accidents. This article explores the factors contributing to pedestrian accidents, discusses when pedestrian road accident victims should involve an injury lawyer, and looks at some measures pedestrians can adopt to protect themselves.
What Causes Pedestrian Accidents?
Reckless Driving: Excessive speed and aggressive driving are leading factors in road traffic accidents. The higher the speed of a vehicle, the more severe the impact, leading to more serious injuries or fatalities. Additionally, speeding reduces the time available for both drivers and pedestrians to react to potential hazards.
Distracted Driving: Drivers who engage in activities that take their attention away from the road, such as texting or talking on the phone, are more likely to cause accidents involving pedestrians. Distracted driving reduces a driver’s ability to identify and react to potential hazards in time, putting pedestrians at greater risk.
Alcohol and Drug Use: Alcohol or drug use impairs the cognitive and motor skills of drivers, leading to poor judgment, reduced coordination, and slower reaction times. This increases the risk of accidents involving pedestrians, as intoxicated drivers are less likely to notice or react appropriately to pedestrians in their path.
Poor Infrastructure: Poorly designed or maintained roads, inadequate pedestrian facilities, and insufficient traffic control measures contribute to pedestrian accidents. The absence of sidewalks, crosswalks, and pedestrian signals makes it difficult for pedestrians to navigate roads safely, increasing the likelihood of accidents.
Lack of Traffic Enforcement: Inadequate or poorly enforced traffic laws can contribute to pedestrian accidents. When drivers do not face appropriate penalties for behaviors such as speeding or driving under the influence, they are more likely to repeatedly engage in reckless behavior that puts pedestrians at risk.
Insufficient Pedestrian Awareness: Pedestrians themselves can also contribute to accidents by not being sufficiently visible to drivers or by engaging in risky behavior, such as jaywalking or crossing the road without checking for oncoming traffic. Wearing reflective clothing, using pedestrian crossings, and following traffic signals can help to mitigate these risks.
Steps for Pedestrians Following an Accident
In the immediate aftermath of an accident, your safety should be your top priority. If you can move, get yourself to a safe location away from traffic. If you are seriously injured and cannot move, call for help or ask someone nearby to do so. Even if you think your injuries are minor, contact emergency medical services as soon as possible as some serious injuries may not be immediately apparent.
Also, call the police and your insurance provider and provide them with any relevant details about the accident. The police will create an official report, which will be crucial for any legal action you may pursue later. Take photos of the accident scene, your injuries, and any damage to your belongings. If possible, gather contact information from witnesses who saw the accident occur.
Next, you should consult with a personal injury attorney who specializes in pedestrian accidents. They will help you understand your rights and guide you through the process of filing a claim against the at-fault party. Maintain a detailed record of your medical treatments, expenses, and any other accident-related costs so that you can accurately calculate the damages you have suffered.
Note that insurance companies may pressure you to accept a low settlement offer soon after the accident. Do not agree to any settlement without consulting with your attorney. In many cases, the full extent of your injuries and damages may not be clear until some time after the accident. You may also be able to pursue several types of damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and property damage.
How Can Pedestrians Prevent Accidents?
While injury lawyers can help pedestrians seek compensation for their injuries, prevention is always the best course of action. Pedestrians can take many proactive measures to increase their safety on the road. For instance, using designated pedestrian facilities, such as crosswalks and pedestrian bridges, can significantly reduce the risk of accidents. Similarly, not walking when under the influence of drugs or alcohol can help prevent bad road use decisions.
During low-light conditions or inclement weather, a key aspect of ensuring personal safety is staying visible to drivers. Pedestrians should wear reflective or brightly colored clothing or carry a flashlight to increase their visibility. Furthermore, pedestrians should be cautious when walking near driveways, parking lots, and blind corners where vehicles may not be able to see clearly and may unexpectedly enter the pedestrian’s path.
Another essential factor in preventing accidents is for pedestrians to stay alert and aware of their surroundings at all times. By refraining from using electronic devices or wearing headphones while walking, pedestrians can better focus on the road and detect potential hazards such as speeding drivers. In addition, making eye contact with drivers before crossing the street can help confirm that the driver has seen the pedestrian.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), pedestrians account for 23% of all road traffic fatalities globally. Therefore, pedestrians must take steps to protect themselves. However, it takes the combined effort of drivers and legislators to create a truly safe environment for all road users. If you or a loved one has been injured as a pedestrian, you should contact an experienced injury attorney who can help you to seek just compensation for your losses. Stay safe!
