Everyone is a pedestrian sometimes. Unfortunately, any time spent as a pedestrian increases your chances of serious accident and injury. Data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reflects that approximately 17 pedestrians are killed in vehicle-related accidents every single day, that’s about one pedestrian death every 85 minutes, and over 6,000 fatalities every year. If you are a pedestrian who has been injured by a vehicle, you may be facing life-changing physical injuries and overwhelming medical bills. People who are injured by vehicles may also require long absences from work to recover, months or years of physical therapy, and care assistance in their home for at least part of their recovery. These costs and physical disabilities can be completely devastating to a person and their family. When the harm was caused by someone else’s negligence, it can make it even harder to accept and adapt to your new physical condition and financial burden. If you are coping with pedestrian injuries caused by a negligent driver, a Pennsylvania personal injury lawyer can help you determine whether you have potential avenues for recovery. In general, if another driver was responsible for your harm, you know who they are, and they have insurance, you already have a good case and a strong chance of recovery. A lawyer can help ensure that your rights are protected and that you get the maximum amount of money that you are entitled to, based on your injuries, bills, pain, and suffering.
Staying Safe as a Pedestrian
It’s important to understand that even if you do everything right as a pedestrian, you can still be seriously injured on the road. Unfortunately, pedestrians have to share the road with cars, trucks, and other vehicles, and are highly vulnerable to them. Abiding by all possible laws and taking all necessary precautions is still unlikely to save a pedestrian from a drunk, reckless driver. However, ensuring that there is no negligence on your end still mitigates the chance of accident and ensures that you can receive your maximum recovery.
- No surprises. When walking with traffic, it’s best to be as predictable as possible and avoid surprising drivers with unexpected choices. For instance, always use a crosswalk instead of crossing the street at a random point where cars may not be expecting to have to watch for pedestrians.
- Walk against traffic. When you ride a bike or scooter, you ride with the cars in the same direction and following the same traffic signals. However, when you are walking in the road and there are no available sidewalks (always use sidewalks when they are available!) you should walk against the traffic. This way, cars can see you and you can see them.
- Be alert. Everyone likes to listen to music as they walk, but it can seriously increase your chance of risk. Walking with headphones in means you may not be able to hear approaching cars, honking horns, or warnings from other pedestrians. It’s important to ensure that you are present and alert whenever you are walking.
Talk to O’Donnell Law Offices
If you have been injured due to vehicle negligence in Pennsylvania, our lawyers are ready to help. Schedule a free initial consultation with the personal injury attorneys at the O’Donnell Law Offices serving clients in Kingston, Wilkes Barre, Hazleton and Pittston at 570-821-5717 or online today. There is no fee or costs until we win your case.
Resource:
nhtsa.gov/road-safety/pedestrian-safety