Of all car accidents, pedestrian car accidents can be the most devastating because they involve at least one person who is walking on foot, unprotected by a motor vehicle, seat belt, or airbags. The key to avoiding pedestrian accidents is prevention by both pedestrians and automobile drivers. If you have been involved in a pedestrian accident, it is important that you understand both your rights and how you may be able to pay for the injuries that you have sustained. Read the following information provided by a Washington D.C., Maryland, and Virginia car accident attorney for tips on how to avoid pedestrian accidents, as well as what to do if you have been involved in a pedestrian accident.
Avoiding Pedestrian Accidents
Pedestrians often have the right-of-way, but this does not necessarily mean that drivers are alert enough to avoid hitting pedestrians in all situations. To ensure that you avoid any potential accidents, it is important that you exercise caution at all times, even when crossing the street at a marked crosswalk. Some tips for safe pedestrian activity include:
- Always look both ways before crossing the street, even if it is not a busy intersection
- Wear bright clothing so that drivers can easily identify you
- Cross the street only at marked crosswalks
- Do not cross the street when you see a “Do Not Walk” sign, even if there is no oncoming traffic
- Make sure your children are aware that they should not run into the street at any time and that they should only cross if they look both ways first
- Do not assume that cars in a parking lot are driving slowly enough to stop for you
- When walking anywhere at night, take extra caution to ensure that drivers can see you – this may even include wearing a vest with reflectors if you are walking or jogging at night
While these guidelines will not eliminate all potential accidents, following them will decrease your chances of being involved in a pedestrian accident.
Injuries Resulting from Pedestrian Accidents
Pedestrian accidents often involve substantial injuries, since vehicles are often traveling at high speeds and the individual pedestrian is often unprotected from the crash. Injuries resulting from such accidents often include:
Unfortunately, children and elderly persons are at the highest risk for involvement in a pedestrian accident. Children often run into streets without looking and the elderly are often slower at crossing streets, or otherwise avoiding traffic in an emergency situation. To protect your children and elderly loved ones, ensure that they are aware of all safety rules and that they are attentive when crossing the street or walking along a busy road.
What to Do if You Have Been Involved in a Pedestrian Accident
If you have been injured in a pedestrian accident, it is essential that you first seek the medical care that you need. Once you have received the proper care, you should carefully document your accident by recording any injuries, obtaining the contact information of any witnesses to the accident, and reporting the accident to the proper authorities.
You will likely be entitled to compensation for your injuries. You may be able to recover damages for the following:
- Medical bills, including emergency room fees, surgical procedures, and any other hospital costs
- Lost wages resulting from your injury
- Costs of rehabilitation and physical therapy
- Disability or disfigurement
- Pain and suffering
- Wrongful death, including loss of companionship and loss of financial support
- Other out-of-pocket expenses resulting from the accident
If you have been involved in a pedestrian accident and feel that you are entitled to any of the above damages, you may need the assistance of a Virginia, Maryland, or Washington DC car wreck lawyer. The attorneys at Koonz, McKenney, Johnson, DePaolis & Lightfoot, L.L.P. are available to help you if you need assistance in obtaining the compensation you are owed for your accident. |
