Getting struck by a car can be a frightening, painful, and costly experience. While not all pedestrians can avoid accidents—especially in cases where a pedestrian accident involves a negligent driver who may be violating road laws—there are some things pedestrians can do to help keep them safe.
Pedestrians should always look both ways, walk without earphones, and make sure they dress in bright colors, especially on early morning or late evening walks. It is always preferable to cross at pedestrian crossings rather than jaywalk. Pedestrians should use sidewalks and pay close attention to turning traffic when crossing roads and driveways.
How you can stay safe
Not all accidents are avoidable when one or both parties are violating traffic laws. Still, both drivers and pedestrians have to follow the rules of the road.
Drivers’ responsibilities
Generally, the law offers some protection to pedestrians. Drivers typically have to:
- Yield to pedestrians crossing a road
- Yield to pedestrians crossing a driveway
- Yield to pedestrians crossing an intersection
- Yield to pedestrians in a crosswalk
Pedestrians’ responsibilities
On the flipside, pedestrians also have responsibilities when it comes to road laws, including but not limited to:
Yielding to drivers when crossing a road without a crosswalk
Yielding to drivers when the signal changes to green for road traffic
Avoiding stepping into the path of a vehicle
Using the sidewalk or walking on the side of the road while facing oncoming traffic
Pedestrians should always stay vigilant and defensive for their safety. Unfortunately, even if a car or truck driver breaks the law, for example, by not yielding the right of way, it is safer for pedestrians to stand back if they can and be on the defensive.
Since pedestrians are likely to suffer serious injuries in a crash, they need to be extremely careful at all times, especially in situations that can be riskier such as walking in the dark and crossing busy urban roads. For more help call the personal injury attorney Fort Lauderdale.
Other tips to stay safe as a pedestrian
Some additional tips for pedestrian safety include:
- Always pay attention to traffic and remain alert.
- Stay sober when walking.
- Avoid walking in the dark, and remain extra vigilant when doing so.
- Supervise children closely.
- Use the sidewalk if there is one.
- Go out of your way to use a crosswalk.
- Wear bright and reflective clothing—especially at night.
- Avoid distractions such as listening to music or playing with your phone.
Pedestrian accident causes
Knowing what causes most pedestrian accidents can help pedestrians avoid certain dangerous situations. Unfortunately, pedestrians are more likely to die in a crash than motor vehicle occupants. A pedestrian could suffer tragic injuries even in a minor accident since they lack the protection of an enclosed vehicle.
Walking is becoming more popular, so pedestrians need to be aware of the dangers they could face, especially in high-traffic, urban areas.
Negligent driving behavior
Causes for pedestrian accidents can include driver negligence such as:
- Excessive speeding
- Texting while driving or being otherwise distracted
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Racing other cars
- Running red lights
- Failing to yield to the pedestrian
- Violating road laws
- Generally driving recklessly
Pedestrian safety can be particularly compromised in urban areas and at night when a pedestrian can be much harder to see.
What to do if you have been hit by a car
If the worst has already happened and you got hit by a car, you should take immediate action to protect your legal rights.
See a doctor
First of all, see a doctor, even if you think you have only minor injuries. The shock of an accident can suppress pain, so it is always advisable to seek medical advice to rule out any serious injuries. Seeing a doctor will also provide you with a medical report that can be used as evidence of your injuries and damages if you intend to hold a driver responsible.
Hire a car accident attorney Fort Lauderdale from our firm
If your accident happened due to a driver’s negligent or careless actions, you should also consider speaking to our personal injury law firm as you may have options for recovering compensation. An attorney from our team can advise you comprehensively, protect your legal rights, and recommend your next best steps.
Damages you could recover
Pedestrians who are struck by a car rarely get away with minor injuries. Unfortunately, a simple negligent act by a driver, such as failing to yield at a pedestrian crossing, can change a pedestrian’s life forever.
Serious or catastrophic injuries in pedestrian accidents can be painful, expensive, and mentally distressing. Compensation victims could recover various damages such as:
- Emergency room and ambulance expenses
- Surgeries and other medical treatments
- Costs of assistive devices, such as crutches or a wheelchair
- Future medical bills and rehabilitation costs
- Lost income and future lost income
- Permanent disability
- Disfigurement and scarring
- Pain and anguish
Depending on the extent of your injuries from a crash, you could pursue additional and other damages.
The Law Offices can help you get justice
Getting seriously or permanently injured due to a car, truck, or motorcycle driver’s negligent actions can leave you stuck with astronomical medical bills and wage loss.
However, if this has happened to you or a loved one, do not despair, as you could have legal recourse. The Fort Myers personal injury lawyer can help you through this difficult time and protect your legal rights.
If you have been hit by a car, contact us as soon as possible to start seeking justice and compensation for your losses. We have a long track record of helping our clients recover compensation from insurance companies and negligent drivers.