As a driver, you understand that you could be operating your vehicle in close proximity to pedestrians. For example, this typically comes into play if you’re driving through a busy city.
Conversely, as a pedestrian, you realize that you need to take extra caution to avoid trouble. You never want to find yourself in a situation where you’ve been struck by a vehicle.
Unfortunately, if a driver makes a mistake in close proximity to a pedestrian, there’s a greater chance of an accident occurring. Here are some of the many mistakes that often lead to this type of accident:
- Distracted driving, such as texting instead of watching where pedestrians are walking
- Speeding or any other form of reckless driving
- Neglecting to yield to pedestrians in a crosswalk
- Failing to change driving habits as a result of inclement weather or traffic conditions
- Drowsy driving
- Driving under the influence of alcohol, drugs or prescription medication
There is never a good time for a driver to lose focus, as this could lead to an accident in which a pedestrian suffers a serious injury. Even worse, due to the fact that pedestrians have no protection, this type of collision could result in a fatality.
If a vehicle ever strikes you, you need to receive immediate medical attention. This starts with calling 911 and waiting for help to arrive.
Once you receive treatment and have a medical team guiding you, it’s a good idea to focus on your legal rights. This means finding out why the accident occurred and what you can do to seek compensation for your injuries.
Source: FindLaw, “Pedestrian Accidents Overview,” accessed Feb. 22, 2018