How To Avoid And Manage Pedestrian Accidents

Pedestrian accidents can lead to severe injuries. In addition, unlike car-to-car collisions, the pedestrian is usually more vulnerable. That said, here’s what you can do to dodge pedestrian accidents and the possible options for you if you really can’t avoid them.

How To Avoid Pedestrian Accidents

There are several easy-to-remember ways to protect yourself from oncoming traffic and negligent drivers. Here are a few:

1. Be Visible

Most pedestrian accidents occur at night, and visibility is almost always a factor. To avoid this problem, you can make an effort to be more visible to any oncoming drivers.

Bright clothing, a neon vest, a flashlight, and a reflective leash or collar for your dog can all help you be more visible.

2. Watch Before You Cross The Street

When possible, cross the street at a designated crosswalk and observe all traffic rules and regulations. Crosswalks with extra safety measures, such as traffic lights, are better options.

If you need to cross the street where there isn’t a marked crosswalk, make sure to look both ways before crossing.

3. Share The Road Wisely

Walk on sidewalks, protected paths, and greenways wherever possible. If there isn’t a sidewalk, try to walk along the shoulder, facing oncoming traffic.

Walking against the flow of traffic gives you more time to respond if a car swerves in your direction.

4. Walking Defensively

When walking, pedestrians should always be cautious. Also, keep a watch for the cars around you, especially in parking lots and other situations where they could suddenly start backing up.

The best way to stay safe is to remain aware of your surroundings, especially when going through parking lots, crosswalks, and other high-risk areas. Remove your earplugs, put your phone down, and prioritize your safety.

5. Avoid Alcohol And Drugs

Don’t walk in the streets drunk or under the influence. When your senses are impeded, you won’t know when you’re walking on the right side of the road or crossing at the right time and place.

6. Pedestrian Safety Education for Your Children

Pedestrian accident and injury victims are disproportionately composed of seniors and children. Seniors over the age of 65 are more likely to be involved in these collisions, and they are more likely to die due to their injuries than younger people.

As a result, parents and relatives should teach their youngsters how to safely walk and cross the street. In addition, relatives should check in with their elderly loved ones to ensure they remember the instructions.

What Can You Do After A Pedestrian Accident?

Let’s face it: accidents can happen when we least expect them. So while it’s good to set up precautions to avoid them, you also need to be prepared for when they do happen.

So, what are your options?

When you get into a pedestrian accident, you might incur financial, physical, and emotional losses. For example, you might need to pay for medical bills, lost wages, therapy, rehab, and so on.

Unfortunately, the liable party and their insurance company will try to trivialize your injuries and lowball your insurance payout. That said, you don’t have to settle for low and unfair payouts.

You can hire a prescreened California Personal Injury Attorney to help you fight for the compensation you deserve.