Summer is certainly here, and with warm weather all around, you might decide to park your vehicle and do a great deal of your travelling via sidewalk. Perhaps you enjoy walking, or even find it a preferable means of exercise, or both. There may be numerous benefits to this form of transportation, but there could also be a certain level of risk involved.
With little to no protective barriers in place to reduce impact, an auto-pedestrian accident can end in disaster. If hit by a car while out walking, chances are, you may suffer severe injuries in the process, some of which could lead to long-term or permanent pain and suffering.
Reducing the chances of a pedestrian accident
You probably consider your health to be of the utmost importance, and you may be wondering about the potential risks you could face as a pedestrian. Some advice regarding the safety of pedestrians and possible dangers they might encounter include the following:
- Visibility: Many pedestrian accidents occur due to limited visibility, especially in poorly lit areas. Although it may not prevent all accidents, wearing clearly visible clothing and keeping to well-lit areas may go a long way in safeguarding your health.
- Distraction: Distraction may be an issue for drivers or pedestrians. Avoiding the use of electronic devices while walking or driving could help prevent a potential catastrophe.
- Environment: The environment in which you walk may also present hazards. Certain areas may have poorly marked crosswalks or even trees and bushes that obstruct visibility.
- Impairment: Much like distraction, intoxication among pedestrians or drivers inherently increases the risk of a dangerous incident.
While pedestrians have the right of way in crosswalks, you may also want to be cautious even when following traffic signals, especially near traffic. Still, avoiding a fast-moving vehicle as a pedestrian can be difficult, if not impossible.
Assistance in pursuing compensation
Serious injuries from a pedestrian-related collision can be difficult to overcome. In addition to the pain and suffering you might experience, the financial hardship of a loss of income and extensive medical bills can be overwhelming. If the other party was at fault in the accident, you might choose to pursue compensation, but the process can be challenging to navigate alone.
Speak with an experienced attorney for assistance in navigating this stressful and intimidating process. A personal injury attorney can evaluate the incident, along with your injuries and financial needs, as well as assist you in pursuing the full amount of compensation you deserve.
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