A pedestrian-vehicle accident is every bit as serious as it sounds. While the person driving the vehicle may be able to walk away unharmed, the same doesn’t typically hold true for the pedestrian.
As a pedestrian, it’s a must that you do your part in avoiding an accident. For example, you should always pay attention to what’s going on around you and only cross busy streets at designated crosswalks.
Unfortunately, even if you’re doing all the right things, a driver could make a mistake that leads to an accident. Below are some of the top causes of pedestrian-vehicle accidents:
- Distracted driving, e.g., texting, talking on the phone or applying make-up
- Speeding and other forms of reckless driving, like failing to stop at traffic signals or stop signs
- Failing to yield to pedestrians in crosswalks
- Disregarding traffic and weather conditions
- Driving under the influence or drugs or alcohol
- Drowsy-driving
Pedestrians can be proactive and watch for trouble, but it’s not always easy to know what drivers are going to do next. For example, you may not be able to see if a driver is texting. You definitely won’t be able to tell if a driver is too tired to be operating a motor vehicle.
With so many potential causes of a pedestrian-vehicle accident, the best thing you can do is keep as much space as possible between you and the vehicles on the road.
If a car ever strikes you, your primary focus must be receiving medical attention. You need to call 911 and stay where you are until help arrives.
Once you receive treatment and learn more about the accident, you can decide what to do next. If the driver was acting in a negligent manner, such as texting or speeding, you will find it easier to seek compensation for your injuries and any other damages.
