3 Common Pedestrian Accidents, and How to Avoid Them
Pedestrians are perhaps the most at-risk road users in America. Just a side-swipe from a car can cause significant trauma, and the recovery process can be long and costly.
The truth is that the vast majority of these accidents are avoidable. Driver error and negligence contribute to a large portion. In other cases, pedestrians contribute to crashes by being inattentive. Fortunately, you can reduce the likelihood of pedestrian accidents by learning how to avoid situations that can lead to a wreck.
If you are struggling with accident injuries, Rensch & Rensch Law may be able to help. An Omaha personal-injury lawyer from our firm can examine the circumstances of your accident to determine if you may have a valid claim for medical expenses, lost wages and other damages.
Call us today at 1-800-471-4100 to schedule an appointment. In the meantime, read on to learn about three common pedestrian accidents and how to avoid them:
- Pedestrian Steps out Midblock
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, pedestrians who suddenly step out of the midblock – the area in the middle of the block on a road – cause a significant number of crashes. Children playing alongside the road are often guilty of this when chasing a ball that rolls into the street.
To prevent this type of accident from occurring, make sure you always cross at a designated path. If you must cross at a midblock, make sure traffic is clear in both directions. Also, do not play sports close to areas with dense traffic, and educate your children about the dangers of doing so.
- Vehicle Turning at an Intersection
Vehicles turning at intersections are common causes of pedestrian accidents. The car may turn into the path of a pedestrian without slowing down, or it may turn right on a red light and not notice the pedestrian.
The NHTSA recommends that pedestrians always be aware of vehicles turning at intersections. These include vehicles turning right on red, as well as those that do not appear to be slowing down at a traffic light.
Always use designated crosswalks, and attempt to make direct eye contact with the driver to get and maintain his or her attention.
- Walking or Jogging with Traffic
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, it is safer to run or walk facing traffic than in the same direction as vehicles. Pedestrians who travel with their backs to traffic may not notice oncoming vehicles approaching from behind. They may not recognize swerving or other signs of recklessness in time to take evasive action.
If there is no sidewalk available, be sure to run or walk in the opposite direction as the flow of traffic. Also, make yourself more visible by wearing bright clothing, reflective gear or lights, and try to stay as far off the road as possible.
There are many causes of pedestrian accidents, but they almost always involve serious injuries. If you or a loved one was the victim of a negligent driver, then you may be entitled to compensation to pay for health-care costs and time away from work.
An Omaha personal-injury attorney at Rensch & Rensch Law can guide you through the claims process. Schedule a consultation by calling 1-800-471-4100.
