As a pedestrian, you hope that all drivers in close proximity are paying attention to the road. If they’re not, the chance of an accident is much greater.
However, there’s something else you need to know: There are steps you can personally take to prevent a car-pedestrian crash. There is no guarantee you’ll never find yourself in this position, but you might as well do whatever you can to avoid trouble.
Here are some of the more important steps to take:
- Don’t “tune out” what’s going on around you, such as by wearing headphones or talking on the phone
- Never ignore the “don’t walk” sign at an intersection
- Never jaywalk, but instead use a crosswalk to make your way to the other side of the street
- Don’t dart into traffic, as it can be a challenge for a vehicle to stop before striking you
When you follow these tips at all times, it’s much easier to feel good about your safety as a pedestrian.
If you ever find yourself injured after a car-pedestrian crash, don’t attempt to move from the scene. Call for help yourself or ask someone else to do so. Either way, you need to receive immediate medical attention.
Once you receive treatment and understand your long-term prognosis, turn your attention back to the cause of the accident. You may come to find that the driver was responsible for the crash. In this case, it’s important to learn more about your legal rights and the steps you can take to obtain compensation for your injuries and any other damages.
Source: FindLaw, “Pedestrian Accidents Overview,” accessed Jan. 23, 2018