Why do pedestrian accidents happen?

Pedestrian accidents can happen for many reasons, all of which you should store in the back of your mind when you find yourself in close proximity to vehicular traffic. While there is no guarantee of your safety, there are steps you can take to protect yourself against a serious accident with a motor vehicle. 

Here are some of the top causes of pedestrian accidents:

• Failure to yield to pedestrians in a crosswalk
• Crossing the street when the “no crossing” sign is on
• Crossing the street in any area that’s not designated as a crosswalk
• Distracted driving
• Drowsy driving
• Driving under the influence of alcohol
• Darting into traffic 

As you can see, negligence by both drivers and pedestrians can ultimately lead to an accident. If you’re a pedestrian, take every step you can to maintain your safety and avoid trouble. Use sidewalks and crosswalks, obey traffic signals, stay alert and don’t take unnecessary risks. Most of all, keep your eyes peeled for drivers who don’t seem to be paying attention.

If you’re injured in a car-pedestrian accident, getting help comes first. Should you be unable to seek assistance on your own, consider if a passerby can call 911 on your behalf. Your goal is to receive medical treatment as soon as possible, as doing so gives you the best chance of survival.

Once you receive treatment and have a clear understanding of your injuries, turn your attention to the cause of the accident and the steps you can take to protect your legal rights. The more information you collect, the better chance you have of proving that the other party acted in a negligent manner. No matter what it takes, do your part in protecting your legal rights as an injured pedestrian.