It happens every day all over the United States—pedestrians are struck by moving vehicles. In 2016, the number of pedestrians killed in the US jumped up by 11%, reaching almost six thousand. Pedestrian deaths accounted for 15% of all motor vehicle deaths. Those who haven’t experienced or lost a loved one to a pedestrian accident may not consider this statistic. But those who have survived such an incident know it is life-altering and often leads to severe trauma and even disabilities. Today in the Tolbert Beadle, LLC blog, a pedestrian accident lawyer explains more about the causes of accidents.
A Pedestrian Accident Lawyer’s Tips for Safety
With the number of pedestrian accidents on the rise, the best advice our pedestrian accident lawyers can give you is to do everything you can to avoid being a victim. While pedestrians just cannot avoid some of these accidents, there are some common denominators in many of the cases we see.
Avoid Cell Phone Distractions
In the majority of cases where a pedestrian is struck by a moving vehicle, they are looking down at their phone, not alert to what is going on around them. When you are looking down at your phone, you are not looking up at the crosswalk signs or the oncoming traffic. You are exponentially more likely to walk in front of a moving vehicle, and into danger. Making the decision to stay alert and keep your eyes on the signs, signals, and motor vehicles around you is important—and it just might save your life.
Follow Traffic Signals and Use Crosswalks
Another common cause of pedestrian accidents is pedestrians failing to use the designated crosswalks, ignoring signals, darting in front of cars and slowing traffic. The flow of traffic is orchestrated in a way that allows an ebb and flow of cars and pedestrians, and when we disregard the instructions of that system, we throw ourselves in the path of danger.
Don’t Let Alcohol or Drugs Impair Your Driving
It is widely known that drunk driving, or driving under the influence, is extremely dangerous. It is a lesser-known fact that drugs and alcohol also frequently cause pedestrians to disregard basic safety precautions, and end up being struck by a moving vehicle. Not only are you more likely to not see or hear a vehicle coming, the influence of drugs or alcohol can reduce your reaction time significantly, lowering your chance of dodging oncoming traffic.
At Tolbert Beadle, LLC, we hope you never have to endure the trauma of a pedestrian accident. However, if you do, we want you to know that you can trust our pedestrian accident lawyers. We will give an honest assessment of your case, and we will relentlessly pursue the compensation that you need and deserve. The insurance companies often use red tape and other intimidation tactics to dissuade you from following through with your claim, or search for reasons to reject it. That is why you need a pedestrian accident lawyer from our law firm to be your advocate. We have knowledge and experience on our side and your best interest in mind. Contact us for a free consultation with a pedestrian accident lawyer.
