As a pedestrian, it’s a mistake to assume that every driver is paying attention to what’s going on around him or her. Instead, you should assume that everyone is going to make a mistake. This will help keep you on your toes.
Driver negligence can result in a pedestrian accident that causes serious injury or death. Some common forms of negligence include the following:
- Speeding and other forms of reckless driving
- Distracted driving, such as talking on a cellphone or eating when driving
- Driving under the influence of illegal drugs, alcohol or prescription drugs
- Failure to signal in advance of making a turn
- Failure to stop at a traffic light or sign
- Disregarding traffic or weather conditions
All of these things can lead to a car-pedestrian accident, but there is nothing you can personally do to stop a driver from making a mistake. For example, even though you know people are driving distracted, you can’t do anything to stop them.
Fortunately, there are some steps you can take to improve your safety:
- Make yourself visible at all times
- Only cross the street at crosswalks
- Wait to cross until the “walk” sign tells you it’s safe to do so
If you are part of an accident as a pedestrian, you should assume that you require immediate medical attention. Even if you feel okay to get up and walk away, you shouldn’t do so.
Once you receive medical treatment and better understand your injuries, focus on the cause of the accident. If the driver acted in a negligent manner, there are steps you can take to protect your legal rights.