Pedestrian Accident Lawsuits: Seeking Compensation for Major Injuries
Lynn C. Harris has helped countless people throughout Salt Lake City following serious accidents. This goes for car accidents, which can cause permanent disabilities and even death, as well as other serious incidents that involve motor vehicles. One such matter where motor vehicles can cause severe injuries is accidents with pedestrians, which we'd like to consider right now.
Pedestrian Accidents Can Be Extremely Serious
Pedestrians are extremely exposed to injury simply given that many pedestrian accidents involve motor vehicles. When a pedestrian is struck by a car, motorcycle, or big truck, major injuries may occur simply given how exposed they are to vehicles and the amount of force generated from impact.
The Kinds of Injuries That Can Result from a Pedestrian Accident
Following a pedestrian accident, the following kinds of accidents may occur:
- Contusions
- Lacerations
- Broken or fractured bones
- Head trauma
- Brain injury
- Neck and back injuries
- Internal injuries
Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents
Some of the most common causes of pedestrian accidents include the following:
- Reckless driving
- Drunk driving
- Texting/cell phone use while driving
- Walking with headphones or earbuds
- Running stop signs/stop lights
- Bad weather/poor visibility
- Bad lighting and road design
- Malfunctioning traffic signals
- Jaywalking
Ways of Protecting Yourself as a Pedestrian from Serious Injury
If you are a pedestrian, it's important that you remain attentive while you are walking no matter what time of day it is. Be sure to avoid using your cell phone or a tablet while you are walking as this can make you unaware of your surroundings. The same is true for wearing headphones or earbuds while walking--you'd be surprised how much you are blocking out the world simply by having headphones/earbuds on.
Be sure to remain on the sidewalk and in the crosswalk, and avoid jaywalking since this increases the chances of a serious accident occurring. And as rudimentary as this information is, always look both ways before you cross the street to avoid oncoming traffic, whether it's an automobile or bicyclist.
If you are walking at night, be sure to wear bright colors and/or reflective clothing. This will help make you visible at night. Stay on well-lit sidewalks when walking as well as this will keep you visible to motorists.
What Motorists Should Do to Prevent Harming Pedestrians
If you are behind the wheel, you need to stay attentive. This goes for keeping your eye on other motorists and ensuring that you do not strike any bicyclists or pedestrians who are nearby. Be sure to observe all rules of the road and to not drive above posted speed limits.
When driving at night, in a school zone, or in a residential neighborhood, it's of the utmost importance that you be extra cautious. Drive slowly to avoid striking others. The same is true when there are broken traffic signals, as these situations can be extra dangerous for motorists as well as pedestrians and cyclists.
Legal Help Is Key Following a Serious Accident
If you or a loved one has been involved in a serious pedestrian accident, it's important that you have an attorney on your side. Not only will your lawyer seek damages for medical bills and lost wages, your lawyer will also help hold the negligent motorist responsible for his or her actions. The legal system can be complicated, and an attorney will ultimately provide you with peace of mind.
Speak with a Personal Injury Attorney
If you or someone that you care about has been injured in a serious pedestrian accident, it's important that you contact an experienced personal injury lawyer today. Lynn C. Harris will fight for you each step of the way, seeking damages for medical bills and other losses and hardships you have experienced.
