Pedestrian Accidents and Injuries

According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, a pedestrian is killed in an accident involving a car every two hours. This staggering number reinforces the notion that vehicles and pedestrians unintentionally cross paths far too often, and the results are deadly. Both motorists and pedestrians can take more precautions to avoid collision.

Pedestrians should:

• Cross streets only in crosswalk – by law a car must stop to allow a pedestrian to cross, though there is no guarantee the driver will obey the law. Making early eye contact with the driver can encourage the driver to stop.

• Increase your visibility – when walking in the dark, wear reflective clothing or bright colors.

• Walk against traffic – always walk on the sidewalk, but if none is available, walk facing the flow of traffic.

Motorists should:

• Obey crosswalk laws – cars must yield to pedestrians at a crosswalk. Never overtake a car that is stopped at a crosswalk.

• Turn with caution – when turning either right or left, slow down and check the intersection for pedestrians crossing.

• Watch out for children – when driving through a school zone or residential neighborhood, be alert for balls and toys on wheels that may be followed into the street by a child.

In a collision between a car and a pedestrian, the unprotected person is likely to be seriously injured or killed. Common injuries to pedestrians include head injury, fractures, internal injuries and facial lacerations.

If you have been injured in a pedestrian accident, speak to a personal injury attorney. You might be eligible to receive compensation for your injuries. For your free consultation call the Palm Harbor Law Office of Paul B. Genet, P.A. at 727-510-8802 or contact us online.