Walking is an excellent form of exercise and a low-cost way to commute or run errands. While there are many advantages to this form of travel, there are also risks. Pedestrian accidents involving vehicles continue to rise yearly, and most happen because of motorist negligence. A seasoned personal injury attorney could assist in filing a claim for damages.
You could be eligible for compensation if a careless driver caused you to sustain bodily harm and damages. Schedule a meeting with a Merrillville pedestrian accident lawyer for more information.
Causes of Pedestrian Accidents
Accidents happen for various reasons, and sometimes a careless pedestrian is at fault, but more often than not, negligent motorists are to blame. Distracted driving, such as texting while operating a vehicle, continues to be a serious public health threat nationwide. When a driver takes their eyes off the road, even briefly, the careless act can cause a crash and have devastating consequences for people on foot.
Pedestrian Injuries
We frequently assist persons injured in pedestrian accidents, including people who are victims of distracted driving. A driver approaching a crosswalk while reading a text message, attempting to answer a phone, or even reading a map is distracted. Serious injuries frequently occur in a bicycle or pedestrian accident. Because the victim has minimal crash protection, we find a high rate of:
- Soft tissue injuries, including whiplash and sprains
- Bones fractures
- Facial trauma and dental damage
- Crush injuries
- Spinal cord damage, sometimes causing paralysis
- Brain damage
- Fatalities
In pedestrian accidents and bicycle accidents, an insurance company may try to shift blame to the pedestrian or the cyclist. Having experienced lawyers assist with such claims is the key to getting a fair settlement. A hardworking pedestrian accident lawyer in Merrillville could complete an in-depth investigation to determine fault and gather the necessary evidence to recover a fair settlement.
For more specific examples of the areas of law in which we concentrate, the firm has compiled a list of notable cases for review.
Regulations and Safety Tips to Prevent Injuries
Motorists must remain vigilant of those around them. Some essential safety tips from the Indiana Criminal Justice Institute include:
- Remain alert for pedestrians at all times while behind the wheel
- Use extreme caution during inclement weather and nighttime hours
- Do not pass vehicles stopped in crosswalks for pedestrians
- Slow the vehicle’s speed and prepare to stop for foot traffic in crosswalks
- Reduce speed and stay alert for children when traveling in school zones
- Watch for pedestrians when backing out of parking spaces or driveways
In addition, drivers must stop when people are present in crosswalks and leave space so other vehicles approaching them can see that pedestrians are crossing.
People traveling on foot are also responsible for adhering to rules and traffic laws to avoid accidents and sustaining bodily harm:
- Walk on sidewalks and paths when available
- Obey the “Walk” and “Do Not Walk” signals
- Yield to cars when crossing the street outside of crosswalks and other posted pedestrian crossing areas
- Walk as far to the right shoulder of the street as possible when there are no sidewalks
Wearing reflective clothing is also beneficial when walking at night or in poor weather to better alert drivers of a person’s presence. A Merrillville lawyer who handles pedestrian accident cases could answer questions about the rules of the road and determine where liability rests for an incident.
Speak to a Determined Pedestrian Accident Attorney in Merrillville
A collision with a motor vehicle while you are walking in or near the road can leave you with life-threatening injuries leading to permanent disabilities. While there are steps to take to prevent harm, driver carelessness is the most significant cause. Sadly, when a motorist is not paying attention, even for a moment, it can have catastrophic consequences for pedestrians and bicyclists.
When a driver causes you harm, you have every right to submit a claim for damages they caused. Schedule an appointment with a diligent Merrillville pedestrian accident lawyer at The Law Offices of David W. Holub for more information.