As the number of motor vehicles on the streets continues to rise, so too does the risk of being struck as a pedestrian. Far too often, drivers are distracted by a text message or phone call, or are simply not paying close enough attention to the road. And it is not just cars that pedestrians need to be aware of; buses, trains, bicycles, motorcycles, and trucks all pose risks to pedestrians.
Suffering an injury as a pedestrian can be a traumatic and stressful event with long-lasting repercussions. Pedestrians are particularly vulnerable to severe injuries given their lack of safety equipment; pedestrians don’t have seat belts and airbags to help protect them. Pedestrians struck by vehicles are also at risk of increased injury from striking the pavement and even from being run over.
There are several things that pedestrians can do to minimize their risk of injury:
- Cross the street at designated crosswalks;
- Keep a lookout and look both ways before crossing;
- Follow pedestrian traffic signals;
- Be aware of how visible you are to drivers; and
- Wear bright, flashy, or reflective clothing, especially at night.
Even if you follow all of the above advice, however, you cannot always protect yourself from reckless drivers. If you were injured in a pedestrian collision, you may be facing accumulating medical bills, missed work, loss of income, and calls from insurance companies, all while dealing with pain and suffering from your injuries. Alleviate your stress and anxiety by allowing someone else to fight for you. There is no better way to protect your rights than by hiring an experienced attorney who has handled many similar cases in the past.
Attorney Kathleen Reeves has represented hundreds of individuals who have been involved in all types of injuries and collisions. We know the tactics that insurance companies use to avoid paying benefits that they owe. You can rely on Simon Law Office to fight for you.