Walking is a great way to get exercise and enjoy the great outdoors. Unfortunately, when it comes to distracted or careless drivers, a nice walk can also be a dangerous practice. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, more than 4,700 pedestrians were killed in accidents in the year 2012. Knowing how to protect yourself and what to do in the event of an accident will prove vital to your health and safety.
Increase Visibility
Particularly if you will be walking at night, make certain you are taking measures to increase your visibility. During the night, if drivers are unable to see you, you are at a dangerously high risk of being hit. Carrying a flashlight or wearing a reflective belt are just two of the things you can do to increase your visibility. Additionally, it's also helpful to avoid wearing dark colored clothing. If you're walking in an area with poor lighting and wearing dark clothing, this is also unsafe.
Choose Routes Wisely
It's also helpful to be cognizant of where you walk. There are certain areas that aren't considered pedestrian friendly zones. For example, walking near an area with large trees or shrubs isn't wise. These heavy growths don't just obstruct the driver's view, but it can also limit your ability to clearly see oncoming traffic before stepping out onto the road. Always map out your route before you begin your walk to ensure you are avoiding any dangerous areas.
In the Event of an Accident
If you've been involved in an accident, it's a good idea to reach out to a personal injury attorney, such as Hagelgans and Veronis, right away. This is a critical step because an attorney can help you determine the value of your case and more importantly, if you even have a claim at all. Most often, drivers are at fault, but this isn't always the case.
If you, the pedestrian, were acting in a careless manner, putting your own safety at risk, you might be at fault and may be unable to recover any compensation. For example, running across a street in a commercial area without first looking may be perceived as negligent. In the event the driver is the at fault party, an attorney can help you recover the compensation you both need and deserve.
Make certain you are walking with care to help ensure your safety. In the event you are struck by a driver, remember, you aren't alone. A personal injury attorney can stand in on your behalf and make certain you get the compensation you deserve.
Share18 February 2015
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