The only certainty about accidents is that they are uncertain. You might fall on the office floor and break your neck, get into a car accident even though it’s not your fault, or get hit by a vehicle when walking on a footpath. Even if you are not at fault, you can be the victim of an accident.
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Although in most cases there is not much you can do; you should know what to do afterwards being struck by a vehicle as a pedestrian. From getting medical help to using a pedestrian accident attorney, read on to learn five ways you can be injured as a pedestrian and what you can do after an accident.
Careless driving by the driver
As a pedestrian, you are vulnerable reckless driving drivers around you, and there are many ways to get into an accident as a pedestrian due to a driver’s careless driving.
One way is when a driver is not paying attention and runs a red light, hitting you while crossing the street. Another way is if the driver is distracted and doesn’t see you walking on the side of the road and hits you. Or the driver may be under the influence of drugs or alcohol and drive onto the pavement, hitting you.
Assess your injury and seek medical attention if necessary. If the driver is at fault, get information about their insurance. You may need to hire an accident attorney to get the compensation you deserve. Pedestrian accident lawyers are experienced defense attorneys who can help you recover damages for your injuries.
Unsafe or poorly maintained roads
Poorly maintained roads, such as those with large potholes, can also be dangerous for pedestrians. If you trip and fall over a pothole or crack in the pavement, you could seriously injure yourself.
If you are injured due to an unsafe or poorly maintained road, take a picture of the hazard that caused your fall and seek immediate medical attention. You may be able to file a claim against the government agency responsible for maintaining the roads in your area.
Bad weather conditions
Walking in bad weather conditions can also lead to accidents and injuries. For example, when it’s raining or sleet, drivers may also not be able to see you, increasing the risk of being hit by a car. Or, if there is ice on the ground, you could slip and fall, injuring yourself.
If you were involved in an accident due to bad weather conditions, take pictures of the weather conditions at the time of the accident. This will help prove that the weather was a factor in the accident.
Walk at night
Walking at night can also be dangerous and put you at risk of being hit by a car. Drivers may also not be able to see you, which increases the chance of an accident. If you’re walking at night, wear bright, reflective clothing so drivers can see you better. You should also try to walk in well-lit places whenever possible.
Not paying attention
Lack of attention is one of the most common ways pedestrians are injured. Whether you’re looking at your phone, talking to a friend, or daydreaming, you could be hit by a vehicle if you’re not paying attention to your surroundings. Even if the driver is paying attention, he may not stop in time if you cross the road without looking. To avoid being hit by a vehicle, pay attention to your surroundings and watch the traffic around you at all times.
Final word
As a pedestrian, you can be hit by vehicles in a number of ways, the most common of which are covered in this article. We are sure that the above tips for dealing with such injuries will help.
