Pedestrian safety is a major concern and when it comes to crosswalks, there are even more risks. Every year thousands of pedestrians are involved in accidents while crossing the street. These incidents have devastating results, from physical injury to emotional trauma. It’s important for both drivers and pedestrians to be aware of their surroundings so that these tragic events can be minimized. In this article, we will discuss what you should do if you were injured as a pedestrian in a crosswalk accident.
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Causes Of Crosswalk Accidents
The most frequent cause of pedestrian-vehicle collisions in crosswalks is when drivers don’t yield the right-of-way to pedestrians who are lawfully crossing the street. Other contributing factors can include distracted or impaired driving, poor visibility due to darkness or weather conditions, and road rage incidents. Sadly, these types of accidents occur all too often.
It’s important for both drivers and pedestrians to take extra caution around crosswalks. Drivers should always be on the lookout for people trying to cross the street, even if they do not see them until it’s too late. Pedestrians should also remember to make sure vehicles have stopped before entering any intersection, as well as use designated walkways whenever possible.
Safety Tips For Pedestrians
It’s important for pedestrians to take steps to protect themselves when crossing the street. First, always pay attention to your surroundings and be aware of traffic signals. Obey all traffic rules and crosswalks laws in your area. Secondly, avoid walking at night or during inclement weather if possible. If you must walk outside after dark, wear bright clothing and stay on paths that are well-lit.
Be sure to remain visible by keeping away from parked cars, bushes or other obstacles that can block visibility from drivers. Finally, make eye contact with drivers before entering a roadway; this is especially important near intersections where it’s difficult for drivers to see around corners. By following these safety tips, you can reduce your risk of being injured as a pedestrian.
Legal Rights And Responsibilities Of Pedestrians
As a pedestrian, there are legal rights and responsibilities you must be aware of. Knowing your rights as a pedestrian is essential in the event of an accident. In most states, pedestrians have the right-of-way when crossing streets at crosswalks or intersections with traffic signals in place. Additionally, vehicles should always yield to any pedestrian who’s already crossed into their half of the street before making a turn. Pedestrians also can’t unexpectedly leave curbs into the path of cars that cannot avoid them safely. It’s important for pedestrians to use sidewalks whenever possible and only cross at designated areas like crosswalks, unless they’re directed otherwise by police officers or traffic control devices.
Pedestrians must obey all applicable laws while walking on public roads or highways; this includes not jaywalking across multiple lanes or against “Do Not Walk” signs. When using shared paths such as bike routes or trails, it’s expected that both cyclists and pedestrians will follow rules of courtesy—in some cases yielding to one another depending on speed and direction of travel. Keeping these rules in mind can help ensure safety for everyone traveling on foot and prevent accidents from occurring in the first place. With knowledge of your rights and responsibilities comes greater confidence when navigating busy roadways, allowing you to stay safe no matter where you go!
Steps To Take After An Injury
If you have been injured in a crosswalk accident as a pedestrian, there are several steps you should take to ensure your safety and secure any potential legal rights. First, seek medical attention if needed—even minor injuries can become severe without proper treatment. Make sure to document all of the details of the incident, including time, place, and other involved persons. Collect contact information from any witnesses who may be able to provide evidence for further investigation into the matter if necessary. It’s also important to contact the police and wait for them to arrive so they can create an accident report.
After experiencing a crosswalk accident, it’s helpful to understand what rights you may have under applicable laws in order to protect yourself financially and legally. Speak with an experienced personal injury attorney familiar with crosswalk accidents so that they can advise on how best to proceed based on local regulations and rules governing these types of cases. It’s also helpful to keep thorough records of conversations had with insurance companies or any other parties involved in the case.
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Crosswalk accidents can be traumatic, and the physical, financial, and emotional damage can be devastating. As a pedestrian, it is important to take action immediately following a crosswalk accident to ensure your rights are protected. You should seek medical attention right away, contact the police, document the scene and any damages, and contact a personal injury lawyer as soon as possible. Taking these steps can help you get the justice you deserve and protect you from any legal or financial liabilities that may arise.
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Emily Wilson is a writer who graduated with a bachelor’s degree in English studies from Ball State University in 2021. Since graduating, Emily has started her career in content writing, and she hopes to continue helping her audience learn and grow from her works.
