Tips for Pedestrian Safety in Elk Grove
Pedestrian safety in Elk Grove, California, is a priority for everyone and there are tips for staying out of harm’s way. Both pedestrians and drivers must be aware of their surroundings and follow traffic lights and signage to prevent traumatic crashes. Even vehicles traveling at low speeds may cause serious injury or even death to a pedestrian.
While there is a common presumption that traffic collisions involving pedestrians tend to occur at intersections, that is not always the case. These accidents may occur in parking lots, sidewalks, driveways, and in rural areas. Here is what you need to know about vehicle versus pedestrian crashes and how to keep yourself safe on the road.
What are the Common Injuries from Pedestrian Accidents?
Every year, people on foot are injured in traffic accidents and lose their lives in preventable roadway crashes. Some of the common injuries suffered in car-pedestrian accidents include:
- Amputations
- Broken bones
- Disfigurement
- Permanent disability
- Spinal cord injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries
Pedestrian Safety Tips for Elk Grove Residents
Drivers are expected to remain alert and vigilant of others on the roadway, including pedestrians. Motorists must follow the rules of the road and exercise due care to keep themselves and others out of harm’s way. Drivers must ensure that they are operating their vehicles carefully and safely. Motorists are also responsible for adjusting their driving based on current traffic and weather conditions.
Pedestrians, like drivers, are also expected to follow the rules of the road. People on foot must ensure that they are visible to oncoming motorists and take action in a predictable manner. When walking at night, pedestrians should carry flashlights and wear reflective clothing to maximize their visibility. Pedestrians must be aware of their surroundings, walk on sidewalks or paths, and avoid the use of electronic devices.
Pedestrians should exercise additional caution at intersections. Given that many motorists may fail to yield the right-of-way when making turns, not coming to a complete stop before a marked sidewalk, or engage in other negligent behavior, it is in a pedestrian’s best interest to be particularly careful at intersections. People on foot should watch and follow traffic and pedestrian signals.
Who is Most at Risk of a Car Versus Pedestrian Accident?
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), over 7,000 individuals on foot suffered fatal injuries in roadway collisions in 2020. This accounted for a loss of life in a car versus pedestrian crash every 75 minutes. Most deaths in pedestrian crashes were found to have occurred at night, in urban areas, and at locations outside of intersections.
NHTSA reported that some groups face a higher risk of a fatal pedestrian accident than others. Approximately 20.4 percent, or one in five children, aged 15 and under suffered fatal injuries in collisions as pedestrians in 2020. Conversely, 17 percent of individuals over the age of 15 were killed in accidents as pedestrians that same year. The geriatric population accounted for roughly 20 percent of all pedestrian fatalities in 2020.
What to Do if Injured in an Accident as a Pedestrian
Unfortunately, pedestrians have no control over drivers on the road. If a person on foot is injured in a crash caused by motorist negligence, they may be entitled to financial compensation for their injuries and losses. This generally requires filing a personal injury claim against the at-fault party and their insurer. Injured pedestrians may seek reimbursement for medical treatment costs, wage loss, and other damages.
There are some unique situations where a pedestrian may have to turn to their auto insurance policy for reimbursement. For instance, an injured pedestrian may go through their uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage if the responsible driver has limited to no liability insurance. UM/UIM may extend coverage to members of a household who do not have insurance and are not excluded members of the policy.
It is useful to have UM and UIM coverage in California as it may cover damages in a hit-and-run crash. Pedestrians injured in hit-and-runs may bring a claim through their UM coverage for reimbursement of accident-related losses. Remember that there must be clear and compelling evidence demonstrating that the suspect vehicle made contact with the pedestrian and that was the direct cause of reported injuries.
How an Attorney Can Help You with Your Pedestrian Accident Case
A personal injury claim for a car versus pedestrian crash may come with a legal process that may be challenging to navigate on your own, not to mention strict laws and deadlines that must be followed. This includes filing requirements, time limits, and more. A skilled injury attorney can handle the leg work of your accident case, including an independent investigation into the incident and properly determining liability.
Your California pedestrian accident lawyer will evaluate the severity of crash-related injuries, including costs of future medical treatment that is reasonable and necessary, and negotiate with an insurer for maximum compensation on your behalf. You will receive that when you work with our legal team from AutoAccident.com. We will advocate for your rights and best interests. Learn more by watching this video.
About Our Law Firm
At AutoAccident.com, we have served Northern California, including the City of Elk Grove, since 1982. We bring decades of experience, knowledge, and litigation expertise to the table. When you hire our law firm to handle your pedestrian accident case, we will provide the compassionate support and skilled legal counsel you need to move forward. Our California personal injury attorneys operate on contingency, meaning no attorney’s fees are due unless we secure a full financial recovery. Learn more about our services by scheduling a free consultation today.
Personal Injury Lawyer in Elk Grove
A car versus pedestrian accident may have traumatic and lasting consequences for all parties involved. If you were injured in a traffic crash as a pedestrian or lost a loved one to this type of crash, our legal team from AutoAccident.com is here for you and your family. Contact us to receive free, friendly case advice at (916) 694-0002 or (800) 404-5400. Our Elk Grove personal injury lawyers are available anytime to review your accident case.
At our law firm, we have decades of experience working on a variety of accident cases, including those that involve pedestrians. We are committed to seeking full financial recovery for our clients through case verdicts and settlements. At AutoAccident.com, we strive to provide excellent client service. Visit our Avvo, Google, and Yelp pages to learn more. We are California members of the Top 1 Percent and Million Dollar Advocates.
Photograph Credit: “UrielMont” Pexels
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