The only certain thing about accidents is that they are uncertain. You could fall on your office floor and break your neck, get into a car crash even when you weren’t at fault, or get hit by a vehicle when walking on a footpath. Even when you aren’t at fault, you can become an accident victim.
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While there isn’t much you can do in most cases; it pays to know what to do after being hit by a vehicle as a pedestrian. From getting medical help to leveraging the services of a pedestrian accident lawyer, read on to know five ways you can get injured as a pedestrian and what you can do after the accident.
Careless Driving By the Driver
As a pedestrian, you are vulnerable to reckless driving by the drivers around you, and there are many ways you can be involved in an accident as a pedestrian due to careless driving by the driver.
One way is if the 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 could be under the influence of drugs or alcohol and swerve into the sidewalk, hitting you.
Assess your injury and seek medical attention if necessary. If the driver is at fault, get their insurance information. You may need to hire an accident lawyer to help you get the compensation you deserve. Pedestrian accident lawyers are experienced advocates who can help you recover damages for your injuries.
Dangerous or Poorly Maintained Roads
Poorly maintained roads, such as those with large potholes, can also be dangerous for pedestrians. If you trip and fall because of a pothole or crack in the sidewalk, you could seriously injure yourself.
If you are injured because of a dangerous or poorly maintained road, take photos of the hazard that caused your fall and seek medical attention immediately. 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, if it is raining or sleeting, drivers may not be able to see you as well, which increases 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 are injured in an accident due to bad weather conditions, take photos of the weather conditions at the time of the accident. This will help to prove that the weather was a factor in the accident.
Walking at Night
Walking at night can also be dangerous and put you at risk of being hit by a vehicle. Drivers may not be able to see you either, which increases the chance of an accident. If you are walking at night, wear bright, reflective clothing so drivers can see you better. You should also try to walk in well-lit areas whenever possible.
Not Paying Attention
Not paying attention is one of the most common ways pedestrians get injured. Whether you are looking at your phone, talking to a friend, or daydreaming, you could get hit by a vehicle if you are not paying attention to your surroundings. Even if the driver is paying attention, they may not be able to stop in time if you walk out onto the road without looking. Pay attention to your surroundings and be aware of the traffic around you at all times to avoid getting hit by a vehicle.
Final Word
As a pedestrian, you can be hit by vehicles in several ways, the common ones discussed in this article. We are sure the above tips on dealing with such injuries will help.
