Walking on the road seems like the most ordinary, safest thing you can do outside. There’s no doubt in your mind that nothing wrong will happen, until it does.

It’s easy to forget that walking can just be as dangerous as driving a motorcycle or a car. Be on the lookout for potential hazards as you go about your day. Take note, especially, of vehicles being driven by distracted individuals.

The Numbers

According to the Governors Highway Safety Administration, there were 6,590 pedestrian deaths in 2019. That’s a 5% increase from 2018.

The most common fatalities are attributed to the following:

● Driving Under The Influence Of Alcohol Or Drugs
● Distracted Driving
● Speeding
● Failing To Stop Or Yield
● Harsh Weather Conditions
● Backing-Up Accidents
● Left-Hand Turns

In most cases, it is the driver or the motorist who is at fault in pedestrian accidents. However, an inattentive pedestrian can bear the responsibility.

Don’t walk, jog, or run without being aware of your surroundings. Follow pedestrian safety protocols to ensure your protection against unwanted accidents.

Pedestrian accidents are traumatic, and you’ll end up dealing with not just physical injuries but emotional and psychological issues as well. Your ability to go about your normal life can also be impeded. Daily tasks such as cooking, eating, bathing, and caring for your family can prove to be difficult.

What To Do When An Accident Occurs

It’s hard to concentrate with an injury, but take a deep breath. Once you are able to think clearly, focus on taking the following steps:

Step 1: Stay Calm And Move Out Of The Street

If you’re conscious, adrenaline will be rushing throughout your body. While you may want to unleash your anger toward the driver, doing so will not help you in any way. Try to control your breathing and your emotions. Move out of the street and onto the sidewalk or driveway. This will keep you safe.

Be calm in asking the driver or motorist to stay while you wait for the police to arrive. If witnesses are gathering around you, ask them to stay as well.

If the driver who hit you did not stop their vehicle, you may file a claim. Check to see if there are traffic cameras or an eyewitness in the area to support your claim.

Step 3: Document Everything

You will need to remember every detail of the accident. If you are able to, jot down all of the driver’s details such as their physical characteristics, license plate number, and insurance information.

Take a personal inventory of the injuries you have. Ask yourself as to what parts of your body have been hurt. Torn garments can be a sign that the area might be injured but you’re not feeling the pain just yet. Take note of the state of your vision. Can you see clearly or is everything a blur? Keep all of these in mind and report them to the medical providers as soon as they arrive.

Step 4: Call The Authorities

Contact medical care providers and ask for a medical evaluation. Even if you think you’re all right, you might be suffering from a broken wrist, bone, rib, or worse. Call the police as well, and once they arrive, give honest statements about what transpired.

Step 5: Contact A Personal Injury Lawyer

Before you pursue a claim, contact a lawyer to deal with the incident and guarantee the security of your legal rights.

If you were recently a victim of a pedestrian accident, we’re here to help. Give us a call today for a free consultation.