The coronavirus pandemic influenced the way we travel and how we go about our daily commute. Even if there are fewer pedestrians and drivers on the road, pedestrian accidents still exist. This shows that even the coronavirus crisis can’t stop pedestrian accidents.
Pedestrian Accidents by the Number during the Crisis
During the Covid-19 crisis, most people followed social distancing and sheltering in place orders. As more individuals stay indoors, we have seen a decrease in the number of people getting involved in pedestrian accidents. But then, it is too early to celebrate.
This is since most commuters turned to their private vehicles instead of public transport to travel more safely. With the arrival of more private cars in the streets as travel restrictions begin to lift, we can expect a surge of private car use in the next weeks or months. This means the chances of pedestrian accidents are also expected to increase.
Reasons for Pedestrian Accidents
There can be numerous reasons that can lead to a pedestrian accident. It can be the driver’s fault. The pedestrian or both parties are to blame for the accident. Some common cause of pedestrian accidents is as follows.
- Distracted, reckless, or intoxicated driving
- Speeding
- Failure to stop or yield
- Left-hand turns
- Weather conditions
- Backing-up accidents
- Intoxicated pedestrians
- Distracted walking
What Steps to Take if You Got Hit by a Vehicle as a Pedestrian
If you are conscious and have someone with you, use the opportunity to find witnesses who can help you gather fresh evidence and testimonies. Ask for the contact details of the driver and the details of the car he is driving. Call the police, provide your testimony, and get your own copy of the report.
Make sure you document your injuries and seek medical assistance right away. Keep your medical records and receipts for future reference.
As much as possible, never talk to the driver’s insurance company on your own. Never discuss fault or admit that you are at fault.
Make sure you rely on professionals to help you gather enough evidence. They can help you prove that the driver was the main cause of the accident. They can even serve as your advocate in negotiating with the right insurance companies.
If you are unfortunate enough to get hit by a driver, you deserve to receive due compensation. You can hire a pedestrian accident lawyer to help you recover damages that led to head trauma, back and neck injuries, broken bones, amputations, disfigurement, or even wrongful death.
Quantifying the Financial Impact of Your Accident
Your lawyer will help you determine how much compensation you are entitled to receive. This will depend on numerous factors like medical costs and future treatments and procedures. This can also include the amount of time you need off from work to recover and your emotional and physical suffering.
Of course, the court will determine who is at fault and how much compensation is due. With a professional to support you during these challenging times, you can have that peace of mind knowing a competent professional will work for your best interest.
Protecting Yourself as a Pedestrian
Staying alert is the best way to protect yourself against pedestrian accidents. Know that one can’t really put their trust in drivers to drive safely as not all practice defensive driving. Also, accidents can happen regardless of the circumstances.
- To better safeguard yourself as a pedestrian, you can keep the following tips in mind.
- Always use the sidewalk and only cross on a crosswalk
- Beware of traffic lights and only cross when it is safe to go
- Always walk facing the incoming traffic
- Be predictable when walking crosswalks
- If you are crossing the streets at night, try to make yourself visible by using your phone’s flashlight
- Choose to walk in well-lit areas
- Avoid using your headphones or smartphone while walking on the streets
- As much as possible, make eye contact with drivers who are in a non-moving vehicle to make sure they are aware that you will be crossing
- Avoid jaywalking and always wait for the traffic before you cross
- Never assume a driver will stop to give you your right of way
Many people thought that the fewer people there are on the road and the fewer pedestrians crossing the streets each day, the smaller the chances of accidents. While pedestrian accidents did lessen in many states, experts predict the numbers to rise once lockdowns are lifted. Know how you can safeguard yourself as a pedestrian and educate yourself on the things you can do if you get into an accident. Only rely on a professional to guide you and avoid getting ripped off by insurance companies.
