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Reduce the Risk of a Pedestrian Accident

Posted on behalf of Arnold Law Firm in

person crossing a streetWalking is a great way to get exercise and enjoy the outdoors. However, if you plan to walk where there are cars nearby, you need to take extra precautions to protect yourself. There is nothing to shield you from a collision with a car, which could cause serious injury or death.

Below, our experienced Sacramento car accident attorneys provide several practical strategies you can use to help reduce your risk of being hit by a car as a pedestrian.

If an accident occurs, the driver may be at fault and you could be entitled to compensation for various damages, including medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Our attorneys have many years of experience obtaining compensation for these kinds of damages. Contact us today for a free legal consultation. 

Safety for Pedestrians

Drivers are required to yield to pedestrians in many situations, but not every driver obeys the law. Because pedestrians are vulnerable in a motor vehicle incident, it is important be aware that drivers may be negligent and take proactive steps to stay safe when walking along roadways.

These steps include:

  • Look both ways before crossing the street – This may seem like common knowledge, but many people step into the street without looking first. Whenever you are planning to cross the street, look left and right, then left again. Also watch for cars as you are crossing.
  • Always use sidewalks if available – Sidewalks are there for your safety. In many cases, the sidewalk will be set off from the road and might even be separated from the road by a patch of grass. That helps reduce the risk of being hit by a car that veers slightly off the road. If there is no sidewalk, walk along the shoulder of the road facing oncoming traffic so you can see if any drivers are getting too close.
  • Make yourself visible to drivers – This is particularly important at night when it is more difficult to see pedestrians. Wear bright, reflective clothing and take a flashlight with you.
  • Follow instructions at crosswalks – Wait for the proper signal at a crosswalk. You may underestimate how fast oncoming cars are traveling, and even though drivers may not see you.
  • Never walk alone if you were drinking – Alcohol lowers your inhibitions and increases the likelihood for risk-taking behavior. This could include walking in the street or walking too close to the street. You will also have delayed reaction time, which means you will have less time to get out of harm’s way if a car is approaching. 

Contact a Car Accident Lawyer in Sacramento

Pedestrians usually suffer serious or fatal injuries in a vehicle collision. The personal injury attorneys at the Arnold Law Firm understand the difficulties that arise in the aftermath of a pedestrian accident. Those who survive have mounting medical expenses and may be unable to work because of their physical limitations.

Complete a Free Case Evaluation or call (916) 777-7777. 

Settlement - $3,767,000

Truck Accident

A 20-year-old man who had been married for just 12 days left home on his way to work. He was driving on Pleasant Grove Road in Sutter County in the early morning when he came upon a slow-moving truck. As he pulled out to pass the truck, the truck driver turned left in front of him. The young man attempted to steer back into his lane but his vehicle struck an un-flagged piece of metal extending from the back of the truck. He died in the resulting crash.

Expert witnesses brought in by the Arnold Law Firm proved that the truck, owned and operated by a hauling firm, should never have been on the highway that morning. Specifically, the rear and side turn signals did not work and the rear-view mirror was in a poor state of adjustment at the time of the collision. As a result, the driver, who had failed to properly inspect the vehicle before setting out that morning, couldn’t see the young man’s vehicle as it attempted to pass.

The poor condition of the truck, its lack of maintenance and the manner in which it was operated were found to be substantial factors in causing the collision that killed the young man. The testimony also established that the man had been making a lawful pass at the lawful speed limit and acted reasonably when he attempted to avoid the collision.

The man’s 20-year-old widow was awarded $3,767,000.77, his parents were awarded $185,131 and the family was reimbursed $11,899 in funeral expenses. Though money is a poor substitute for a young man’s life, this verdict demonstrates that drivers who endanger the lives of others will be held accountable for their actions.