As you may already suspect, a pedestrian accident is likely to end with serious injuries or death. Unfortunately, even if you use crosswalks and follow other traffic laws, all it takes is one drunk or distracted driver to cause a tragedy.
Thanks to the proliferation of smartphones, pedestrian fatalities have become alarmingly common in the United States. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 4,735 pedestrians died in traffic accidents in 2013. That means one pedestrian was killed every two hours.
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ClientWhat these numbers do not convey is the tremendous emotional and financial hardship faced by surviving family members. If you were injured or lost a loved one in a pedestrian crash, contact the Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers to find out if you have grounds for a claim.
Our attorneys have a reputation for tough litigation, and we will compassionately represent your interests. Call 800-522-6733 today to schedule a free initial consultation with an auto accident lawyer in Lafayette.
Read on to learn four ways to avoid pedestrian accidents:
- Use Crosswalks
As a pedestrian, it is important that you do everything in your power to help drivers see you and anticipate your actions. A motorist is more likely to expect a pedestrian to enter the road at a crosswalk.
- Stay Alert
Texting can be just as dangerous for pedestrians as it is for drivers. According to the National Safety Council, distracted walking led to at least 11,100 injuries between 2000 and 2011.
- Wear Reflective Clothing at Night
If you walk or run at night, make sure you wear reflective clothing to help drivers see you. You should also wear a headlamp or carry a flashlight as an extra precaution, and stay on sidewalks whenever possible. If you must walk on the street, make sure you do so facing traffic.
- Make Eye Contact with Motorists
Never assume that a driver has seen you, and even if you have the right of way, you should not expect a vehicle to stop. When you believe it is safe to cross, make eye contact with drivers to ensure they have seen you.
Unfortunately, even the most responsible pedestrians can sustain debilitating injuries due to drunk, distracted, and negligent motorists. If you were hurt in a pedestrian accident, you may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, lost income, and non-economic damages.
An auto accident lawyer from the Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers can evaluate your case to determine if you have grounds for a claim. We will gather evidence, interview witnesses, calculate your damages, and help you fight for the maximum compensation.
Our legal team has 350 years of combined experience. Call 800-522-6733 today to schedule a free initial consultation with a car wreck attorney in Lafayette. You can learn more about car accident claims in Louisiana by visiting the USAttorneys website.
