Accidents involving pedestrians and motor vehicles are often devastating—mostly for the people on foot. In a city like Richmond, every time you leave your home, you are at some risk of getting hit by a car, truck, or motorcycle—even if the only time you are on foot is between your parking space and destination. Fortunately, there are ways to reduce your risk of a pedestrian accident. Some of the most effective of these strategies include:
- Avoid walking at night. If you must walk at night, wear brightly colored or retro-reflective clothing and carry a flashlight.
- Always walk on the sidewalk. In the absence of sidewalks, walk against the flow of traffic.
- Cross the street at intersections or at designated crosswalks whenever possible.
- Always look left, right, and then left again before crossing the street.
- Obey all traffic laws.
Accidents Can Strike Even Under the Best Circumstances
Unfortunately, there is no way to reduce your risk of involvement of a pedestrian accident to zero, and some accidents are completely unavoidable—especially when drivers break the law or otherwise engage in negligent conduct. Some of the more common ways that drivers can cause serious accidents that injure pedestrians include:
- Speeding
- Distracted driving
- Failing to yield to pedestrians in a crosswalk
- Impaired driving
- Running stop signs or stop lights
- Failing to adapt to poor weather conditions
- Poor vehicle maintenance
When drivers cause pedestrian accidents, victims may recover compensation for the losses they sustain as a result. Examples of the damages for which many pedestrian accident victims are able to recover compensation include medical expenses, lost quality of life, physical and emotional pain and suffering, and property damage.
Already Injured? Here’s What to Do
If you found yourself on this page, there’s a good chance that you already were hurt in a pedestrian accident. If so, the good news is that you can protect your rights. First of all, undergo a thorough medical evaluation, if you haven’t already. Next, follow all of your doctor’s treatment recommendations and attend any follow-up appointments.
Refrain from discussing your accident on social media, and likewise, consider whether the other party can use your internet activity as evidence indicating that your injuries are not as serious as they are.
Do not accept a settlement from the driver of the vehicle that hit you, or the driver’s insurance company, even if it seems like a lot of money. Instead, call a lawyer as soon as you can to review the offer and retain legal representation. Chances are, the insurance company is not offering you what you deserve to pay for your injuries. An experienced lawyer can protect your rights and ensure the adequacy of any settlement offer.
Call Emroch & Kilduff Today to Speak with a Richmond Personal Injury Lawyer
In the unfortunate event that you were hurt in a pedestrian accident, review the facts of your case with an attorney as soon as you can. At Emroch & Kilduff, we are committed to representing the rights of injured victims and will not collect any legal fees unless we successfully recover compensation on your behalf. To schedule a free case evaluation with one of our attorneys, call our office today at (804) 358-1568 or send us an email through our online contact form.
