Personal injury attorneys look for causes of pedestrian accidents, including driver distraction, impairment, speeding or disobeying traffic laws

Pedestrian accidents have been on the rise since 2009. The Governors Highway Safety Association estimates 6,227 pedestrians were killed in 2018 nationwide. That is the highest rate of pedestrian deaths since 1990.

Pedestrians, or people traveling by foot, always have the "right of way" around vehicles, however, pedestrian injury and death still happen to thousands of pedestrians every year. Sometimes these pedestrian accidents are the result of someone else's negligence.

Pedestrians often get hit by cars through no fault of their own. Drivers may be guilty of driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, driving while distracted, speeding, not yielding to pedestrians at crosswalks, disobeying traffic laws, and disregarding traffic or weather conditions.

Whatever the cause, injuries to pedestrians can be catastrophic. The human body is just no match for a car or truck, and even a low-speed impact can cause massive injury. Depending on the speed of the impact, victims typically either break their wrists instinctively trying to fend off the car, have their knees broken by the front bumper, or are thrown over the hood of the car by the impact and strike the pavement. Tragically, the victims are often young. Here are some helpful tips for pedestrian safety:

10 Walking Safety Tips

1. Be predictable. Follow the rules of the road and obey signs and signals.
2. Walk on sidewalks whenever they are available.
3. If there is no sidewalk, walk facing traffic and as far from traffic as possible.
4. Keep alert at all times; don’t be distracted by electronic devices that take your eyes (and ears) off the road.
5. Whenever possible, cross streets at crosswalks or intersections, where drivers expect pedestrians. Look for cars in all directions, including those turning left or right.
6. If a crosswalk or intersection is not available, locate a well-lit area where you have the best view of traffic. Wait for a gap in traffic that allows enough time to cross safely; continue watching for traffic as you cross.
7. Never assume a driver sees you. Make eye contact with drivers as they approach to make sure you are seen.
8. Be visible at all times. Wear bright clothing during the day, and wear reflective materials or use a flashlight at night.
9. Watch for cars entering or exiting driveways, or backing up in parking lots.
10. Avoid alcohol and drugs when walking; they impair your abilities and your judgment.

Proper treatment after your pedestrian injury accident is the top priority

A pedestrian accident can result in a wide range of injuries that may require expensive medical treatment and rehabilitation. For pedestrians injured by vehicles or slip and falls, working with an attorney is essential. Innocent victims deserve compensation. Even victims who are partly at fault for a pedestrian accident may be eligible for compensation. It all comes down to who was using "reasonable care under the circumstances."

Minnesota personal injury lawyers SiebenCarey are highly skilled, experienced and aggressive. We will fight assertively on your behalf to get you the compensation you deserve to cover health care costs, wage loss, emotional distress, and pain and suffering after a pedestrian accident.

Our Minnesota personal injury lawyers can help

Contact SiebenCarey for a free consultation if you or someone you love has been the victim of a pedestrian accident. Our personal injury attorneys will evaluate your pedestrian accident case and help you get the justice you deserve.