Pedestrian Safety After an Accident

Pedestrian Accident and Legal Course of Action in Massachusetts and Rhode Island

While all accidents that occur on the road are scary, accidents that involve pedestrians hit by a car, truck, or motorcycle are the most unfortunate. Because individuals who are walking, jogging, running, or hiking do not have the protection of a vehicle surrounding them, the impact of a car or truck can be devastating. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, a pedestrian is struck by a vehicle every two hours, with 76,000 pedestrians injured by a vehicle each year. The injuries to a pedestrian resulting from a car accident are typically far more severe than those involving other vehicles, and therefore, it is important to take precautions to protect yourself while walking or running on the road.

How to Avoid an Accident

While it can be dangerous to be a pedestrian on the road, there are certain steps you can take to protect yourself from drivers. For instance, wearing brightly colored clothing and reflective gear allows car and truck drivers to see you more easily, especially when it is dark outside. Also, it is important for pedestrians to only cross a street or intersection where a crosswalk is present. Stepping out from behind a parked car in the middle of the street makes it nearly impossible for a driver to see you, which can result in a devastating accident. Finally, using sidewalks and following the rules of the road will help ensure you are safe while walking or jogging. When sidewalks are not accessible, walk or run in the direction of oncoming traffic to make yourself more visible to drivers.

What to do When an Accident Occurs

If you find yourself in an accident as a pedestrian, there are several steps you should take to ensure you are safe and prepared for what’s to come:

1. If you have a cell phone, contact the police immediately after the accident. The police have the ability to contact medical emergency services to assess your injuries.
2. If you are conscious and able, give the police a detailed report of what happened leading up to, during, and after the accident.
3. If you are able, try not to move from the location, but do document the severity of your injuries. This can be done easily with the camera on your phone or by asking a witness to take a picture for you. You can also use a voice recording on your phone to recount what happened to cause the accident, what is currently happening, contact information including license plate numbers, how you are feeling, and more.
4. It is imperative to gather the names, addresses, and contact information for each party involved, including witnesses and the driver and passenger(s) of the vehicle that struck you.
5. In addition to gathering contact information, you should request the driver provide you with his or her insurance information.
6. Once you or a witness has gathered information regarding the driver, get the medical attention you need without hesitation. Pedestrian accidents can cause far more damage than vehicle to vehicle accidents, so it is important to take care of your injuries as soon as you can.
7. If you are contacted by an insurance agency shortly after your accident, do not provide any information regarding fault or make any statements to them without first speaking to an accident injury attorney.

Speak to a Rhode Island Accident Attorney Today

At the Bottaro Law Firm, LLC, we understand the seriousness of a pedestrian accident. We fight hard to see that our clients receive the compensation they deserve. If you have been involved in a pedestrian accident, contact us today to discuss your case.