Walking is an essential way to get around, whether for exercise, leisure, or to get from one place to another. Unfortunately, pedestrians risk accidents with vehicles, cyclists, or other obstacles even when walking on marked pathways. Several safety precautions for Modesto pedestrians can help promote safety and avoid accidents.
However, some accidents are unavoidable, and if you or a loved one were injured in a pedestrian accident, you may be able to seek financial compensation for your losses. An experienced pedestrian accident attorney can help investigate, so contact Valero Law Group today to explore your legal options.
How Do Pedestrian Accidents Happen?
Pedestrian accidents can occur when vehicles, bicycles, or other moving objects collide with people on foot, even in areas such as sidewalks, paths, or other designated walking areas that should be clear. Defective walkways, unattended hazards, and other forms of negligence by property owners can also cause pedestrian injuries.
Sadly, thousands of pedestrians are injured every year, sometimes with catastrophic results. California’s pedestrian fatality rate is nearly 25% above the national average, according to the California Office of Traffic Safety. Staying safe on Modesto’s walkways is a serious concern for pedestrians.
Tips for Staying Safe as a Pedestrian
Pedestrians can help avoid accidents in Modesto. Some key precautions they can take include following traffic safety rules, traffic signals, and signs on public streets. Other safety tips include:
- Staying on sidewalks or designated pathways whenever available, or facing traffic and staying alert for approaching vehicles
- Using crosswalks or intersections to cross the road, and checking both ways before crossing
- If a crosswalk is unavailable, pedestrians should cross in a well-lit, visible area with a clear view of traffic, avoiding turns or hills that prevent drivers from seeing them
- Watching for cars backing out of driveways, alleys, or other areas where a motorist may not see pedestrians
- Avoiding drugs or alcohol when walking in public, as impaired judgment can increase the risk of an accident
- Wearing brightly colored, reflective clothing or even a strip of reflective material to alert drivers to their presence
- Listening for vehicles that may be approaching from any direction
- Avoiding cell phones and other media devices to ensure concentration on the path ahead
By staying alert and watching for potential danger, pedestrians can reduce their risks of accidents. However, when someone else acts recklessly or carelessly, an accident may not be avoidable. If a negligent motorist struck you, reach out to our team as soon as possible.
Common Injuries in Pedestrian Accident Cases
Despite taking precautions, pedestrian accidents in Modesto can cause significant injuries for anyone involved. Unlike drivers, pedestrians are not shielded by metal and protective materials, leaving them at risk of catastrophic injuries when hit by a motorist.
Common injuries suffered in pedestrian accidents include:
- Broken bones
- Internal bleeding and organ damage
- Soft tissue injuries
- Traumatic brain injury
- Spinal cord injury leading to paralysis
- Loss of vision or hearing
- Loss of limbs
- Wrongful death
If someone else’s negligence caused a pedestrian accident involving any injury, a pedestrian accident lawyer can investigate to determine liability and potential damages. Reach out to our team to learn more.
Call a Modesto Pedestrian Accident Attorney Today To Discuss Safety Tips
If you have been injured in a pedestrian accident, you may be entitled to financial compensation for your injuries and damages. When someone else’s negligence causes your injuries, that person may be legally responsible for paying your medical bills, lost wages, and other losses. To learn more about safety precautions for Modesto pedestrians, call an accident lawyer at Valero Law Group today to schedule a free case evaluation.
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