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In theory, motor vehicle drivers are supposed to obey traffic laws, watch out for nearby vehicles and people, and act responsibly at all times behind the wheel. In practice, though, many people instead act recklessly and carelessly while driving and end up causing traffic accidents. Sometimes, those accidents involve pedestrians who end up sustaining severe injuries.
A qualified pedestrian accident attorney can help you take proactive legal action against anyone who injures you in a pedestrian collision because they were acting negligently behind the wheel. With that said, here are some safety precautions for Bala Cynwyd pedestrians that may help keep you safe around less than responsible drivers and prevent those sorts of collisions from even happening in the first place.
Stay in Crosswalks and on Sidewalks Whenever Possible
While this safety precaution may strike some people as common sense, pedestrians who try to cross streets outside of marked crosswalks or who step off sidewalks in front of oncoming traffic in Bala Cynwyd are at much higher risk of being struck by negligent drivers, and on top of that may wind up missing out on civil compensation later on because they were partially to blame for causing their injuries. If there is no sidewalk in a particular area, walking on the left side of the road and as far away from driving lanes as possible can reduce the risk of an accident at least somewhat.
Maximize Visibility to Oncoming Drivers
Even if a person knows that an oncoming driver should legally yield to them, and they have the right of way, Bala Cynwyd pedestrians should only enter crosswalks once they are sure that the driver sees them and is slowing down as the law requires them to. Likewise, pedestrians who need to go out at night should wear brightly colored clothes—ideally with reflective strips attached to them—so they are as visible as possible to drivers near them.
Keep an Eye Out for Cars Exiting Alleys and Driveways
Another key safety precaution for pedestrians in Bala Cynwyd is double-checking to ensure there are no oncoming cars before crossing over the entrance to a side street, driveway, or alley. Drivers exiting these spaces have limited visibility and irresponsible drivers often exit at high speeds. Both of those things together can be a recipe for disaster if a nearby pedestrian is not diligent about protecting themselves.
Stay Alert and Aware While Walking Near Roads
Finally, it can be crucial for pedestrians to be sober and undistracted while walking near active roadways. This means no cell phone conversations, no texting, and ideally, no headphones that can affect their hearing. It may be inconvenient at the time, but it could also give them the extra moment of warning they need to avoid sustaining a life-altering injury caused by a reckless or careless driver.
A Bala Cynwyd Attorney Can Help You If Pedestrian Safety Precautions Did Not Prevent an Accident
Even if you are as responsible as anyone can possibly be, there is no way to eliminate the risk of a negligent driver striking and injuring you. If the safety precautions for Bala Cynwyd pedestrians mentioned above were not enough to stop a wreck from happening, you have help available from compassionate legal professionals who will fight tirelessly to get you fair restitution for your damages.
During a private initial consultation, a knowledgeable lawyer from Lowenthal & Abrams can review your legal options and offer preliminary guidance about the next steps toward a possible lawsuit. Schedule yours by calling today.
