Free Consultation
It is crucial to look both ways before crossing the street, but that may not be enough to protect you from being hurt by a negligent driver. Unfortunately, people who drive while distracted, drunk, or simply without consideration for people around them can be exceptionally dangerous even when you are following every rule that applies to you as a pedestrian.
A qualified pedestrian accident attorney at Lowenthal & Abrams can help you demand comprehensive compensation from any reckless or careless person who causes you to sustain an avoidable injury through their own misconduct. It is always better to avoid an accident than to demand compensation for the impact of one. Here are some safety precautions for Philadelphia pedestrians that may help you.
Assume Drivers Do Not See Pedestrians
The concept of defensive driving, or being overly cautious behind the wheel based on the assumption that other drivers will not be careful, is helpful when it comes to preventing collisions between motor vehicles. Having a similar perspective as a pedestrian can likewise go a long way toward preventing pedestrian accidents and taking safety precautions in Philadelphia. Just taking a few extra seconds to make eye contact with an oncoming driver—or simply waiting for them to pass by—can sometimes be the difference between life and death, or at the least between an uneventful walk and a serious injury.
Watch Out for Cars Exiting Driveways or Alleys
Just like drivers on public roads, drivers who are backing out or otherwise exiting private driveways and alleys are expected to check for pedestrians before advancing and yielding to anyone walking on a sidewalk. In practice, though, drivers who are irresponsible on regular roads will often be irresponsible in this regard, too. It is crucial as a pedestrian to stay safe, pay attention, and be cautious about walking past these sorts of places in Philadelphia.
Stay as Visible as Possible
When walking in the daytime, pedestrians should do their best to avoid walking between parked cars or standing behind obstacles that might block oncoming drivers from seeing them. At nighttime, pedestrians should wear bright-colored clothing, stay in well-lit areas when possible, and—especially if they are jogging through dark streets or walking in a place without sidewalks—wear equipment like flashing headbands to make sure drivers can see them.
Always Follow Traffic Laws and Signals
This may seem self-explanatory, but a surprising number of pedestrian crashes in Philadelphia happen partially because the injured pedestrian did not take safety precautions and entered a crosswalk without a walk signal or tried to cross a street outside of a crosswalk. On top of reducing the risk of an accident happening in the first place, following pedestrian laws can also be key to ensuring that a court does not assign an injured pedestrian a percentage of comparative fault for their own injuries and reduce their damage award’s value as a result.
Talk to a Philadelphia Attorney About Pedestrian Safety Precautions
Doing the things mentioned above can significantly decrease your chances of being struck by an irresponsible driver while walking and suffering a life-changing or even life-threatening injury due to their negligence. However, there is unfortunately no way to eliminate the risk of an accident like this, which means you should also be aware of what legal rights you have in the event you get hurt by a negligent driver.
A knowledgeable lawyer from our firm can provide additional information about safety precautions for Philadelphia pedestrians as well as guidance for filing suit against a driver who irresponsibly injured you. Call today to schedule a consultation.
