Three Types of Pedestrians Most At Risk

With the holidays upon us, a lot of cities will be seeing increasing numbers of visitors lured by the area's attractions. While a lot of people vacation at popular spots throughout the area, many ultimately make their way into downtown areas. Unfortunately, with the increased numbers of individuals from out of town walking and driving city streets, there is an increased risk of pedestrian accidents and injuries. Whether you are a local or simply visiting for the day, it is important to be aware of the most common types of pedestrians associated with these accidents, as well as the steps you can take to keep you and your loved ones safe.

There are three types of people most likely to suffer significant, potentially deadly injuries in pedestrian accidents.

Children

Whether as the result of playing ball, chasing friends, or just being distracted by something on the other side of the street, children are amongst the most likely pedestrians to bolt from between parked vehicles or forget to look both ways before crossing the street, making them among the most likely candidates for pedestrian accidents and also injuries. Motorists are encouraged to be on the lookout for young ones when traveling through family neighborhoods or near popular kids' attractions, such as schools, parks and playgrounds. Parents are advised to teach their children the rules involving road safety, including teaching them to always look right, then left, then right again before crossing, and to cross at designated crosswalks to prevent injuries that could lead to major disabilities and even fatalities.

Older Adults

While lots of older adults and senior citizens are active and use walking as a way to maintain their health and energy, unfortunately, they are also among the most likely to be seriously hurt in pedestrian accidents. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, older adults are more likely to take medications and to have various prescriptions for drugs that can impair their judgment, dexterity, and reaction times. Motorists are advised to be on the lookout for seniors walking across parking lots, or in and near intersections. Slow down and be prepared to wait to allow older adults more time to cross safely. If you have an aging loved one that enjoys walking, offer to accompany them, or take them to a neighborhood park or mall to make sure they get their exercise safely.

People Who Are Intoxicated

While there is nothing inherently wrong with people wanting to go out for a night or hang out with friends, it is important to remember not to overdo it when it involves drinking alcohol. In addition to drunk driving accidents, alcohol has a significant effect on your judgement when walking, and drunk people are among the most likely to suffer severe injuries and even fatalities in pedestrian accidents. If you are out for a night, be careful of how much you consume, and if you have a friend who is intoxicated, offer to accompany them home, rather than just taking their keys or letting them walk home themselves.

Get Help with Your Case

Your personal injury lawyerwill offer you a free consultation to go over the conditions of your case. Among the most important matters is the statute of limitations for filing a claim. If you are well within the deadlines, your lawyer will then begin settlement negotiations with the liable party. When everyone involved agrees on the correct amount to receive, the case ends quickly and smoothly. However, in some circumstances, your case may need to go to court. Therefore, your lawyer will put things in motion after filing the complaint, including evidence gathering, depositions, finding experts, and so forth.

If you or somebody you care about is injured in a pedestrian accident, call the Law Offices of Tim D. Wright. Our skilled best pedestrian accident lawyer can help you get the compensation you need to heal from your injuries, either through an insurance claim or by filing a personal injury lawsuit against an at fault party.