Advice from a New Orleans Accident Lawyer
Car crashes involving pedestrians are likely to end with severe injuries. In 2013, 4,735 pedestrians died in traffic accidents in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. That same year, more than 150,000 pedestrians received emergency treatment for non-fatal injuries.
Pedestrians have no protection from the force of a collision. However, there are steps that you can take to minimize the risk of an accident. Examples include:
- Looking both ways before crossing the road;
- Avoiding dangerous situations;
- Wearing bright clothing;
- And avoiding distractions.
If you were injured in a pedestrian crash due to a driver’s reckless behavior, contact a New Orleans car accident lawyer from Morris Bart, LLC. You may be entitled to compensation for lost income, time off work and other damages. We can help you avoid mistakes such as settling for an amount that is less than what you deserve.
Call 800-537-8185 to schedule a free consultation. Until then, read on to learn how to stay safe as a pedestrian in Louisiana:
For a free legal consultation, call 800-537-8185
Like Mom Said, Look Both Ways before Crossing
This may sound like a broken record, but it is critical that pedestrians look both ways before crossing the road. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, you should not step off the sidewalk before looking left, right and then left again.
Never assume that you are safe when crossing in front of traffic. Even if you have the right of way, the driver may be distracted or may not have seen you.
Avoid Dangerous Situations
As the saying goes, “An ounce of prevention is better than a pound of cure.” This proverb certainly applies to pedestrian accidents.
If you walk or bicycle regularly, then you should know how to identify and avoid precarious situations. Try to stay away from busy streets and roads that do not have shoulders – even if the detour is longer. Never try to cross or walk along a busy highway, and if you must cross a dangerous road, do so at an intersection.
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Wear Bright Clothing
Many pedestrian accidents happen at night when drivers have less visibility. If you are walking along the road in the evening or early morning, make sure you wear bright colors. A reflective vest or flashing lights will help you stand out even better.
Avoid Distractions
A large percentage of pedestrian accidents happen because people become distracted while walking. Although drivers who text, daydream and engage in other distracted behavior cause a multitude of accidents, distracted pedestrians are also at risk. Be vigilant when walking along or crossing a road.
Unfortunately, even the safest pedestrians can get in serious accidents. If you or a loved one was injured by a negligent driver, contact a New Orleans accident attorney from Morris Bart, LLC.
We can evaluate your case, gather evidence, structure your claim and handle settlement negotiations on your behalf. Call 800-537-8185 to schedule a free consultation and discuss your legal options.
Questions?Call 800-537-8185
to find a Morris Bart office near you.
