In personal injury law, pedestrian accidents are amongst the most devastating since they result in more serious personal injury. While pedestrians have the legal right-of-way at marked crosswalks, this right does not guarantee safety.
Below are key crosswalk safety tips every pedestrian should follow to reduce the risk of injury and protect their legal rights:
- Distractions such as mobile phones and loud music can reduce your awareness. Ensure that you remain alert when traversing a crosswalk.
- Even when you have a walking signal or are within a marked crosswalk, do not presume that vehicles will yield. Drivers may be distracted, impaired, or unaware of their surroundings.
- Ensure you make eye contact with drivers.
- Always stop and look left, then right, before crossing.
- Walking at a steady pace makes your movement more predictable to drivers.
- In the morning, evening, or during poor weather conditions, wearing reflective clothing can help drivers see you in time to stop safely.
- Unless the crosswalk explicitly permits cyclists to ride through it, you should dismount and walk your bike across.
If you have been involved in an incident causing you injury, it is always best to consult a professional lawyer who has experience arguing these types of claims to protect your interests. Please contact our team at JEWELL RADIMISIS JORGE LL.P for a free initial consultation at 1 (844) DIAL JRJ.