Ocala Pedestrian Accident Attorneys
Many people walk from place to place to get exercise, because they don’t have a car, or maybe for some other reason. Walking in areas where motor vehicles frequent can be very dangerous. Whether you are crossing the street, walking alongside the road, or getting across a parking lot, being a pedestrian can make you susceptible to serious accidents. Even if you are careful, you can still be a victim and suffer long-term injuries. If you are a victim, make sure you contact an Ocala pedestrian accidents attorney right away to get the compensation you deserve.
Where Do Pedestrian Accidents Happen?
Pedestrian crashes can happen anytime a person walks out onto a roadway. Urban areas tend to have more pedestrian accidents simply due to the number of people. However, rural areas tend to have more serious accidents. This is because drivers are not used to pedestrians on these country roads. There are very few crosswalks or traffic signals, making the area dangerous for pedestrians. On top of that, rural areas tend to have winding roads, and combined with high speeds and limited visibility, it’s no wonder that a pedestrian crash can be catastrophic or even fatal.
Causes of Pedestrian Accidents
While pedestrians can be liable for their accidents, many crashes are caused when motorists don’t watch the road carefully. Here are the most common causes of pedestrian crashes:
- Distracted driving. The driver was on their phone, reading, changing the radio station, checking directions, or otherwise not paying attention to the roadways.
- Failure to yield. Motor vehicles must yield to pedestrians at crosswalks. When they fail to do so, serious accidents can result.
- Turning without looking. Before turning at an intersection, drivers must be cautious and look both ways, regardless of traffic signals.
- Failure to follow speed limits. Going too fast can cause a driver to run a stop sign or stoplight and hit a pedestrian.
- Driving while under the influence. Alcohol and drugs don’t mix with driving. These substances impair your judgment and slow down your reaction time. You may not see a pedestrian, making accidents more likely to occur.
How Pedestrians Can Stay Safe
While motorists need to be aware of pedestrians, pedestrians also need to be proactive and look out for their own safety. Here are some safety tips to follow:
- Be predictable. Follow traffic signs and signals at all times.
- Use crosswalks or cross streets at intersections. This is where drivers expect pedestrians to be.
- Use sidewalks if possible.
- Stay alert. Use your eyes and ears at all times to be aware of dangers.
- Avoid alcohol and drugs. They can impair your judgment, even if you are just walking and not driving.
Contact an Ocala Pedestrian Accidents Attorney Today
Pedestrian accidents can result in major injuries. If the motorist was at fault, make sure you get the compensation you deserve.
The personal injury attorneys at Meldon Law are experienced with pedestrian accident cases and can effectively handle your claim. For a free consultation with an Ocala pedestrian accidents attorney, call our office at (800) 373-3000.
