Pedestrian Safety Tips for Chicago-area Residents

 Posted on April 11,2019 in Pedestrian Accidents

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), nearly 6,000 pedestrians were fatally injured after being struck by motor vehicles in 2016 throughout the United States. Over that same time period, more than 120,000 additional pedestrians suffered injuries that required medical treatment. In a large percentage of the motor vehicle collisions involving pedestrians, the collision only occurred due to the reckless actions of the driver. If you or a loved one were injured after being struck by a car, you are likely entitled to injury compensation.

At Risk Victims of Pedestrian Accidents  

Unfortunately, the most vulnerable members of our society are statistically more likely to be involved in a pedestrian accident. Both children and the elderly are commonly injured after being struck by motor vehicles. According to the CDC, approximately 20 percent of all pedestrians fatally injured in 2016 were people over the age of 65. Elderly Americans are prone to pedestrian accidents due in large part to diminished mobility and vision. Tragically, thousands of children are also injured each year after being struck by a car. 

How to Avoid an Accident 

As mentioned above, many pedestrian accidents are the fault of the driver, but there are steps you can take to ensure you and your family remain safe while walking in urban areas. If you are traveling with children or elderly family members, help them cross the street, and keep an eye on them at all times. Also, do not look at your cell phone while crossing an intersection. If you are walking or jogging at night, make sure to only cross the street at marked crosswalks, and wear bright colors. Lastly, while walking after drinking is safer than driving, drinking can impact your decision making, reaction time, and general judgment. Approximately 33 percent of all pedestrians killed throughout 2016 had a blood alcohol content over the legal driving limit of .08.  

Contact a Waukegan Pedestrian Accident Lawyer 

When a pedestrian is struck by a motor vehicle, the injuries suffered can be incredibly severe. With no protection, in the event of a collision, pedestrians commonly suffer broken bones, traumatic brain injuries, and damage to the spinal cord. The physical, emotional, and financial toll can be overwhelming. Fortunately, the skilled legal team at Salvi & Maher, LLC can help you secure the injury compensation you are entitled to. To schedule a free consultation with a Lake County personal injury attorney, contact us today at 847-662-3303. 

Sources:

https://www.cdc.gov/motorvehiclesafety/pedestrian_safety/index.html