Have you ever come close to hitting someone crossing an intersection? Are you a walker who has almost been struck by a vehicle? Do these scenarios haunt you? 
Remember, because a vehicle weighs significantly more and moves at a faster speed, pedestrian accidents can have devastating consequences leading to death and catastrophic injuries.
Each year, thousands of Americans suffer injuries and are killed in pedestrian accidents. In fact, there were more than 47,000 pedestrian accident fatalities in the U.S. from 2003 to 2012, while nearly 700,000 victims suffered injuries.
How Can I Avoid a Pedestrian Accident?
While you may not always be able to prevent a pedestrian accident from occurring, there are some steps you can take to make sure you are safer. These include:
- Avoiding distracted driving and paying attention to your surroundings
- Always using a crosswalk when one is available
- Paying attention to traffic signals, when you are both driving and walking
- Monitoring an area before moving
- Wearing reflective clothing when walking at night
Additionally, if you do happen to hit a pedestrian while driving, you should always stay at the scene of an accident. Remember, the failure to provide aide or react responsibly could end up costing a person his or her life, or result in further injuries. It could also result in criminal charges.
Speaking to a Personal Injury Attorney About a Bergen County Pedestrian Accident
Reckless drivers who cause pedestrian accidents can be held liable. Victims are often entitled to damages that can help them pay for medical care, and payments for their pain and suffering.
Kantrowitz, Goldhamer & Graifman, P.C. – Injury Lawyers
KGG’s Corner: An estimated 90 percent of traffic accidents occur in normal weather conditions (no rain or snow), according to NHTSA.