Pedestrian Accidents

Did you know that walking can be one of the most dangerous things you do?

Whenever you go for a walk, you expect to get to your destination safely. You expect drivers to pay attention, stop at stop signs, obey the speed limit, and drive safely. Unfortunately, that's not always the case.

In 2009, 4,092 people in the U.S. lost their lives after being struck by a vehicle- that's an average of almost 11 people every day. What's even more alarming is that number doesn't include the 59,000 individuals who were forced to live with severe and life altering injuries.*

Frequently caused by careless drivers who fail to yield to pedestrians, pedestrian accidents often result in catastrophic personal injuries, such as traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury, and even death. Whenever you go for a walk, be sure to stay alert and watch for inattentive drivers. Paying careful attention could save your life, but sometimes paying careful attention isn't enough to protect yourself against a fast moving vehicle. If the unthinkable ever does happen, and you or a loved one are involved in a pedestrian accident, let the attorneys at the Womac Law Firm fight for you.

Some of the most common causes of pedestrian accidents include:

  • Driver distractions (using cell phone/playing with the radio)
  • Failure to yield the right of way
  • Failure to stop at a cross walk, stop sign, or red light
  • Speeding

Things to do immediately after you are involved in a pedestrian accident:

    • Do not leave the scene of the accident
      Even a minor accident can cause serious injuries, so remain at the scene of the accident until police and help arrive.
    • Check for injuries
      If you or someone else is injured, call an ambulance immediately. Be sure to note the location of the accident so that the ambulance dispatcher can send help quickly.
    • Call the police
      Always call the police after an auto accident, especially if you or someone else has been injured. Police officers will gather information, investigate the accident, determine who was at fault for the accident, and write an official police report. The police report will help your insurance claim and any liability claims. Be sure to note the officer's name and badge number, and ask the officer how to get a copy of the police report.
    • Get as much information as you can
      The police will gather information from the parties involved and write a report, but you should always make sure to gather as much information as you can while at the scene of the accident.

      Always be sure to get the following information:

      1. Drivers- get the name, address, telephone number, driver's license number, and insurance information.
      2. Passengers- get the name, address and telephone number of every passenger.
      3. Witnesses- get the name, telephone number, and address of all witnesses.
      4. Owner- if someone other than the driver owns the vehicle that hit you, make sure to get the name, address, telephone number, and insurance information of the owner of the vehicle as well.
      5. Photographs- use your cell phone to photograph the accident scene and all of the vehicles involved.
    • Do not admit responsibility
      When you exchange information with the other driver and give the facts to the police, don't admit responsibility for the accident. The things you say can be used against you. You might think you were responsible for the accident and later learn that the other driver caused it or that the other driver was equally at fault. Cooperate with the police and provide them with the necessary information.
    • Seek medical attention
      You should consider seeing a doctor after a pedestrian accident. Even a seemingly minor auto accident can cause serious injuries. The doctor might recognize injuries that are not apparent to you and will document those injuries.
    • Contact the Womac Law Firm
      If you've been involved in a pedestrian accident, your lawyer can advise you about your rights and responsibilities. The sooner you contact us the better because witnesses may forget the details of the accident and evidence may be lost if you wait too long to get started on your case. The attorneys at the Womac Law Firm are well trained in dealing with insurance companies and will fight hard to get you every dollar you deserve for your medical bills, lost wages, property damage, and your pain and suffering.

Whether your pedestrian accident case involves a bus, car, truck, motorcycle or other type of motor vehicle, the Womac Law Firm will fight to hold negligent, reckless or careless motorists accountable. No one wants to pay, someone has to make them. Let us fight to make it right for you.

If you've been injured in a pedestrian accident, call or email the Womac Law Firm today and let us "Put the Womac on 'Em". Our team of attorneys will fight hard to get you every dollar you deserve for your medical bills, lost wages, property damage, and your pain and suffering.

*NHTSA Traffic Safety Facts, http://www.nhtsa.gov/Pedestrians