Walking in the Dallas–Fort Worth area means taking extra care, as sadly, the metro area is one of the state’s hotspots for pedestrian fatalities, and the police have posted on social media to warn walkers and drivers alike of the dangers. Everyone, from children to older adults, could use a refresher in safety precautions for Mesquite pedestrians. Our pedestrian accident attorneys handle cases for survivors of motor vehicle accidents who face complex medical outcomes, and we understand that a life-changing injury can occur in a matter of seconds. Here is what to know about safety measures and how they can affect an injury claim.
How Can Walkers Stay Safe in Our City?
Whenever possible, Mesquite pedestrians should avoid certain situations for their safety. These include:
- Walking while intoxicated
- Walking on a road without sidewalks
- Walking in dark or poorly lit areas where it is harder for you to be seen
- Wearing dark or non-contrasting clothing when light conditions are poor
- Using a phone while walking, as distraction can be dangerous for pedestrians as well as drivers
If you are on foot, you should be especially cautious when crossing intersections, passing through parking lots, or walking along a road with a high posted speed limit. Stay aware of traffic lights, drivers, motorcycles, and conditions on the road. You should not try to cross against the light or a car’s right-of-way.
When the Worst Happens: Pedestrian Accidents
When a car hits a pedestrian, the driver needs to stop, offer help, and give their insurance information. Unfortunately, when a walker is the injured party, hit-and-run accidents are common. If you have been harmed as a pedestrian, you should talk to nearby witnesses and get their information to help you understand what happened, whether or not the car stops as it should.
Even a slight impact from a car calls for immediate medical help. It is not always possible for injured people to tell when internal trauma causes bleeding that could be fatal. Injuries to the muscles and skeletal system can also lead to months or years of pain and impairment when you do not get the proper treatment.
If you have auto insurance, your policy may also cover you even when you are on foot. As a safety precaution, if you sustained injuries in a pedestrian accident in Mesquite, avoid making any statements about what happened to an insurance representative before talking to an attorney. Even someone on foot can share legal responsibility for an accident, and if they do, they could have serious trouble getting the help and compensation they need to recover.
What Injuries Are Common After a Pedestrian Accident?
Pedestrian accident survivors often suffer catastrophic injuries, permanent or significant life-altering physical traumas. Common injuries include:
Catastrophic injuries can require years of recovery and expensive medical treatment. In that time, patients rarely make the same income they relied on before sustaining their injuries.
When a pedestrian is severely injured, some auto insurers may try to avoid paying this kind of claim by finding legal fault with the pedestrian. If a pedestrian is more than half responsible for the accident, they could lose their right to seek compensation. As a preventive measure, a Mesquite pedestrian should discuss their case with an experienced attorney.
Call Our Mesquite Team to Discuss How Pedestrian Safety Measures May Affect Your Claim
Our firm does not take every case—we focus on complex injuries and difficult accidents that need attorneys who are willing to fight for what is right. We will not hesitate to take a case to court if an auto insurer fails to treat the claim with the dignity it deserves. Safety precautions for Mesquite pedestrians are not always enough, and when a driver puts lives at risk, we are here. Contact Ted Lyon Law today to schedule a free consultation about your case.
