Summerville Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
Pedestrians in Summerville enjoy options for walking on neighborhood roads for recreation, exercise, and for transportation. While there are sidewalks in Summerville, there are not enough for it to feel like a truly pedestrian-friendly place, and pedestrians are often injured in serious accidents. Indeed, South Carolina has a particularly high rate of pedestrian injuries and deaths, and it is critical to know about options if you or someone you love sustains serious or fatal injuries in a collision involving an automobile. An attorney can help you after a pedestrian accident occurs. Contact our experienced Summerville pedestrian accident lawyer today.
Summerville Pedestrian Accidents Facts and Figures
Pedestrian accidents typically occur in collisions involving motor vehicles, or in accidents that happen while pedestrians are walking on sidewalks due to collisions with bicyclists or trip and fall risks, or in other pedestrian-friendly areas, such as in shopping centers or public parks when there are hazards in the walking path. By and large, debilitating and deadly pedestrian injuries are linked to collisions with motor vehicles, which are often caused by negligent drivers. The following are some key facts and figures concerning pedestrian accidents and injuries from the National Safety Council (NSC) and NPR:
- On average, 20 people are killed in pedestrian accidents involving motor vehicles each day in the US;
- More than 7,500 pedestrians sustain fatal injuries in collisions, which is the highest this rate has been in more than 30 years;
- More than 80 percent of pedestrian fatalities occur in urban settings, and more than 76 percent occur at areas other than intersections;
- Less than 20 percent of pedestrian injuries and fatalities occur during daylight hours, and rather most occur at dusk, dawn, or after dark;
- Pedestrian injuries are most common on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays; and
- Sun belt — states across the southern US, including South Carolina — have a higher rate of pedestrian injuries and deaths than other states in the country.
Preventing Pedestrian Accidents in Summerville
Pedestrians in Summerville should not have to fear for their safety when they walk, but it is important to remember just how dangerous walking can be when sharing the road with motor vehicles. What can pedestrians do to stay safe? The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) emphasizes that both drivers and pedestrians can take steps to make it safer for people to travel by foot. The following are key tips for pedestrians to help avoid an automobile collision and serious injuries:
- Obey all road signs;
- Always walk on sidewalks when they are available, and if they are not, walk in the direction of traffic (facing oncoming traffic) and as far from the traffic as you can;
- Always cross at a crosswalk if one is available, and always cross at an intersection;
- Look both ways, and again, before crossing a street, and try to make eye contact with the driver of any oncoming vehicles if possible;
- If you need to cross at a non-intersection, cross in an area that is well-lit and where there is a gap in traffic;
- Never walk after consuming alcohol;
- Avoid distractions while walking, including texting while walking, listening to music, or even talking to another person without paying attention to your surroundings.
Contact The Stanley Law Group Today
After a serious pedestrian accident, it is important to seek legal advice about your options for obtaining compensation. Negligent drivers are often accountable when a pedestrian is injured in a collision, and holding that driver accountable can allow you to obtain damages and to begin healing. Contact our experienced Summerville pedestrian accident lawyer today for more information.
