Walking is a great form of transportation, exercise and recreation. Whether you are walking to get to work, sightseeing, to visit a neighbor, or for exercise, it can be very dangerous because of distracted drivers who are not paying attention to the road because they are talking on their cell phones, texting, eating or drinking, or attending to a child in the back seat, adjusting the radio, or talking and looking at other occupants. When a pedestrian is hit by a car, it usually causes serious injuries because there are no physical barriers to protect the pedestrian from the car. These injuries can be broken bones, abrasions, head injuries with concussions, spinal cord injuries, severe cuts and bruises, and fatalities.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, approximately 5,000 pedestrians are killed in motor vehicle accidents each year in the United States, and approximately 69,000 others are injured.
In Massachusetts pedestrians have many rights and responsibilities. A motorist must yield to pedestrians entering or using a crosswalk in their travel path. A motorist must yield to pedestrians if their traffic signal is red or if it is red and yellow. A motorist should never pass a vehicle that is stopped or slowing for a pedestrian.
Pedestrians should use a crosswalk if one is available. Pedestrians should look both ways before crossing. At a crosswalk with pedestrian signals, the pedestrian should push the button on the pole and wait for the “Walk” signal before crossing. When the “Do Not Walk” signal is shown, you should not begin to cross; if you are already in the crosswalk, you should continue to cross to the other side. Before you cross a roadway, stop at the curb and look left and right for traffic. Be alert, be on the lookout, especially for cars turning onto the road you are crossing. Do not assume the motorist sees you. If the motorist has not stopped their vehicle, do not proceed until they have stopped, or you have made eye contact and confirmed that they see you.
Though not a rule of the road or law, it is a good idea to wear bright colored clothing when walking at night or when visibility is reduced. It is also a good idea to walk against the flow of traffic.
If you have been injured as a pedestrian, skate boarder, or roller blader, as a result of a car accident, the Brockton pedestrian accident lawyers at Sousa & Sousa, P.C. can help you recover the compensation you deserve. You are entitled to compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and property damage. We have been representing injured pedestrians for over fifty years. The Brockton pedestrian accident lawyers at Sousa & Sousa have the knowledge and experience to protect your rights and make sure you are properly compensated for your injuries. The pedestrian accident lawyers at Sousa & Sousa practice only personal injury law and are committed to defending the rights of parties injured by the negligence of others. We know that pedestrian accidents are traumatic and we are here to provide you with the highest quality legal representation. Pedestrian accident cases are handled on a contingent fee basis, which means you do not pay us unless we are successful. For a free consultation call our Brockton/Easton office at 508-230-5300 or contact us online. We are available for home or hospital consultations.