Pedestrian accidents are all too common in Orange County and all through California. With the walkability of many popular areas (Newport Beach, Laguna Beach, Downtown Orange, San Clemente, and more), many individuals choose to enjoy these locations on foot. But not without risk — according to the NHTSA, pedestrians were one of the few groups of road users to experience an increase in fatalities in the United States in 2016 (the last year surveyed).
Pedestrian safety tips
If you do decide to enjoy Orange County on foot, consider these pedestrian safety tips, courtesy of the NHTSA:
10 Walking Safety Tips
- Be predictable. Follow the rules of the road and obey signs and signals.
- Walk on sidewalks whenever they are available.
- If there is no sidewalk, walk facing traffic and as far from traffic as possible.
- Keep alert at all times; don’t be distracted by electronic devices that take your eyes (and ears) off the road.
- Whenever possible, cross streets at crosswalks or intersections, where drivers expect pedestrians. Look for cars in all directions, including those turning left or right.
- If a crosswalk or intersection is not available, locate a well-lit area where you have the best view of traffic. Wait for a gap in traffic that allows enough time to cross safely; continue watching for traffic as you cross.
- Never assume a driver sees you. Make eye contact with drivers as they approach to make sure you are seen.
- Be visible at all times. Wear bright clothing during the day, and wear reflective materials or use a flashlight at night.
- Watch for cars entering or exiting driveways, or backing up in parking lots.
- Avoid alcohol and drugs when walking; they impair your abilities and your judgment.
And if you or a loved one is injured in a pedestrian accident, know that California law and our experienced accident attorneys are on your side.
Financial Recovery After a Pedestrian Accident
Economic Damages
Since pedestrians often suffer serious injuries in auto pedestrian accident, medical bills alone can be in the hundreds of thousands of dollars. If you were inured by someone else’s negligence, you should not get stuck with paying all of these bills. In a personal injury lawsuit, you could seek compensation for past and future hospital bills, physical rehabilitation, surgeries, medications, live-in care, medical devices, and other medical costs relating to the injuries.
You will likely also have to take time of work to recover, and these lost wages are also something you could be compensated for.
Non-Economic Damages
Pedestrian accidents cannot only result in a great deal of physical pain and suffering, but mental anguish as well. Physical pain and emotional suffering are non-economic losses for which it can be difficult to assign a monetary value. The severity of most pedestrian collisions often results in thousands of dollars’ worth of pain and suffering damages – especially if the victim has post-traumatic stress disorder, a brain injury, or chronic pain.
What Next
If you or a loved has been injured in a pedestrian accident in Orange County, do not delay in seeking the best legal counsel. Contact our experienced accident attorneys today for a free, no obligation consultation.