Walking, jogging, and biking are excellent for your health and a low-cost form of transportation. Unfortunately, pedestrian accidents, leading to severe and life-threatening or fatal injuries, are a significant concern in Joliet, as there have been many incidents in recent years.
If you or someone close to you sustained severe injuries because of another person’s negligence, you have options. Tort laws allow you to hold them accountable and cover the financial damages. Contact a hard-working Joliet pedestrian accident lawyer with questions or for help with a case. Our experienced personal injury attorney is here to assist.
Typical Causes of Pedestrian Accidents
Poor visibility, particularly during the early morning or evening hours, contributes to the risk of pedestrian accidents. Other common causes include the following:
- High-speed driving, whether driving over the speed limit or during poor weather and road conditions
- Motorist distractions, such as talking on the phone or texting
- Failing to come to a complete stop at traffic signs or signals in intersections while pedestrians are crossing
- Going around other vehicles stopped in intersections
- Poor infrastructure, such as unmarked crosswalks or lack of paths and sidewalks
A knowledgeable Joliet pedestrian accident attorney understands how these incidents occur and could help build a solid case to obtain the maximum potential payout for damages.
Driver Awareness and Caution
Driver awareness and caution are crucial for preventing accidents involving automobiles and people on foot. Aware motorists constantly look for vulnerable pedestrians or cyclists near them and scan their surroundings. This is particularly true in intersections and crosswalks with a high number of pedestrians.
Reducing vehicle operator distractions that divert their attention from safe driving, such as texting or making phone calls, is also vital. Remaining alert while behind the wheel can help improve reaction times when something unexpected occurs and prevent collisions with deadly consequences.
Vigilance to Prevent Injuries and Improve Safety
Pedestrian vigilance is also critical in preventing life-altering roadway events. While drivers must remain alert and aware of their surroundings, everyone is essential in improving road safety. Those on foot should avoid distractions, remain alert to their surroundings, and be ready to act if necessary to protect themselves from harm.
Pedestrian Safety
Pedestrians, including anyone walking or jogging, are common in Illinois, even in the state’s more rural areas. According to the Illinois Department of Transportation, vehicle operators and pedestrians share responsibility for traffic and roadway safety.
While motorists should always be ready to stop or yield the right-of-way to people crossing the street on foot, pedestrians should remain on the safety of the sidewalk when cars are approaching. Pedestrians must act responsibly and obey traffic signals, and drivers must yield to those already crossing the road as they approach. According to the agency, people on foot can help prevent accidents by remaining alert and doing the following:
- Walking as far on the shoulder as possible when there is no sidewalk
- Remain as close to the outside of the road when there is no shoulder
- Yield to approaching vehicles
- Never travel by foot when impaired by drugs or alcohol
- Use tunnels and overhead crossing paths when available
- Always yield to authorized emergency vehicles
A pedestrian accident lawyer in Joliet could investigate whether the driver violated state traffic laws and gather the necessary evidence to establish fault.
Schedule a Consultation With a Pedestrian Accident Attorney in Joliet
An accident with a vehicle can leave pedestrians with life-altering injuries, unable to work, and requiring long-term medical care. When the damages occur because of someone else’s carelessness, personal injury laws allow you to pursue legal action to obtain a settlement from the liable party.
Our dedicated Joliet pedestrian accident lawyer could help you navigate the process and collect the fair settlement you need and deserve. Call today to schedule an appointment.
