Safety precautions for Huntsville pedestrians are important because an accident with a vehicle while you are on foot can lead to devastating injuries and long-lasting trauma. Taking appropriate care can help you reduce the risk of someone hitting you with their car, and when someone else’s negligence causes a crash, it helps ensure you can pursue the compensation you need.
Our experienced pedestrian accident attorneys are committed to protecting the rights of injured pedestrians. If a motorist hits you with their car while you are walking, we can guide you through filing insurance claims and help you seek maximum financial recovery.
Safety Precautions for Pedestrians
Pedestrians face significant risks when sharing the road with vehicles. When walking in and around Huntsville, you can reduce your chances of being involved in an accident by following some safety measures, including using crosswalks, staying alert, and ensuring drivers can see you.
Use Crosswalks and Pedestrian Signals
Always cross streets at designated crosswalks and obey pedestrian signals. Wait for the walk signal and ensure all traffic has stopped before stepping into the road. Crossing mid-block or against signals increases the risk of accidents, as drivers do not expect pedestrians in these locations.
Stay Visible
Wear bright or reflective clothing, especially at dawn, dusk, or night when visibility is reduced. Carry a flashlight or use the torch on your phone when walking in darkness to ensure drivers can see you from a distance.
Avoid Distractions
Avoid looking at your phone and remove your headphones while walking near traffic. Distracted pedestrians miss visual and auditory cues about approaching vehicles, traffic signals, and hazardous situations, making them vulnerable to accidents.
Make Eye Contact With Drivers
Before crossing, make eye contact with drivers to ensure they see you and acknowledge your presence. Never assume a driver will stop or yield, even when you have the right-of-way.
Walk Facing Traffic
When sidewalks aren’t available, walk on the edge of the road, facing oncoming traffic. This positioning allows you to see approaching vehicles and react quickly to dangerous situations.
Stay Alert at Intersections
Exercise extra caution at intersections where most pedestrian accidents occur. Watch for turning vehicles, as drivers often focus on other traffic rather than pedestrians, especially when making right turns on red lights.
Avoid Alcohol Impairment
Never walk near traffic while intoxicated. Alcohol impairs judgment, slows reaction time, and affects balance. Impaired pedestrians are more likely to misjudge dangerous situations, increasing the chances of a vehicle striking them.
Who Is Liable for a Pedestrian Accident?
Determining liability in accidents between pedestrians and vehicles requires examining who failed to exercise reasonable care and caution. Following safety guidelines while walking in Huntsville could reduce the chance that you will share blame for the accident. Instead, multiple other parties, including the driver, government entities, property owners, and vehicle manufacturers, may be held responsible depending on the circumstances of the crash.
The Driver
In pedestrian accidents, drivers are most commonly at fault. They may be liable when they:
- Fail to yield at crosswalks
- Speed through residential areas
- Run red lights or stop signs
- Drive while distracted or impaired
- Fail to exercise caution in areas where pedestrians are present
Driver negligence through such actions establishes their financial responsibility for the injuries and damages they cause.
Government Entities
Cities and state agencies may be liable when unsafe road conditions cause pedestrian accidents. Evidence of poor lighting, missing crosswalks, or faded markings can support a claim against the government.
Property Owners
Property owners may share responsibility when unsafe conditions force pedestrians to move toward traffic. Broken sidewalks, blocked visibility, or hazards on private property can create liability.
Vehicle Manufacturers
Manufacturers can be liable if vehicle defects contribute to a pedestrian crash. Faulty brakes, mirror defects, or failing detection systems may be used to prove a product liability claim.
Contact Us To Learn How You Can Stay Safe While Walking in Huntsville
If someone else’s actions cause a collision that harms you or a loved one, you do not have to face the aftermath alone. We could investigate your case, determine liability, and initiate a claim on your behalf.
Our experienced lawyers understand how following safety precautions for Huntsville pedestrians affects your claim, and we work to give you the best chance of a successful outcome. Contact us today to discover how we could help you.
