When a driver is careless, pedestrians in their path may be at risk of peril. Drivers who are texting, intoxicated behind the wheel, distracted, or engaging in other dangerous behaviors can be held legally liable if they strike and injure a pedestrian. However, pedestrians also have a legal duty of care to observe to ensure they do not cause or contribute to a roadway collision.
Understanding safety precautions for Las Vegas pedestrians can help you stay safe and help you do your part to prevent an accident. If you have already been involved in a pedestrian collision caused by a negligent driver, you should consider speaking to an attorney who could assess your legal right to recover compensation.
Staying Safe as a Pedestrian
Pedestrian accidents can have devastating and deadly consequences. While no one can plan for a negligent driver, there are safety precautions Las Vegas pedestrians can take to reduce risk when walking on or near roadways, in parking lots, and other areas where vehicles typically travel.
Pedestrians should use designated walking paths or sidewalks at any point where they are available. When crossing an intersection where lights are installed, pedestrians should only continue through to the other side of the intersection when the light signals indicate they can go and where the pedestrian path is outlined.
Pedestrians should look both ways before they cross the street, even if they do not see vehicles in the immediate vicinity and appear to have the right of way. There are certain areas that you should avoid transiting as a pedestrian, including walking along roadways that are not designed for pedestrian use or alongside freeways where no designated pedestrian walkway exists.
Moreover, as a pedestrian, you should make yourself as visible as possible. This could mean wearing bright colors or reflective gear when running or walking at night to ensure that passing motorists are alerted to your presence.
Avoid taking any substance that would impair your judgment or perception. If you are transiting an area on foot where a crosswalk or intersection is not immediately available, try to use a well-lit area. When crossing through parking lots, you should also watch for moving vehicles to ensure you can cross the area safely.
Legal Options After a Serious Pedestrian Accident
Even if you adhere to all pedestrian safety precautions, collisions in Las Vegas still can and do happen. If you or someone you know has suffered an injury as a pedestrian hit by a car, you may be entitled to file a personal injury claim to compensate you for monetary damages.
If you can, collect the driver’s insurance information and contact information for any witnesses after the crash. Preserve any documents or photos of your injuries, the accident, and other details that could prove crucial to pursuing a subsequent personal injury case.
Of course, the most important consideration should be your physical health and well-being. If you do not require emergency medical care, you should still see a doctor who can evaluate and document your injuries. Our dedicated attorneys at Shook & Stone could help you pursue all legal options after a serious pedestrian accident.
This could include filing an insurance claim with the at-fault party’s insurer, negotiating an out-of-court settlement, or filing a civil lawsuit against the responsible party. You could receive compensation for your pain, suffering, medical bills, wage loss, and other damages from the wreck.
Contact a Las Vegas Pedestrian Accident Attorney if a Negligent Driver Violated Safety Precautions and Injured You
Even if you follow all possible safety precautions for Las Vegas pedestrians, there may be little you can do if you encounter a reckless motorist. Even if a passenger vehicle travels at relatively low speeds, a collision with a pedestrian passing by can inflict severe, lasting injuries.
The compassionate attorneys at Shook & Stone could investigate legal responsibility for your claim and fight to recover compensation for the losses you have sustained. Our knowledgeable lawyers could advise if you have a claim, who might be at fault, and the extent of the compensation you might be entitled to recover. Contact our experienced team of legal professionals today to learn more about your rights and options.
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