Connecticut drivers may be interested to learn that there has been a rise in pedestrian deaths over the last few years. While the increase in pedestrian deaths could be due to certain road factors, there are some things that pedestrians can do to reduce the risk of becoming involved in a fatal pedestrian accident.
There are several reasons why the number of pedestrian deaths may have increased. Some high-traffic areas may lead to drivers that may not notice pedestrians among the congestion. One study, for example, found that the number of pedestrian accidents increased with the addition of a new traffic lane. Further, road design can also increase the number of pedestrian fatalities. Since roads are designed to keep the traffic moving, high speeds and few crosswalks can make it more dangerous for pedestrians to actually get across the street.
Pedestrians can take steps to keep themselves safe and minimize the risk of becoming involved in an accident. For example, they should always only cross the streets at crosswalks and watch for turning vehicles. They can also increase their visibility by wearing bright colors even during the day. Motorists should always be on the lookout for pedestrians, especially if the roads are congested or there are many places where pedestrians could attempt to cross the street.
When people become involved in auto-pedestrian accidents, they are at serious risk for suffering life-altering or even fatal injuries. This is due to the fact that pedestrians have no protection against the forces involved in accidents involving automobiles. A personal injury attorney could negotiate with the insurance company to obtain compensation that covers the pedestrian’s medical bills and future medical bills, especially if the pedestrian was left with life-altering injuries. In the event that the insurance company refuses to offer fair compensation, the attorney may litigate in order to seek the maximum in compensation.
