Pedestrian accidents may be the most devastating of all
automobile related accidents, because they involve at least one person on foot,
unprotected by a vehicle, seat belts, and airbags. When a car collides with a
pedestrian, there is an extremely high potential for serious injury, even
death.
While the driver is often to blame when a pedestrian is
hit by a vehicle, it isn't always the motorists' fault. Pedestrians can also
cause accidents. Determining fault can sometimes be a complicated process. Did
the driver run a red light? Was the driver speeding? Was the driver distracted?
Did the pedestrian wander out into traffic while texting? Could either person
have avoided the accident?
A
17-year-old Minnesota boy was struck and killed while crossing a county highway
in Minnetonka, just blocks from school. The Minnesota State Patrol reported
that around 6:20 a.m., a Nissan Munro traveling westbound hit the teen as he crossed
the highway; he was not in a crosswalk or at an intersection when he was hit.
The teen died at the scene. The driver and a passenger were not injured.
This tragedy is a good time to reiterate these pedestrian
safety tips.
-
Cross the street only at intersections or marked crosswalks
- Do not cross in the middle of a street or between cars
- Continuously watch for traffic while crossing the street
- Avoid walking on roads without sidewalks and crosswalks
- Always look both ways before crossing the street – even if it is not a busy intersection
- Do not assume that cars are driving slowly enough for you to cross or for them to stop
- Do not run or dash into the street
The investigation is ongoing. If the motorist is
determined to have been at least partially at fault, the family of the deceased
teen may be able to file a wrongful death lawsuit. While a lawsuit may be the
furthest thing from the family’s mind in the devastating aftermath, seeking
legal counsel and determining one’s rights is crucial. A personal injury
attorney can help determine who may be at fault, and decide the best course of
action in recovering the maximum compensation for damages.
Unfortunately, the legal process can drag on for years.
In order to wait for a fair settlement, yet avoid experiencing a shortfall in
finances that could lead to a significant financial hardship, a plaintiff may benefit
from litigation funding.
Litigation funding is a non-recourse cash advance meaning
if the plaintiff loses his/her case, repayment is excused. The only eligibility
requirements are attorney representation and a strong case. Applying for
funding takes less than five minutes. There are no application fees, credit
checks, employment history verifications, or monthly payments. Once we received
the application and supporting documentation, a funding decision can be made
within 24 – 48 hours.
If you are seriously injured or lose a loved one in a pedestrian-auto
accident that was not your fault (or, was only partially your fault), you may
be able to recover damages for medical bills, loss wages, pain and suffering,
loss of companionship, loss of financial support, and funeral expenses. Contact
a personal injury attorney who specializes in handling pedestrian accidents. After seeking legal representation, if you are in need help with your
short-term financial needs, contact Lawsuit
Financial.
About Lawsuit Financial
Lawsuit Financial Corporation is a
pro-justice lawsuit funding
company that seeks to educate plaintiffs and attorneys about lawsuit funding.
Our company is an attorney owned and operated full service legal finance
company recognized by attorneys nationwide as a preferred choice for legal
funding services. Mark Bello, CEO and General Counsel, is recognized as an
expert in this field, both as an underwriter of these transactions and as an
advocate for appropriate treatment of plaintiffs/clients in this industry and
in litigation.
A 12-year-old Texas girl was
on her way to school when she was hit by a car. The teen said she looked both
ways as her mother always taught her to do, but was hit by a speeding driver.
Although banged up, bruised and bandaged, she is alive and expected to make a
full recovery. Now the teen shares a simple message – Be Careful!"
Police said the teen tried to
cross the road from behind a city bus when she was hit. The driver was not
cited after police determined he was not speeding. But, what happened serves as
a safety reminder.
Any time pedestrians are on
the road, they can be at risk of an accident with a motor vehicle – even when
walking in marked crosswalks. Children and young teens don't have the same
ability to judge distances, speed, and noise direction of traffic and vehicles
as older teens and adults. Therefore, it is important to ensure that children
have a good understanding of basic street safety when walking around city
streets, especially when alone. To lessen the chances of our children becoming
an injury or death statistic, it is important not only to educate, but
continuously reinforce road safety.
Pedestrian
Safety Tips
-
Cross the street only traffic lights, pedestrian crossings or marked crosswalks; continuously watch for traffic as you cross.
- Always look both ways before crossing the street – even if it is not a busy intersection. Check right, left and right again before walking out.
- Do not cross in the middle of a street or between cars or buses; if you are getting off a bus, wait until the bus has moved away before checking for traffic.
- Never step out from behind any vehicle, such as a bus, where you can’t see the oncoming traffic.
- Always make sure a motorist is not turning even if there is a “No turn on red” sign.
- Avoid walking on roads without sidewalks and crosswalks, but if you must, walk facing traffic.
- Follow crosswalk signs/signals; do not cross when the sign reads “Do Not Walk” even if there is not oncoming traffic.
- Do not assume that cars are driving slowly enough for you to cross or for them to stop.
- Do not run or dash into the street.
- Stop and look whenever passing a driveway.
Drivers
can help too.
-
Pay attention to crosswalks; make sure pedestrians are not crossing the road before passing through the crosswalk.
- Pay attention to traffic controls.
- Yield to pedestrians already crossing the road even if not at the crosswalk.
- Be attentive especially around schools and neighborhoods where children present.
- Do not assume the pedestrian sees (or hears) you.
Most importantly to
pedestrians and drivers, alike – obey traffic laws and use common sense.
Remember, too, that safety doesn’t stop with the last school bell for the year.
Discuss pedestrian safety with your children especially during the summer
months when kids are outside with more free time.
About Lawsuit Financial
Lawsuit Financial Corporation is a
pro-justice lawsuit funding
company that seeks to educate plaintiffs and attorneys about lawsuit funding.
Our company is an attorney owned and operated full service legal finance
company recognized by attorneys nationwide as a preferred choice for legal
funding services. Mark Bello, CEO and General Counsel, is recognized as an
expert in this field, both as an underwriter of these transactions and as an
advocate for appropriate treatment of plaintiffs/clients in this industry and
in litigation.
