Motorists aren't the only ones who make use of roadways; pedestrians also cross streets, make use of sidewalks, and otherwise end up near the road as well. Through reckless action, a vehicle-pedestrian collision may occur. When this happens, serious injuries can happen - especially for pedestrians for whom even a minor impact from a vehicle can result in serious personal injury that requires medical treatment. In such cases, it's important to contact a skilled Montana pedestrian accident lawyer.
According to the Pedestrian and Bicycle Information Center, 14% of all traffic fatalities are for pedestrians, as opposed to drivers or passengers in vehicles. In 2015, over 5,000 pedestrians died in automotive accidents. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates that pedestrians are 1.5 times more likely to die in a car crash than vehicle occupants.
In Montana, roughly 10% of all traffic fatalities are pedestrians. These pedestrian accidents were more likely to occur at non-intersections, at night, or during low-light conditions. Other pedestrian accidents occur at both intersections and other locations, such as parking lots and bicycle lanes.
Both motorists and pedestrians can be at fault for pedestrian accidents. In Montana, pedestrians have the right-of-way in crosswalks and places where traffic signals are not in place. Everyone has a right to safely traverse roads, but that involves giving due consideration to motorists and pedestrians alike. Common causes of pedestrian accidents include:
If either a driver of a motor vehicle or pedestrian acts outside of the expected right-of-way, a collision may occur. Because they may not fully understand traffic laws, children often enter roads at unpredictable times. However, drivers are also expected to exercise caution when children are present, especially in areas near schools and parks.
While drivers should exert caution when driving, pedestrians can also do their part to avoid pedestrian accidents. Some safety tips include:
Paying attention to the surrounding area is essential for both motorists and pedestrians. When everyone has an eye on the road, it's easier to prevent collisions.
If you are injured in a pedestrian accident, you may be facing extensive damages. It can be hard to take appropriate action, especially in such a stressful situation. If possible, you should:
Not all pedestrians can take these steps right away, especially at the scene of the pedestrian accident. Anyone who knows the injured pedestrian should complete these steps on his or her behalf, as having this information will make it easier to pursue a personal injury claim, if necessary.
Pedestrian accidents can alter someone's life. Some injuries will never fully heal, and victims may need to spend substantial time in the hospital to recover, creating medical bills and resulting in lost wages. If you or a loved one has been involved in a pedestrian accident, having a lawyer on your side can help you receive proper compensation.
The Billings and Helena personal injury lawyers at the law firm of Odegaard Injury Lawyers have been protecting Montana residents for 100+ years. Our skilled team of Montana personal injury lawyers can help evaluate your case and inform you of your rights. Contact us for a free strategy session today.
Giving it all it takes to maximize our client’s recovery. Read our case results to see how we’ve recovered millions for injury victims. If you’ve been injured due to someone else’s negligence, turn to a firm with a history of success.
It is critical that you work with an attorney who has the experience, knowledge, and skill to handle cases involving both commercial and personal vehicle accidents. And, it is critical you hire an attorney who knows, thoroughly, the injury laws in Montana.
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