3 most common causes of pedestrian accidents

Being a pedestrian, especially around busy roads and cities, can be dangerous if you are not aware of your surroundings. It is imperative that you understand and follow all traffic laws and safety suggestions set forth in Colorado for pedestrians to avoid potential accidents, or at least so you know you did everything you could to be safe while walking. 

Here are three of the most common pedestrian accidents to be alert for the next time you go for a walk. 

1. Driver turns into a pedestrian crossing the street at an intersection

Sometimes, it is difficult to tell which way a pedestrian is going to go at an intersection. With drivers becoming more impatient, they may look for other vehicles and miss pedestrians in the street. 

2. Distracted driver does not look for pedestrians in crosswalks

Distracted driving is becoming a more serious problem as people continue to check their phones and text while on the road. Always be sure that drivers see you and stop before you begin crossing the road. As well, be sure to cross at crosswalks in busy areas of town. If a driver hits you after you suddenly cross a busy street, an insurance company or judge could consider you at least partially at fault for the accident if you did not use a crosswalk. Be sure you are aware of all Colorado’s pedestrian laws. 

3. Driver fails to stop at a traffic light or stop sign

There are times when drivers completely miss stop signs. Or, if they do see them, they do not completely stop, even with pedestrians present. You must be sure a driver sees you before you step into the road. If you are at an intersection with walk signals, be sure to carefully follow them, and do not cross while using your phone. 

Every year in the United States, 5,000 pedestrians die, and about 70,000 become injured. If you become injured in a pedestrian accident that was only partially your fault or completely not your fault, understand your rights to fair compensation by the other party so you can pay your medical bills and fully recover.