2 Questions You May Have About Pedestrian Auto Accidents

For those living in large cities, it is usually far easier to walk to their destination than to drive. As a result, there are often far more pedestrians that drivers must be aware of when operating a car. Unfortunately, drivers are not always cautious, and as a result, there are many pedestrians that are hit each year. If you have been the victim of this type of accident, you will likely have a few questions you would like answered.

What If The Accident Happened Outside A Crosswalk?

Whenever you are crossing the street, it is legally required to use the nearest crosswalk. However, there are many areas where this may not be possible or practical. Luckily, if you are hit outside of a crosswalk, you may still be able to pursue damages against the other person. 

Drivers are expected and required to exhibit caution when they are operating a vehicle. Unless the pedestrian darts in front of the vehicle, the driver is generally expected to yield to the pedestrian, and as a result, striking a pedestrian can result in the driver being liable for any injuries suffered. 

Should You Obtain A Police Report If Your Injuries Seem Minor?

There are many instances where the accident may seem minor. Often, the pedestrian will be able to simply get off the ground and walk away. However, this does not mean that you should forgo getting an accident report following the incident. Unfortunately, this is a mistake that many people make that can significantly hinder their ability to pursue legal action. 

It is not unusual for injuries to take several days to start showing symptoms, and this is particularly true for neck and back injuries. As a result, you should never assume that you are injury free following this type of an accident. A police report will make it easier for you to pursue legal action against the other party if you so decide. It will also represent an official account of the incident, which can prove invaluable during court proceedings. 

Walking around town is not something that should normally carry much risk, but there is a chance that a careless driver may one day hit you. When this unfortunate event occurs, you can face major injuries and steep medical bills, but as an accident victim, you have important rights that you must fight to protect. Understanding these two issues that arise from these personal injury cases will help you better protect yourself following these events. If you're looking for a personal injury attorney in your area, visit Randall A. Wolff & Associates, Ltd.

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