No matter how vigilant someone is when crossing the street, collisions can still occur. Accidents involving those walking to work or visiting a local store are most commonly associated with these forms of mishaps. In those situations, pedestrians have a responsibility to protect themselves.
However, some pedestrians take a risk when walking on major highways or trying to quickly cross a busy road. These situations create the possibility of more severe and potentially fatal injuries.
When a pedestrian may find themselves on a highway
While not the best of decisions, there may be a good reason to walk along the shoulder of an interstate, provided that the pedestrian is adhering to the highest standards of safety. A suddenly stalled vehicle could result in a driver walking along the side of the road in search of help, many times in the dark. Those who arrive to repair a non-working vehicle or push it out of the way of speeding cars can find themselves involved in collisions of their own. At night, there may be more drivers who are sleep deprived or under the influence of alcohol or drugs, further increasing the risks.
These situations represent the most common type of pedestrian accidents, particularly when it comes to poor lighting or distracted driving. Statistics show that these scenarios account for 90 percent of crashes.
In addition to drivers, those responsible for highway maintenance, construction, and repairs must also exercise a reasonable amount of care and account for the possibility of a pedestrian traversing the busy road, even if it’s not allowed.
Regardless of where a pedestrian accident occurs, victims may have the right to pursue compensation for the severe injuries they suffered or those who lost a loved one in a collision.
