Shorter Days, Fog, and Falling Leaves All Contribute to Increased Risk
For many, fall is the best time of the year. The weather’s not quite so oppressive… the leaves are turning colors. But it can also be a dangerous time, particularly for pedestrians.
Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents in the Fall
A number of factors increase the likelihood of pedestrian accidents in the fall, particularly in the early morning hours and after nightfall:
- Increased traffic on the roads—Because schools are in session, there are generally more motor vehicles and more pedestrians on the roads, particularly in the morning and afternoon.
- Decreasing hours of sunlight—As the days shorten, more pedestrians are out after dark or when there’s limited visibility.
- Fog—Particularly in the morning after a cool night, weather can dramatically hamper visibility.
- Leaves on sidewalks and pavement—Falling leaves can mask hazards, such as potholes and broken pavement, and can also affect braking distance for motorists.
What to Do If You’re Injured as a Pedestrian in a Car Accident
If you’re struck by a motor vehicle, chances are your injuries will be serious. In the immediate aftermath of an accident, your health should be your primary concern. If possible, stay where you are and do a self-assessment. Does it feel like anything is broken? Are you bleeding? Have someone immediately call 911 to get emergency medical personnel on the scene. When they arrive, defer to their experience and judgment. They’ll know if it’s in your best interest to travel to the hospital by ambulance or whether you can risk trying to leave the scene under your own power.
Even if you can walk away from the accident, you want to seek medical attention as soon as possible, at either a local emergency room, urgent care facility, or the offices of your primary care provider. When you get medical care, ask providers to document everything in writing. Be sure to tell them about anything that seems out of the ordinary. Focus on obvious injuries, such as a broken bone, but don’t neglect to mention your sore back or neck.
If there were witnesses to the accident, and you can do so safely, gather contact information, so that your attorney can contact them when preparing your case. Use your phone to get pictures of anything relevant to the accident, including your injuries, damage to the vehicle, weather conditions, and any roadway issues.
As soon as practicable, hire an experienced pedestrian accident lawyer. Your attorney will help ensure that all evidence is gathered and preserved, that you file all legal documents in a timely manner, and that you take all other steps to fully protect your rights. Your lawyer can also be your liaison and advocate with insurance companies, helping you get the benefits to which you are entitled.
Contact the Proven Pedestrian Accident Attorneys at Bailey & Galyen
At the law offices of Bailey & Galyen, we have provided effective counsel to personal injury victims throughout Texas for more than 40 years, including people hurt in car-pedestrian accidents. Since the founding of our firm, we have recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for personal injury victims throughout the Lone Star State and across the nation. We will be your advocate throughout the legal process, from the investigation of your accident to the filing of a complaint and through trial or other final resolution of your lawsuit. Contact us by e-mail or call our offices at one of the convenient locations listed below. Our phones are answered 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
