With various stay-at-home and social-distancing measures in place because of COVID-19, many of our neighbors have been spending more time outdoors. Taking an evening or early morning stroll, biking, or running have been popular activities during this time. Of course, more people outdoors also means that motorists need to be more cautious of people crossing streets and in bike lanes. Pedestrians also need to be safe while having fun or enjoying fresh air outdoors, but sometimes Maine pedestrian accidents happen even when all safety precautions are taken.
Based on a report from the Maine Bureau of Highway Safety, pedestrian crashes and fatalities in the state have remained consistent over the years. Additionally, based on a recent article, Maine has seen a rise in the number of pedestrian deaths since 2019, leading state authorities to establishing more concrete action items toward eliminating motor vehicle-related fatalities.
In an effort to address this public safety issue, the Maine Bureau of Highway Safety has begun offering grants to law enforcement in communities in the state with higher occurrences of pedestrian crashes. State authorities tasked with addressing the issue have observed various causes for the increase in numbers. Some constituents have reported that motorists driving too fast, going over speed limits. Others have urged local authorities to re-evaluate current speed limits and potentially lower them because these limits have discouraged people from wanting to take a walk or ride a bike because of safety concerns.
Maine advocates are encouraging local pedestrians to also be more proactive to better protect themselves from potential accidents. Wearing bright or reflective clothing could increase visibility to drivers, and walking facing traffic could prevent surprise collisions. However, despite additional steps that pedestrians can take, Maine’s infrastructure should be designed and be able to make residents feel safe when enjoying the outdoors, either while walking or biking. Motorists also have a responsibility to be vigilant while on the road and to exercise additional caution in evenings or during periods of low visibility.
Following a pedestrian-related accident, filing a lawsuit may be the furthest thing from an accident victim’s mind. The complexity of the legal system and the shock of the incident may feel overwhelming. However, this is why potential plaintiffs are encouraged to seek out an experienced and seasoned personal injury attorney who can advocate on their behalf.
Have You Been Injured in a Maine Pedestrian Accident?
If you or someone you know has been injured in a Maine pedestrian accident, contact the personal injury attorneys at Peter Thompson & Associates. The lawyers at our law firm have years of experience advocating on behalf of Maine injury victims and have represented clients in a variety of complex cases. Our team is committed to helping you recover the compensation you deserve. Our extensive and comprehensive understanding of state law as well as our litigation skills will be sure to put you and your loved ones at ease. We are still continuing to represent clients through the COVID-19 pandemic. Contact our office at 1-800-804-2004 to schedule a free consultation today.