Maine Injury Lawyer Blog
Since you were a child, you’ve probably been told to look left, look right, and then to look left again before crossing the street. Especially on busy, congested roadways, pedestrians must exercise extra caution and proactively avoid cars while crossing the street. Sometimes, however, even the most diligent pedestrians end up in devastating accidents. Whether the driver doesn’t see the pedestrian in a blind spot or isn’t paying attention to the road, a Maine pedestrian accident can cause devastating consequences.
For example, according to a recent news report, a 27-year-old Maine woman was killed by a car while crossing a crosswalk. According to local authorities, the driver was also injured and transported to a local hospital after the incident. The crash is still under investigation.
Pedestrian deaths are on the rise in Maine. According to the Maine Bureau of Highway Safety, pedestrian deaths tripled between 2018 and 2019. In response, public safety officials claim that pedestrians and drivers have important roles in making the streets safer. For example, pedestrians should wear bright and reflective clothing for increased visibility for drivers, especially at night. Crossing the street at designated crosswalk areas, authorities suggest, can also decrease the likelihood of accidents.
In addition, drivers can be more proactive while navigating the road, especially when the weather is bad or there is low visibility. For instance, because of Maine’s heavy snowfall, sidewalks can sometimes be blocked by snow and force pedestrians to walk on the street. If pedestrians have to walk on the street, officials warn, they should walk while facing traffic so that drivers and the pedestrians individually can remain vigilant.
Drivers should also always give pedestrians at crosswalks the right of way. Using crosswalks can also be safer for pedestrians because traffic devices tell pedestrians when it is safe to cross. In the absence of a traffic device, check and then double-check before crossing, especially at night or in times of low visibility.
If you are injured by a vehicle in a pedestrian accident, you should take a number of steps following the collision. Immediately after the crash, it is advised to call the local police to report the accident, to take photographs of the scene, and document any pertinent details like the car that hit you and the driver’s information. Because injuries following pedestrian incidents can often be serious, even if they initially do not seem to be, it is crucial to seek medical attention immediately.
Do You Need a Maine Pedestrian Accident Attorney?
If you or someone you love has been recently involved in a Maine pedestrian accident, contact the experienced lawyers at Peter Thompson & Associates. Following an incident, contacting an attorney may be the furthest thing in your mind—however, time is of the essence. To learn more about how you can hold negligent drivers accountable for their actions, and to schedule a free consultation with our dedicated Maine injury lawyers, call us at 1-800-804-2004 today. Calling is free, and we will not bill you for any of our services unless we can help you recover for your injuries.