At this time of year, when weather changes for the worse and the number of daylight hours decreases, pedestrians in BC are almost twice as likely to be injured in car accidents
Each year 1,120 pedestrians in BC are injured in car accidents between October and January. The number of pedestrians who sustain personal injury in car accidents drops to 640 between May and August. Given the increased risk to pedestrians at this time of year, ICBC launched a month-long safety campaign warning drivers and pedestrians to watch out for each other. ICBC and community policing volunteers will be handing out reflectors in high pedestrian traffic areas to help pedestrians stay visible.
Did you know that pedestrians in BC are nearly twice as likely to be injured in a car accident?
To coincide with the annual spike in pedestrian accidents, our team of personal injury lawyers prepared this list of tips to prevent pedestrian-car accidents:
Most collisions (69%) between motor vehicles and pedestrians happen at intersections. Both drivers and pedestrians should exercise increased caution when approaching and crossing intersections. If a vehicle is stopped in the lane ahead or to your side, keep in mind that they may be yielding for a crossing pedestrian that you can’t see.
The majority of pedestrian-car crashes happen between 3:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m., when the sun is setting and people are in a rush to get home from school or work. Slow down at this time of day and make sure you can see and be seen by other users of the road.
Poor weather is one of the top contributing factors to pedestrian accidents, so if it is raining, snowing, or foggy, remember that visibility will be reduced. Also keep in mind that poor weather typically leads to poor road conditions – when roads are wet, snow-covered, or icy it is more difficult to bring a vehicle to a stop to avoid a collision. Drivers are more likely to have difficulty controlling their vehicles, especially if they do not reduce their vehicle speed given the weather and road conditions.
Driver distraction and failure of drivers to yield the right of way are the other top two contributing factors to pedestrian accidents. Drivers should focus exclusively on driving (which means leaving cell phones alone) and be persistent in scanning the road and sidewalks for pedestrians. At the same time, a pedestrian should never assume that they have been seen by a driver. Pedestrians should get in the habit of making eye contact with a driver before proceeding to ensure that the driver will yield the right of way. Pedestrians should also refrain from wearing ear buds or headphones and avoid using their cell phone to talk or text while walking.
Personal injury lawyers can help if you have been hurt in a car accident
Pedestrian accidents happen all too commonly in BC. Pedestrians are particularly vulnerable to injury as they have very little protection if they are struck by a vehicle. Even being struck by a slow-moving vehicle can result in extremely serious injuries or death for a pedestrian. A pedestrian who has been struck by a motor vehicle will often feel overwhelmed in the aftermath of the collision, not knowing what to do or what compensation they are entitled to. In some cases, the pedestrian may be too seriously injured to be able to take any action for him or herself. The driver may have fled the scene of the accident or ICBC may try to argue that you as the pedestrian were at fault for the accident. In each of those situations, an experienced personal injury lawyer can provide guidance and protect the rights of victims of pedestrian accidents. Contact us at 1-855-852-5100 to arrange a free initial consultation with one of our team of personal injury lawyers. We can discuss your injuries and the types of financial compensation to which you may be entitled.
Legal Guidance & More: From Injury to Recovery
Bronson Jones & Company LLP’s car accident lawyers have extensive trial experience and extensive experience in negotiating fair settlements for clients injured in pedestrian accidents. We have also developed an extensive network of medical and occupational specialists, therapists, rehabilitation specialists, and others to help you recover and deal with the impact of your injury on your physical health, family life, finances and future. Reports from these experts may be essential in the development of your case. If you or a loved one has been injured in a pedestrian accident, call any of the 13 Bronson Jones locations in the Lower Mainland for our expertise and advice. All of our cases are handled on a contingency (percentage) basis and you don’t pay until we collect.