Pedestrian accidents are all too common in Edmonton. Although recent trends show the overall number of fatalities going down, 2019 statistics showed that 63% of pedestrian accidents occurred in crosswalks or intersections when the pedestrian had the right-of-way.
Drivers are ultimately the greater danger; at the end of the day, they’re the ones in a 3000+ lb. vehicle. Nonetheless, pedestrians should still exercise caution to avoid accidents and serious injury. Below, you’ll find James H. Brown and Associates’ top tips for pedestrians to prevent accidents, as well as information on what to do if you’re injured in a pedestrian accident and how our experienced legal team can help.
- ALWAYS used marked crosswalks and controlled signals. While drivers should yield the right of way to pedestrians in most situations, marked crosswalks and controlled signals are the only place pedestrians have it by default. They’re always the safest place to cross.
- Be visible. This is especially important at night. Wear brightly-coloured clothing, use the “crossing signal” (one hand in front of you in the direction you intend to cross), and take other measures to ensure drivers can see you and know that you’re about to cross.
- Be mindful of weather conditions. Especially in residential and other low-traffic areas, Albertan roads can be treacherous at any time of year. While it’s ultimately a driver’s responsibility to ensure they can safely stop for a pedestrian in a designated crossing, be aware of ice and other hazards that may make this challenging.
- Just because drivers should be looking out for pedestrians doesn’t mean they are. Nobody likes assuming the worst, but motorists can fail to notice pedestrians even in perfect conditions. 47.3% of Alberta drivers involved in pedestrian casualties failed to yield the right of way. Stay aware and only cross when it is safe to do so.
What to Do if You’re Injured in a Pedestrian Accident
- Seek Medical Attention, Even For Minor Injuries. Even if your injuries appear “minor,” it’s still essential to seek medical care and get a full diagnosis. Your medical provider should thoroughly document your injuries in their records, which will be used to evaluate your claim.
- Keep Track of Expenses, Damages, and Changes. They can be lost days of work, out-of-pocket expenses, or even psychological trauma. Specifics vary; for that reason, it is essential to document all changes you experience due to the accident.
- Seek Legal Advice (BEFORE Talking to the Driver’s Insurance). As soon as the driver’s insurance company finds out you were in an accident, they’ll likely try to contact you to obtain a statement. Never give an insurance company a statement without speaking with an injury lawyer first. Many insurance companies will look for information in your statement they can use to minimize their payout. Instead, contact an injury lawyer immediately to determine the best course of action.
James H. Brown and Associates: Alberta Pedestrian Injury Lawyers
After sustaining a serious injury in a pedestrian accident, you need an experienced legal team to help you secure the compensation you need to move forward.
For nearly 30 years, James H. Brown and Associates has been proud to stand up for Albertans’ rights, helping them get the justice and compensation they deserve after their injuries. With over 200 years of combined injury law experience and a proven record of success, our team is ready to do whatever it takes to get you what you deserve while supporting you and your family every step of the way.
Have You Been Injured in a Pedestrian Accident?
Contact us today to book a free, no-obligation consultation with James H. Brown and Associates’ injury lawyers.
