Sharing our city with pedestrians
A recent official census shows that 600,000 people call Boston home. With the added number of workers and visitors who come into the city every day, the number swells to 2 million potential pedestrians. With that many people in the city, pedestrian safety is an issue of critical importance.
Walking in Boston can be hazardous. Pedestrian accidents involving motorized vehicles prompted the Boston Public Health Commission to launch the Walk This Way campaign aimed at educating pedestrians and drivers with safety tips to reduce pedestrian accidents.
Safety tips for pedestrians
Pedestrians are among the most vulnerable people on the road. The risk of serious brain injury, spinal injury or death is even greater for children because of their small size, inability to judge distance and speeds, and lack of experience with traffic rules. Be proactive in protecting your safety and your children’s safety when strolling around Boston or your hometown by following these safety tips:
- Cross the street at a designated crosswalk.
- Stop and look for traffic before crossing the street, even if the streetlight indicates that it is safe for you to walk.
- Be careful at intersections. Drivers may fail to yield to a pedestrian’s right of way when turning onto another street.
- Increase your visibility at night by carrying a flashlight or wearing reflective clothing.
- Wear sturdy shoes that give you proper footing. A running or walking shoe that supports your foot from side to side is best.
- Use paths and sidewalks whenever available. If you must walk on or near a road, remember to walk facing oncoming traffic so you and the driver can see each other.
- Try to stay visible to drivers by not walking behind large objects such as cars, buses, hedges and mounds of snow.
Filing a personal injury claim
Negligent drivers or pedestrians can cause accidents resulting in only minor cuts and bruises or major collisions resulting in brain injuries or death. When a driver hits a pedestrian, one of the biggest questions is who is to blame. Generally, fault is determined by negligence rules. A person who fails to exercise a reasonable standard of care under the circumstances may be considered negligent.
If you or someone you love has been injured in a pedestrian accident, you may have a personal injury claim. Compensation can include medical expenses, lost wages, diminished earning capacity, and pain and suffering. If you are unsure whether you have a claim, an experienced Boston personal injury attorney at our firm can discuss your legal rights with you.
Boston, Massachusetts personal injury attorneys are ready to help
If you’ve been hurt in a pedestrian accident, contact us for a free consultation with an experienced personal injury attorney. We work on a contingency-fee basis, meaning that you don’t pay legal fees unless we win your case. Representing clients across the country, Thornton Law Firm LLP is here when you need us most. Call us today at 1-888-491-9726 or contact us online.
