In Southern California, most people hop into their cars to go to their local grocery store, coffee shop, or pretty much anywhere else they desire. One of the reasons for this is that everything is so spread out in California. However, with the increase in gasoline prices, more people are putting on their tennis shoes and walking to their destinations.
Walking is one of the best ways to stay in shape and can also help reduce high blood pressure and other medical conditions. Although walking is great exercise, it also can be risky when sharing the streets with motor vehicles.
Pedestrians are at a disadvantage when matched against cars, as they don’t have anything protecting them in the event of an Orange County car crash. Such accidents tend to be serious in nature, involving catastrophic injuries or even death for pedestrians.
Although pedestrians typically have the right of way, cars outnumber them and are the dominant force in and around Southern California. Drivers of passenger vehicles are supposed to watch out for pedestrians, especially at intersections. However, if a driver is busy or distracted behind the wheel and doesn’t see a pedestrian, the pedestrian can sustain serious injuries.
Pedestrians can help their chances of not being involved in an Orange County pedestrian accident by:
- Only crossing the street at a crosswalk;
- Looking both ways before stepping off the curb;
- Not listening to music in order to hear what is occurring around them;
- Wearing reflective gear if walking at dusk or late at night.
If a driver runs into a pedestrian on the road, the injured individual may be able to seek damages for medical bills, rehabilitation, physical therapy, instances of pain and suffering, lost wages, and more. If you or someone you love has been injured in an Orange County pedestrian accident, you need to talk with a knowledgeable Orange County personal injury lawyer as soon as possible.
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If you would like to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation, please call the Law Offices of John P. Burns at (877) 320-1338 to discuss your California pedestrian accident case today.