Walking is good exercise. It could also qualify as the cheapest form of transportation out there. Regardless of the reason you walk, you need to know that doing so could put your life at risk.
Distracted driving is at an all-time high. You have no way of knowing whether the drivers around you are paying attention. Therefore, you need to stay vigilant and not rely on drivers to ensure your safety.
The numbers don’t lie
In 2018, approximately 6,227 pedestrians lost their lives in accidents. That is the highest number recorded within the last 30 years. Fortunately, Louisiana is not one of the five states that accounted for half of those deaths, but that does not mean the state is immune. The Governors Highway Safety Administration reported that a large number of these losses occurred in big cities. Infrastructure that fails to provide sidewalks on busy streets and other safety measures only represents part of the problem.
Again, the increase in distracted drivers played a significant role. However, the popularity of larger vehicles, such as the SUV, also plays a role. Their higher profile and increased weight when compared to passenger cars means more severe injuries and less of a chance for a pedestrian to escape more serious injuries. Ultimately, people are the primary cause of accidents. In fact, around 94 percent of accidents resulted from human error or action.
If you suffer injuries or lose a loved one
Without the protection of a passenger cabin, pedestrians are extremely vulnerable. If you suffered serious injuries or lost a loved one in a pedestrian accident, your life may never be the same. You may find it challenging to move forward in either case, but if you survived, your injuries could require an extended recovery. Even when your physical wounds heal, or you reach the limit of your recovery, you could still struggle with the emotional trauma associated with the incident.
Financial losses tend to compound the emotional and physical aftermath of a tragedy. For this reason, state law allows you to pursue the compensation you deserve. Filing either a personal injury or wrongful death claim, as applicable, could result in a monetary judgment to help with the financial impact of the accident. Furthermore, it could help you achieve the closure you need in order to help you move forward with your life.
