Winter Weather and Car Accidents Involving Pedestrians

Leaves and temperatures are both falling. Winter will soon be here again. And with it, slippery roads, dangerous conditions, and more car accidents. We presented an article a year ago about preparations you can take before venturing out.

But what about pedestrians? You, like many others, may have begun walking or riding a bicycle almost daily. And as cases of COVID-19 continue to soar, limiting our normal social activities, people will continue to exercise outside. So here are some things you need to know as the temps drop and the days get shorter.

Rights of Pedestrians

When a pedestrian takes to the sidewalks, trails, and roads, they have similar rights to drivers. When on a sidewalk, they have the right of way. When a pedestrian crosses a street in a crosswalk, they have the right of way. However, if a pedestrian crosses anywhere else on a road, they need to yield to cars. Finally, pay attention to local signage; there are some places where it is illegal to cross anywhere but in a crosswalk.

Safety Precautions you can take

When possible, walk during daylight hours. If you are walking in the dark, wear brightly colored clothing and consider wearing lights, both forward- and rear-facing. Stick to well-lit areas, paths, and streets. Where possible, cross streets at a crosswalk.

What if you are in an auto accident involving a pedestrian?

Accidents with pedestrians are still a frequent occurrence, even with car traffic down during the pandemic. So what happens if you are in a car accident with a pedestrian?

First, call 911. Even low speed car accidents involving pedestrians can be catastrophic. Second, make sure all involved are safe and stay nearby. A pedestrian who is struck is entitled to make a claim against the insurance of the driver. So, if able, they should make sure to exchange information with the driver.

Then contact an experienced car accident attorney. Bruntrager & Billings, P.C. has years of experience in car accidents involving pedestrians and can make sure you recover what you need. To schedule a free case evaluation with a car accident attorney in St. Louis, call our office today at 314-646-0066 or contact us online.