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Safety Precautions for Rolla Pedestrians

Pedestrians and motor vehicle drivers must exercise extreme caution when sharing roadways. When either party fails to do so, an accident can occur, often resulting in catastrophic injuries to the person on foot. To avoid a crash, walkers and drivers must understand the safety precautions for Rolla pedestrians.

If a vehicle hits you or someone you love, you may be able to seek compensation from the responsible driver. A dedicated pedestrian injury attorney at AW Smith Law could investigate the accident, represent you in dealings with the insurance company, and pursue a full and fair settlement for your damages. Contact us today to learn more about your legal rights.

Safety Tips for Pedestrians

Rolla pedestrians can protect their safety by taking precautions and remaining alert. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration suggests that, to stay safe, pedestrians should:

  • Follow traffic laws and obey traffic signs and signals
  • Use sidewalks and avoid walking in the roadway when possible
  • Walk on the side of the road that faces traffic if you must walk in the roadway
  • Cross in a well-lit area and wait for a gap in traffic long enough to allow for a safe crossing if there is no crosswalk or intersection
  • Be aware of vehicles in parking lots and cars backing in and out of driveways
  • Watch for other pedestrians and bicyclists

State law gives pedestrians the right of way at marked intersections. According to Missouri Revised Statutes § 300.375, when there are no stoplights at an intersection, drivers must yield to pedestrians crossing within a crosswalk. However, pedestrians cannot enter crosswalks if an approaching vehicle is too close to the intersection to stop safely.

Safety Tips for Motor Vehicle Drivers

Vehicle operators must obey the rules of the road and exercise safety precautions when sharing the roadway with Rolla pedestrians. Tips for driving safely around pedestrians include:

  • Obey the speed limit and slow down around pedestrians
  • Watch for pedestrians everywhere and exercise additional caution at night, in bad weather, and in areas with heavy foot traffic, such as around the Missouri S&T campus
  • Yield to pedestrians within crosswalks
  • Never pass another vehicle that is stopped at a crosswalk, as it could be stopped for pedestrians
  • Be extra cautious when driving in reverse

Pedestrian accidents often happen when cars attempt to turn at an intersection. Therefore, drivers should also be particularly vigilant and prepared to stop when turning into a crosswalk.

Who Is Responsible for a Pedestrian Accident?

A driver is legally responsible, or liable, for a pedestrian accident if their negligence caused the crash. A driver is negligent when they break traffic laws or operate their vehicle in a manner most others would deem unsafe or unnecessary. Examples of negligent driving include driving while intoxicated, texting and driving, and speeding.

If you have suffered an injury as a pedestrian because a Rolla driver did not take safety precautions, you may be able to seek compensation. The pedestrian accident lawyers at AW Smith Law could help you file an auto liability insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit to recover your damages. Our attorneys have decades of experience helping the injured and could assist with the accident investigation and represent you during negotiations with the insurance company. Legal guidance often increases an injured person’s chance of securing a favorable settlement.

Recoverable Damages

The specific damages available for a pedestrian accident injury are unique to each case. In general, our attorneys could help pursue economic damages, such as medical expenses and lost wages. Compensation for non-economic damages, including physical pain, mental anguish, and emotional suffering, may also be available.

Mo. Rev. Stat § 516.120 allows five years to file most pedestrian accident cases. The court will likely refuse a lawsuit if you do not meet the deadline established by this statute of limitations. AW Smith Law could help you file a claim before it is too late.

Contact a Rolla Attorney About Pedestrian Safety Precautions

Understanding safety precautions for Rolla pedestrians is important, as it helps drivers and walkers prevent accidents. When an individual fails to take these precautions, and someone else is injured as a result, they could be financially responsible.

If you were hurt in a pedestrian collision, AW Smith Law could advise you on your legal options and help you build a compensation claim. Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your situation. We serve clients on contingency, meaning you pay us nothing unless we win your case.