Pedestrians expect to navigate sidewalks and cross streets safely, yet, tragically, thousands are injured annually by reckless or distracted motorists. In the unfortunate event of a collision, victims may suffer severe or even life-threatening injuries. This is where the expertise of a Lewiston Pedestrian Accident Lawyer becomes invaluable.
If you find yourself the victim of a collision caused by a careless motor vehicle operator, a Lewiston Pedestrian Accident Lawyer can guide you through the process of seeking the compensation necessary to cover medical expenses, compensate for lost wages, and mitigate other physical, financial, and emotional damages.
Topics Covered:
- Maine pedestrian accident statistics
- Common causes of pedestrian accidents
- Consequences of pedestrian accidents
- Where pedestrian accidents in Maine occur
- Pedestrian road safety issues
- Protecting yourself on Lewiston/Auburn roadways
- What to do after an accident
- When to call a pedestrian accident lawyer
Maine Pedestrian Accident Statistics
The Governors Highway Safety Association has reported that pedestrian fatalities increased by over one-third between 2008 and 2017 while other traffic-related deaths decreased by 6% over the same period. More than one-third of these accidents occurred on local streets.
In 2019, Maine witnessed a rise in the number of pedestrian deaths. The Maine Bureau of Highway Safety reported that 17 people were killed: a figure nearly three times the number reported in 2018.
What Are Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents?
According to the CDC, pedestrian accidents are more likely to occur under the following circumstances:
- Lack of visibility. Maine state police have reported that many accidents happen because drivers fail to see pedestrians until it’s too late. The likelihood of a collision goes up when the pedestrian is wearing dark clothing and/or walking in a poorly lit area at night.
- Alcohol consumption. 34% of pedestrian fatalities involved a victim whose blood alcohol concentration (BAC) was greater than 0.08, and 15% of accidents involved a driver with a BAC of 0.08 or higher.
Other causes of pedestrian accidents include:
- Drivers failing to yield the right-of-way
- Drivers engaging in negligent or aggressive behavior
- Drivers talking, texting, putting on make-up, shaving, etc. while behind the wheel
- Drivers failing to signal a turn
- Pedestrians crossing between intersections
- Pedestrians walking into the street without looking both ways
- Drivers or pedestrians failing to obey traffic signals
Consequences of Pedestrian Accidents
When a pedestrian is involved in a car accident, the outcome can be serious injury or death because pedestrians have no protection from the force of a huge and heavy object traveling at high speed. Potential consequences include:
- Broken bones
- Lacerations
- Internal injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Traumatic brain injury
- Lifelong disability
- Mental and emotional stress
- Wrongful death
For many motor vehicle accident victims, recovery involves complicated surgeries, weeks of rehabilitation, and time lost from work and school. A Maine personal injury lawyer will help you hold the negligent driver (and their insurance company) responsible for covering your losses.
Consequences of Pedestrian Accidents
Pedestrians have very little protection when they are struck by a vehicle. Those victims who do not lose their lives may face devastating injuries. The possible consequences of a pedestrian accident vary considerably based on the specifics of the situation. However, victims may experience:
- Broken bones
- Lacerations
- Internal injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Traumatic brain injury
- Lifelong disability
- Mental and emotional stress
- Death
Being struck by a car may mean undergoing surgery, facing weeks of rehabilitation and losing time from work and school. The responsible party may be held financially responsible for the expenses you incur while you are recovering as well as your lost wages.null
Where Do Pedestrian Accidents Occur?
The answer is: they can happen anywhere. Pedestrians are not only at risk in larger cities like Bangor or Portland. The Androscoggin Valley Council of Governments compiled the following map to indicate where past accidents have occurred. You can also look at our interactive map of all auto accidents.
Pedestrian Road Safety Issues to Address
Federal and state governments and individual municipalities all share the overall responsibility to maintain safe roads. Recommended measures include:
- Assessing sidewalk safety: Evaluate all crosswalks for traffic sign visibility, quality of lighting, number of lanes that need to be crossed, and appropriate speed limits.
- Adding bump-outs. Bump-outs make pedestrians more visible while providing them with a sheltered place for them to wait for the light to change. Drivers also tend to slow automatically when the lane narrows for the bump-out.
- Increased vigilance by law enforcement. Traffic officers need to be diligent and to give drivers citations when they break the law in pedestrian areas.
- Keeping streets safe: This includes clearing them of debris, keeping the traffic signals in good working order, and periodically testing the posted speed limits for suitability.
Protecting Yourself on Lewiston/Auburn Roadways
Pedestrians must always be aware of their surroundings when walking around Lewiston/Auburn. Some of the steps you can take to minimize your risk of being involved in an accident include:
- Be visible to drivers: It can be difficult to see a pedestrian dressed in dark clothing at night or dusk. Carrying a flashlight or wearing reflective gear can also increase your visibility.
- Travel safely: Whenever possible, use crosswalks. Allow yourself plenty of time for crossing and, if an approaching driver appears to be distracted, wait until they pass before stepping off the sidewalk.
- Remain aware of your surroundings. Not all accidents occur in the street. Be on the alert for dangerous sounds and be ready to move to safety if a vehicle jumps the curb.
Learn more about how to keep yourself safe by reviewing resources from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) or the Maine Department of Transportation.
What to Do After an Accident
Being hit by a car is traumatic. You may be confused, overwhelmed, and in serious pain, making it difficult to think clearly. Below are some recommended steps to follow after an accident:
- Do not leave the scene unless you are being transported to the hospital.
- Call the police immediately. If you are unable to do so, ask someone else to call.
- Collect relevant information from the driver of the vehicle, such as his or her name, address and insurance details.
- Talk to any people on the scene who may have witnessed what happened. Ask for their contact information before they leave.
- Take pictures. If you are physically unable to take photos on your own, ask a bystander to take them for you and send you copies.
- Write down everything you remember. In the days and weeks that follow, details may slip away. Taking notes immediately after the accident will ensure that you have the most accurate, detailed account possible.
When to Call a Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
If you or a loved one has been injured in a pedestrian accident, you may be entitled to compensation if you can show that the driver of the vehicle was at fault. For example, if the driver was under the influence of alcohol or drugs, breaking traffic laws or driving while distracted, the court may hold them liable for your injuries.
If you believe that you may be entitled to compensation, consider contacting a personal injury law firm for a case evaluation. Depending on the specifics of the situation, you may be entitled to file an injury claim and seek compensation for:
- Medical expenses: These include doctor visits, hospital bills, surgical procedures, rehabilitation, and physical therapy.
- Lost wages: This includes wages you have already lost or may lose in the future.
- Pain and suffering: Damages include physical pain and mental anguish.
If you are suing on behalf of a loved one who was killed in a pedestrian accident, damages may also include reimbursement of funeral and burial costs.
Pedestrian accident claims can be complicated, but Fales & Fales has the knowledge, resources, and expertise to help in even the most complicated cases. In addition, we represent all of our personal injury clients on a contingency fee basis, which means you don’t pay anything unless we win. Below is a review from one of our previous clients.
Highly recommend Fales & Fales PA. Make sure to ask Anthony Ferguson for any legal help. Trust me you will not be disappointed. Amazing customer service, excellent communication, and VERY honest people.
Give them a chance! Thank You.
– Jay M.If you or a family member has been injured in a pedestrian accident, contact us online or call us at (888) 526-9408 to set up a FREE consultation to discuss your legal options.
Related: Decrease Pedestrian Accidents by Adding Traffic Lights on the Ground
