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Pedestrian Accidents
Pedestrian
Pedestrian Accident Attorney
The Bay Area, and San Francisco in particular, is a very pedestrian accessible area. Although this is convenient and a big reason many of us choose the area, there are a high number of pedestrian accidents each year. Along with the benefits of being a pedestrian (decreased transportation expenses, increased physical activity and supporting the environment) comes the risk of being involved in a pedestrian accident.
A motorist looking left and turning right is one of the most common causes of pedestrian accidents in San Francisco. Pedestrian accident attorney Sally Morin offers up some interesting statistics and advice about what happens when those of us who travel by foot unintentionally meet those of us who travel on wheels.
San Francisco personal injury Attorney Sally Morin is committed to helping this environmentally conscious segment of the population when they are injured by motorists. Pedestrians, who are so important to our community, deserve to walk the streets of our cities without fear of injury.
Yet, in 2007, 4,654 pedestrians were killed and another 70,000 were injured in accidents. Almost two thirds of these incidents were in urban areas, such as San Francisco. According to an analysis of information from the Department of Transportation's Fatality Analysis Reporting System, pedestrians are the second largest category of motor vehicle deaths, after occupants, and account for about 10 percent of motor vehicle deaths.
In June 2007, the San Francisco Examiner identified the following San Francisco intersections as the most dangerous in the City:
Taraval Street and 19th Ave: Nine injuries, including one fatality
Irving Street and 19th Ave: Nine injuries, including one fatality
Noriega Street and 19th Ave: Seven injuries
Holloway/Crespi Ave and 19th Ave: Four injuries including one fatality
Eucalyptus Drive and 19th Avenue: Four Injuries
Quintera Street and 19th Avenue: Four Injuries, including one fatality
Clement Street and Park Presidio: Four injuries, including one fatality
Lake Street and Park Presidio: Four injuries
California Street and Park Presidio: One Fatality
Lincoln and 19th Avenues: One fatality
How to Avoid Pedestrian Accidents
While pedestrians cannot avoid all potential accidents, there are certain things that they can do to decrease the likelihood of an accident occurring. Specifically, pedestrians should:
* ALWAYS cross at intersections, preferably at crosswalks.
* Be Aware. Look right, left and then right again before crossing the street. Look for traffic when getting off a bus or out of a car.
* Make eye contact with a driver before crossing the street. That way you can be sure that the driver is aware of your intention to cross the street.
* Be visible, especially at night or in inclement weather. Wear bright or even reflective clothing or carry a flashlight so that you can be seen easily.
* Walk on the sidewalk wherever possible.
What to Do if You Are in a Pedestrian Accident
You should treat a pedestrian accident the same way you would a motor vehicle accident. First, get immediate medical attention to anyone who is hurt and call the police. A police report should be completed about the accident. At a minimum, you should also get the insurance, driver's license and vehicle information from any drivers involved in the accident.
Many motorists will claim that they didn't see the pedestrian prior to the accident. Therefore, it is very important to get the names and contact information of eyewitnesses who saw what happened. If other pedestrians were in a crosswalk, for example, they might be able to remember if the traffic lights indicated it was safe to cross at the time you crossed the street or if the car that hit you stopped for a red traffic light. If you are physically able, you should take photos of the accident scene (cell phones are good for this purpose), and later of your injuries.
What NOT to Do if You Are in a Pedestrian Accident
Although you should report the accident to the police, do not make statements to any investigators or insurance personnel concerning the accident prior to contacting your San Francisco pedestrian accident attorney.
A successful San Francisco personal injury attorney such as Ms. Morin, can help pedestrians recover damages necessary to help them with the financial needs created by the accident such as medical costs, future medical costs, lost wages and pain and suffering.
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