Morgantown Pedestrian Accident Attorney: Protect Your Rights

Understanding Pedestrian Accident Risks in Clarksburg

Researchers have found that car accidents involving pedestrians are getting more and more dangerous—resulting in death or serious injury more often than ever before.

What Are Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents?

The worst accidents tend to happen at night, near the entrances to highways, or when the pedestrian was jaywalking. However, even if you were jaywalking at the time of your accident, drivers are always responsible for watching the road and keeping those around them safe.

Steps to Take After a Pedestrian Accident in Morgantown

If you were a pedestrian involved in an accident, it’s possible that you will need urgent medical attention and be unable to record information about the other parties involved. If you or a nearby friend are able, however, there are steps you should take to ensure your safety and your chances of recovering damages for any medical costs.

Here are some things to remember if you are hit by a vehicle as a pedestrian:

• Move to safety, if able
• Do not apologize or admit fault
• Try to calm yourself; do not become aggressive with the driver involved
• Call the police, even if you don’t think you are seriously injured
• Ask the driver to wait for the police
• Record a license plate number and vehicle information—especially in a hit and run
• Take photos of the car, the street, and any injuries you have
• Speak to a lawyer once you are safe

Liability: Who is at Fault When a Car Hits a Pedestrian?

Several parties may be found at fault for an accident involving a pedestrian: The drivers of any vehicles involved, individuals responsible for road or view obstructions, or bartenders who fail to cut off a drunk driver may be found liable. The pedestrian may also be found to be partly at fault if they were distracted or jaywalking.

However, under West Virginia law, even if the pedestrian is partially at fault for the accident, this will not prevent them from receiving damages unless they are considered to be more at fault than any other party.

How Can You Prevent Pedestrian Accidents?

As a driver, you should constantly be scanning the road for pedestrians, even in areas where you would not expect to see them. You should also do your best to practice safe driving at crosswalks and other pedestrian-heavy areas by doing the following:

• Observe and obey all signage
• Make eye contact with pedestrians to be sure you know where they are going
• Drive slowly and patiently in pedestrian areas

As a pedestrian it's important that you take the following measures to protect yourself:

• Always pay attention to traffic when crossing the street, even in designated crossing areas
• Cross in designated crossing zones
• Don't ever assume that drivers see you; even if you have the right of way, take extra precautions