According to the National Highway Safety Administration, in 2011 there were 4,432 deaths to pedestrians in the United States. There were 69,000 pedestrians injured in 2011, and the numbers of injuries and deaths seem to be slightly on the rise.
If you are involved in an accident with a car, and you are a pedestrian, there are some tips you can follow which might (repeat, might!) help protect you. First, protect your head. While broken bones can of course be serious, head injuries are the worst. Cover your head with your arms so that your forehead is in the crook of your elbows. Second, aim for the safety glass. The windshield or car windows actually can provide a cushioning effect. Third, if you have the ability, try to jump on top of the hood or roof. You do not want the vehicle to roll over you. Climbing above the vehicle may help prevent serious injury. Time your jump to get as high as possible on the vehicle.
There are some additional steps you can take also. Always check for traffic by looking both ways, and don’t rely solely on the crosswalk signal. Too many accidents occur because drivers fail to see pedestrians, even in crosswalks. Wearing bright clothing can help as well. If you are walking in the evening, do what you can to be seen. This may mean wearing a reflective band, or even turning on your cellphone flashlight. If there’s any doubt about crossing safely, don’t do it.
If you have suffered an injury by a vehicle, then you should seek counsel immediately. Counsel will help you maximize the compensation to which you are entitled. Your lawyer will help you work through the difficult issues surrounding your medical bills, as well as your treatment.