Illinois pedestrian safety surrounding stalled vehicles

On behalf of Jeffrey Frederick of Frederick & Hagle posted in Pedestrian Accidents on Thursday, November 8, 2012.

When a pedestrian is matched against a heavy mass of metal and glass on wheels traveling at 60 miles per hour, it is not difficult to imagine which party would come out on top in that scenario. Pedestrian accidents can be absolutely devastating at lower speeds, but at speeds used on highways, it is most often the case that a struck pedestrian is killed.

Unfortunately, drivers are not attentive enough to pedestrians and bicyclists in Illinois. This includes when there is an accident. Traffic in Champaign can back up for miles when drivers spot a car on the side of the roadway. Many drivers will slow down and take the situation as an opportunity to get a peak at the damage or problem. Unfortunately, these drivers are more interested in twisted metal and broken glass than they are in spotting a driver of a disabled vehicle outside the car. Further, frustrated drivers are known to make hasty maneuvers to jump the vehicles looking to stare.

All of this has the recipe for disaster, and it is repeated too many times over across the country, including in Illinois. A driver of a disabled vehicle will get out of their vehicle, and another driver will strike the victim, sometimes fatally. In some instances, it can be found that a driver that struck another driver outside of their disabled vehicle failed to exercise the proper standard of care.

Accordingly, there are times in which an individual critically injured in situations like this can stand to financially recoup for any ensuing medical expenses, lost wages and emotional suffering. Of course, it is best to not be in a situation in which an individual needs to recoup. Therefore, the following tips will aid disabled vehicle drivers from becoming pedestrian fatality statistics in Illinois:

• If the stalled vehicle is out of the roadway, remain inside and call 911 for assistance.
• If the vehicle is stalled in the roadway, safely exit the vehicle and remain as far away as possible.

Source: The Kansas City Star, “Standing along the road after stalling or crashing is unsafe authorities stress,” Alan Bavley, Oct. 21, 2012

• Pedestrians seriously injured by an inattentive driver that wish to learn more about financially recouping may find our Champaign pedestrian accident page a useful resource.